Step by Step Guide - How many Bubble per Second?

[@ScruffyCityAquatics]

Thanks for this video. I just added co2 on my 75 gallon and I was trying to determine how to dial in my co2.

[@mercuryION]

Incredibly comprehensive. Thank you!

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheWaterBox]

IMPORTANT! I forgot to take into consideration of small tanks. Like something less that 10 gallons. In this case, if you have fish in your nano tank, you should probably start your baseline curve as a lower bps. In the video I say start at 1bps. For something as small as a nano, I would probably start at 1 bubble per 3-5 seconds to be safe if you have fish. If not, then you can start at 1 bps and adjust from there. Let me know if this helps in anyway! MORE TO LEARN ABOUT PLANTED TANKS: ☑️ Beginners Planted Tank Guide: goo.gl/oCujCK ☑️ Aquarium Lighting Guide: bit.ly/2INYuMA ☑️ Aquarium Co2 Guide: bit.ly/2rSteVY ☑️ The Dry Start Method: goo.gl/XC8Rnz ☑️ Using Soil: goo.gl/PxkvK4 The Co2 Chart: bit.ly/2Pf2MBF

[@TheWaterBox]

OMG, you clicked the View Reply! Did you know, you can gain 10 years of life if you like, subscribe and leave comments on my videos? No? Then what are you waiting for! Go leave a comment, hit that like and subscribe!

[@cynthiabates965]

Thanks for that extra tip - I just got my setup done today, and was planning my first run tomorrow on my Fluval Spec V. I'll dial my bubble counter back to once ever 3 seconds on the tank to see how that affects the pH. I've also got my CO2 level testers set up as well, so in addition to the pH tests ever 2 hours I'll have an extra level of protection to keep from overdosing.

[@TheWaterBox]

Right on!

[@LearnersTank]

Welcome back

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks!

[@chubzaquatics257]

Great video 👍 Thank you for all the very helpful information that I really haven't seen anywhere else

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jporrasz22]

Dude is the best!! easy to understand! thanks a lot!!!

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it helped!

[@speedyjr4lif]

your video has been very helpful to me. I have a DIY co2 and use injection with the fertilizer and lately, my plants are turning brown and somewhat dying and I have been trying to figure out why. I figured that it's because I don't have enough of co2 going to my aquarium. I am nervous and excited about joining the big guys as in using co2

[@TheWaterBox]

This might be more to deal with your lighting. What kind of lighting do you have set up?

[@ThePinkbunny007]

Great video brotha thank you for the knowledge!! Going to try the curve method on my next set up!

[@TheWaterBox]

Hope it helps! :)

[@Prashanth12344]

Solid video, I think this is how everyone should be setting up their CO2, using a pH and kH chart. A drop checker makes a good coalmine canary in the sense that it'll warn you that something is wrong, but it's not a very useful for setting up a stable CO2 level. One thing I would change is to use a pH meter to make it easier to test pH. I bought one off Amazon for about 20 Canadian Pesos. Most can be calibrated as well with a calibration solution to give you a reliable reading. The one I got came calibrated from the factory and it's been fairly reliable for the past couple months, usually shows about 7.45 pH just before CO2 turns on. The only thing is you have to hold it in the tank for about a minute to get a proper reading, but I found a way to clip it to my tank lid to make that easier.

[@TheWaterBox]

Yeh, I will be making a video about that soon.

[@tjobrienRC]

You should have mentioned that shifting the time allows you to use less bubbles per second since many people will not be able to diffuse more than two bubbles per second before it reaches the surface.

[@TheWaterBox]

Ok!

[@TheEpiccow400]

Love how you explain things, I’ve been following you since the model days, do you still make any? Thanks

[@TheWaterBox]

I haven't done any models lately at all. Been too busy with things that scale modeling been on the back burner right now. Maybe someday. Who knows. :)

[@carolinechettleburgh5223]

Hi, Thank you for this video, it was very informative. I am new to CO2 and am still learning! I use a Colombo CO2 reactor that makes CO2 by using citric acid and bicarb. I have it on a 240l tank and it is using 3 bubbles a second. (the mix lasts about a week, but it is very simple and doesn't take much time to refill so I don't mind this at all) I have tested the water, like you explain, and have a nice curve it starts at 7ph and drops to 6ph after the CO2 has been running for 3 hours. When I tested, the gas comes on at 11am and the lights come on at 11am (on a 30 min sunrise effect, so full light at 11.30am), then the gas goes off at 5.30pm and the light go off at 6pm (again on a 30 min sunset effect down to a purple night viewing light at 6.30pm for 1.5 hours then off completely). This has been the set up for 2 months, but I have noticed one of my plants (Ludwigia palustris) is not doing so well, at first it grew really nicely and last month I had to trim it, replanting the trimmed stems back into the substrate, but now it has gone really leggy and not growing any more (though what there is is still red) I dose ferts and liquid carbon every morning just before lights come on, I have been doing this since I started. (I have algae in the central part of my tank where it is open swimming space (though it hasn't developed any more) so that is why I currently have my lights (Fluval Aquasky 2.0) on the routine I have at the moment. I am wondering - should I have the gas and lights on for longer in the day?

