Co2 levels dropping

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by mikkiamod, Jun 11, 2020.

  1. mikkiamod

    mikkiamod

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    Hey guys!

    I’ve recently added a lily pipe surface skimmer to my 60cm tank and have since been having issues with my co2 levels.

    I’ve increased it to 2bps but my drop checker barely changes color over the 10 hour period.
    Has anyone else had this issue?
    I’m not really sure how to fix it as I’m worried about gassing the livestock.
    The surface skimmer doesn’t seem to be agitating the water surface that much so not sure what it is.

    B4A927BA-FAD9-40C0-B0D1-4FAE41C3D566.jpeg

    450DCFFE-5169-4648-A74C-D08C4535DEC3.jpeg
     
    Lou likes this.
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  3. Lowflyer7

    Lowflyer7

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    Beautiful tank you have there. I'm following this thread as I have a surface skimmer as well.
     
  4. TheGrissom

    TheGrissom

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    So using google (I have never used a surface skimmer) I see that a surface skimmer provides a clean water surface resulting in better oxygen exchange - that right there is probably the cause the your CO2 levels dropping as they gaseous exchange has increased.
     
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  5. TetraJacques

    TetraJacques

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    You will surely loose some CO2 but it's enough just to add a little more. Just bump up your CO2 to get the levels back to where you need it. There is a lot of good benefits having a surface skimmer so don't get rif of.
     
  6. OP
    mikkiamod

    mikkiamod

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    I’ve increased it to 2bps for this week but still doesn’t seem to be enough. Will go to 3bps but that just seems like a lot for a small 60cm tank. Hopefully it won’t cause any issues with the livestock.
     
  7. AlgaeAqua

    AlgaeAqua

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    Nice tank, Have you tried inline co2? It should improve the distribution and maybe the efficiency. The skimmers are very good, they make it more difficult to gas your fish and allows for stable and safe high co2 levels. I haven't been able to find a glass intake skimmer locally, I'm still using an electric skimmer. Any idea where I can find one? (also sorry for replying to a dead thread)
     
  8. OP
    mikkiamod

    mikkiamod

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    Mine is a VIV skimmer. Try Aqua empire.
     
  9. oupoot

    oupoot

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    This has been on my mind since i have been considering co2, cant figure out if there is a simple solution to this, or do you just inreaseco2 injection?
     

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