[@TheWaterBox]

Is this the Ludwigia palustris Green or Super Red varity? What's the temp in your aquarium?

[@TheWaterBox]

Also, what's you're substrate?

[@carolinechettleburgh5223]

@@TheWaterBox Hi, it's the Super Red one, temp is 26 deg C, substrate is Tropica Plant Growth 5L, (it is less than 6 months old) banked up at the back where the plants are to a depth of approx 2 inch and covered over with approx 1cm of fine sand (I prefer a light colour surface)

[@TheWaterBox]

You're fine then. You're not trimming the root runners when propgating are you? Corvus made a great video about the Ludwigia palustris. This should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXmZl4qea556n68

[@carolinechettleburgh5223]

@@TheWaterBox I haven't trimmed the root runners, I just replanted the tops I trimmed off as is, runners and all. I will watch the video you have recommended. Thank you.

[@nano05]

i'm new to co2 and have a 44g planted tank project. Any recommendations what co2 system i can use? want to utilized the dutch style aquascape (red, yellows and greens plant). Thanks!

[@TheWaterBox]

Definitely go with a pressurized co2 system. I'd watch my co2 series which talk about all the stuff you need to get for a co2 system as I don't know where you live and what you have available to you. Co2 Series: kzbin.info/aero/PLl7jTu1aWwVbYYdLkO80_fBQkADKW_doW

[@Trrondee]

this was so helpful, i got all the equipment set up, and then I was googling how to do this, and found co2 checker kits, and some called them ph and I was confused. This helped a ton. as I understand now the co2 checker, the glass bubble with a solution in it, is just an alarm in case your values change and you go overboard? and to not trigger that alarm I will try to stay within my optimal levels of co2, so I dont drop the ph. i think that's it.

[@TheWaterBox]

Pretty much. You have to act fast if you see it very off and do a manual reading to make sure. Remember, the measurement in a drop checker is the level one or two hours ago.

[@davidthomas9983]

Only one word amazing

[@winchester5566]

From the ph kh chart, if my120L heavy planted tank is 0.5 Kh & 6.9 Ph, to reach 1 point Ph drop (5.9 Ph) im having 5bps, therefore my co2 is about 18.9ppm. So does it mean its inadequate? I'm looking at 30ppm, should be around 5.7 Ph? Although im using inline diffuser & reactor together, its still too misty lol. Thank you.

[@TheWaterBox]

Just make it easy for yourself. If it drops 1.0 PH from lights out to lights on then you're super good.

[@Sherky59]

Bro thanks for all the information. But honestly if someone was new to co2 they would have no idea what you said half the time lol. I think you need to make Co2 guide for starters/dummies Lol.

[@dieyoung8259]

What is your opinion on not totally submerging stem plants before planting. There are suggestions that it is better to let the stems float at the top of the tank to A. Reduce the shock that occurs when totally submerging. B. Helps start a root system that will assist in healthy growth. Thanks

[@TheWaterBox]

I never do but it sounds like a good tip.

[@Poconogreyhound]

Tried searching through comments but difficult to control F on different pages. Is there a time of day you should check your KH or is it the same all the time (other than post waterchanges) ? thanks, and great video (subscribed)

[@TheWaterBox]

For measuring using this guide, then before the co2 and light comes on is the best time but you really can do it anytime during the day.

[@matttourney6308]

Great video - you’ve inspired me to invest in a gH/kH kit and approach CO2 more quantitatively. Up to this point I had been too intimidated by the chart to try. Question - how would you compensate your CO2 injection rate for off gassing due to an HOB filter and/or air stone in the tank?

[@TheWaterBox]

Great to hear! For your question, you don't. People are always so worried about the off gassing or blah blah blah... Just don't worry about it. If you want the tank to hold more co2 diffusion in the tank then keep a lid on the tank to keep the pressure up against the surface of the water. You can also run as cool as you can getting the temperature at it's minimal setting based on your livestock. I just never worry about it. It's a stupid thing extra to do just to "save" Co2. The amount of co2 off gassing doesn't affect plant growth as long as you keep the levels in the green.

[@Meidamis]

Nice video! Helped alot!! Can you tell me a good kh and a ph for planted tank? Im using a kh:8 and a ph: 7.2 now im adjusting the co2

[@TheWaterBox]

I'd just keep KH above 4 and 6 and keep ph steady and under 7.6 when possible. But your kh8 and ph 7.2 is fine since you're injecting cO2

[@DejanGadzic]

Thank you!

[@LaughablePerson]

Hopefully you are still reading these comments but does having a CO2 lvl drop checker help avoid you needing to check those water levels so regularly? Or if that device is showing green in CO2 level could it still be rather out of wack depending on my ph and kh?

[@TheWaterBox]

The drop checker isn't entirely accurate as it gives you the reading a few hours ago. I mention this in my other videos like here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ-zaqhtiKmmo5o. It's best used to spot check your tank and not to rely on it to make more accurate adjustments.

[@LaughablePerson]

@@TheWaterBox oh thank you I did not realize you had a video specific to that. Only just came across your content. Thank you I will check it out now :) Genuinely appreciate your responses!

[@SirJamez0]

I read that high KH can make things difficult to judge because it is made up of more than just carbon. My tap water is very hard, i think its above 12KH, im waiting on a test kit to come to confirm this. Would you still recommend this method with higher KH?

[@TheWaterBox]

This isn't a method in controling KH but rather used to measure Co2 concentrations injected into your tank. That said, you use the same 1ppm drop as the optimal rate of co2 injected. Aside from that, if your water is that hard but plants are still growing find, then don't worry about anything. But if it's affect plant grow (not growing as fast or as lush because of the hard water) then I'd cut your water with RODI water to get the hardness down. Either way, use the initial KH reading before lights and Co2 on, and then get it down 1ppm drop (per chart).

[@dddmmm21]

So, sanity check please... My aquarium naturally (no CO2) has a PH of 6.6 and 3dKH *yes, my tap water is that soft)... I am already at the green optimal range for CO2. Is it worth at all to add CO2 to perhaps go for 6.4? Lower than that and I suppose I will have trouble with the bio filter. Thanks

[@TheWaterBox]

If you inject co2 you're artificially lowering the numbers to saturate the water column with more carbon. That's all. All the other measured minerals stays the same. So even at that soft of a range, you can still inject co2 to get faster plant growth. The only problem with injecting co2 at that low of a range is you have to be more careful when doing so to prevent massive PH swings. Normally, at that soft of a water column, with right lighting and fert, your plants should grow well. I would inject co2 very slowly until it gets to the point where it's getting the growth rate I want. At say 7.5PH and around 5 or 6KH, I'm more include to "gun it" on the co2 as I have more room to be less careful about it.

[@thomasbottino8858]

Hey, thanks for the great video and playlist on co2 that was very usefull getting in pressurised. I have two question tho - what about the co2 chart and active soil? Like tropica technic soil or other as Ada power etc Would it still work because of the ph/kh effect the soil does As well does the co2 reduce the ph more even with those? -as well you recomand to start with one bubble per second but my aquarium is only 35L would u keep going with that? I started at 15 bubble per minutes. Thank for all the infos and spreadsheet very informative, comprehensive and even fast! Great job

[@TheWaterBox]

1. No worries on the substrate affecting the PH/KH. Just read as is on the chart and it not completely accurate regardless. The chart actually errors on the side of caution. Since we're not sure how much of actual carbonate hardness is in the KH reading (remember, KH also is the measurement of Bi-carbonate) then we're most likely under-dosing in the first place. The changes made by substrate to PH and KH has no real bearing on this chart. Though you'd might want to check your KH more often to make sure that it's not losing it's "active" charges in the substrate (which is going to happen over time) 2. Take your first reading and gauge from that. If it's a tank that small then you might have to just go as slow as possible on the bps but the method still works. Just start at a base of like 1 bubble per 5 seconds... instead of starting at 1 bps. That's something I didn't consider when making this video. Damn it.

[@thomasbottino8858]

Thanks for your great awnser. I will study the chart and make it my grail Your video are great and Informative its okay to skip forget infos particularly on smaller tanks when you might not be used to them or when it's often not pressurized i guess make a big disclaimer in all your co2 video so accident dosent happen I think you say it as well in your video called bubble per seconds Have a great day and keep going with those awesome videos

[@TheWaterBox]

I just note them in my comments or description. I can't go back and put clips into the videos.

[@jakekaine803]

Do you have any suggestions more accurately dialing in co2 when I have crushed coral in my filter to raise kH? We have super low close to zero kH water. Because of alot newish bogwood my pH drops to

[@TheWaterBox]

Just use the manual measuring with the chart I outline. This will take the levels before lights on and when lights are one to find how much to inject, regarless if you have crushed coral in your filter. It only cares WHERE the parameters are at before and after based on your set up.

[@caidensaquatics2319]

on the chart would the peak be on the left or right side of the range?

[@TheWaterBox]

To which chart are you referring?

[@caidensaquatics2319]

@@TheWaterBox the c02 kh,ph chart

[@reddawn7128]

Thank you for make your guide

[@TheWaterBox]

Any time! Thanks for watching!

[@benlau747]

Thanks great video !

[@TheWaterBox]

Glad it helps!

[@pobster88j94]

Weird question. I started co2 today on my tank. I have it on a few others, but the fish were flashing. The bps was 1, as I want to start slow. The ph is 7.2 and went to 6.6. Drop checker was dark green, and they were acting irritated. Is this a thing? Even the Betta was flashing.

[@TheWaterBox]

That one I'm not sure. I'd also check other parameters in your tank. Is it still happening?

[@Bobby11]

Great job explaining all this. im pretty sure it was one of your past videos i used to guide me when i started using co2. What has me puzzled is i was at 5bps (145g tank) and found my plants growing too fast, including my dwarf baby tears and hair grass etc. so to save me needing to trim every 2 weeks i tried almost no ferts (NPK and all that jazz) and turned down my co2 to around 2bps and my plants just wont stop growing fast. No im not "flexing" :) Half my plants have a high Co2 requirement.. apparently. Its actually annoying because i think its quite heavily planted and i expected lowering everything would slow things down. but it hasnt (its been about a month) Any ideas what im missing?

[@TheWaterBox]

If you can changed your light intensity and you tried that already, try raising your lights. Once you have thing going, it's kinda hard to get it to stop. You can also completely stop co2 or go really slow like, 1 bubble per two seconds. What substrate are you using?

[@Bobby11]

@@TheWaterBox Dirted of course :) i used lava rock to build up areas i wanted higher. Then about an inch of dirt, topped with fine gravel. I have halved the amount of light. I have a hood so cant really raise it. I might find some plaatic to diffuse it more ( i use 10w flood lights. I was using 6 but now only 3) dont get me wrong, i am loving the way it all looks. I would just like to slow things down. Trimming takes so long because my fish all swim thru my hands.. scissors... my SAE clean my arms.. so having to check between every cut ends up taking me well over an hour hehe

[@TheWaterBox]

Yeh, dirt and all the trimmings (light, co2 and balanced dosing) creates monsters!

[@BryanByTheSea]

Any chance you have a link to the spreadsheet

[@TheWaterBox]

No I don't. I just made it up really quick for an example to show on the video.

[@chuckgillespie1]

In general, CO2 in a dirted tank...Yes or No?....I've already purchased my CO2 setup but have been told by others No.

[@TheWaterBox]

I've done it. It was crazy fast growth. See this video for what I did. It's at the end of the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4LNmmiCrtV3hJI

[@magoo970]

Seems like it would be easier to use a PH Controller??

[@TheWaterBox]

Sure, if you want to buy one. Nothing wrong with that. Makes things easier.

[@NightFlight1973]

Use a smart power bar... :)

[@gladboy7722]

Awesome...👍👍👍🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹...

[@TheWaterBox]

Thanks! 😃

[@MileHiFreshwater]

Just in the nick of time!

[@TheWaterBox]

HJaha, awesome!

[@Ayane13b]

"You don't want a sudden spike and then kill all your fish, that will kill all your fish" - The Water Box Jokes aside, great video once again! Thanks :)

[@TheWaterBox]

As always, thanks :)

[@ThunderWindz]

so i may not have a job :|

[@TheWaterBox]

ok?

[@cityinkexpress-online]

Hi love your videos, have been slowly increasing the co2 in my tank to achieve 6.7 ph during the day, as detailed in the ph / kh guide, at the moment i have it to 7 in the day but are already are 3-4 bubbles per second, we do have plenty of water flow as the 260l tank also has a powerhead and airpump -as well as the tank filter, i am very weary of still increasing the bubbles per second rate as it seems already well above the normal and wondered if this could be normal with alot of water movement and air thankyou

[@TheWaterBox]

water movement and stuff is fine. If you can't push it more lower, that's fine. Just keep it consistant.