time to change the lights? Time to refresh the substrate a bit??
1xTrigon 190 3 Clown Loaches,14 Cardinal Tetras,8 Rummynose Tetras,6 Cory Trileneatus,6 Hatchetfish,4 otocinclus,1 SAE,1 Bristlenose,, 10 amano Shrimp, 1 pair Apisto Agazzizi. 3 Blue Discus Anubius Barteri,Crinum thianum,Limnophilia sessiflora,Rotala rotundifolia, Echinodorus Blehri, Ech. Parviflorus,Ech. cordifolius, Ech. Tenellus, nymphaea lotus, Hygrophilia polysperma, Microsorum pteropus,Lilaeopsis brasiliensis 1xRekord 60 Blue Lobster, Flash plec 2 Anubias Barteri, 1 Microsorum pteropus 12 litre tank - 3 Glass shrimp, 4 japonica shrimp 1 Anubias Barteri, Riccia, Eleocharis acicularis Coming Soon - Bluedave's 5' Bullnose Marine Divider (Watch this space!)
Not that long since I changed the lights which are t5. And I keep up with putting root tabs and capsules around plants in the substrate
I too just started with the Hydor CO2 Natural. Thanks to this forum, I finally discovered that the yeast packets that came with the unit had long expired, and that was why I wasn't getting bubbled in my counter.
After adding new yeast, I started to get lots of bubbles in the counter within an hour. My question now is this: how do I know if the diffuser/reactor is working? What should I see? I was expecting to see lots of tiny bubbles being emitted from the diffuser/reactor (similar to an effervescence or an air stone effect), but all I notice is one LARGE buddle escaping every now and then, and that bubble goes directly to the top of the tank, so I know very little of it is being utilized in the tank.
Any input? Thanks!
-Scott
"A chicken is an egg's way of producing more eggs..."
Is the diffuser working? I've not used that brand so I'm not sure how it works.
Trea.
Rena Aqualife 120 x 40- 250l :
Plants: Vallisneria spiralis ''Tiger'', Bacopa monnieri, Limnophila sessiliflora, Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Echinodorus 'rubin', Anubias barteri var. nana, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Green', Limnobium laevigatum
Fish:- 17 x Harlequin Rasboras, 3 x Bristlenose Plecs
3 Bed House - 637129l : 1 husband, 2 kids and 1 hairy dog
I can't be sure if it's working. I could feel a slight vibration when I touch it, and it took a bit of effort to get it to quiet the loud vibration when I first installed it. Since I'm not sure what it is suppose to do, I'm not sure if it is working. :(
The venturi diffuser I have is basically a water pump that draws the CO2 through the impeller...which makes the tiny bubbles. I know when mine has become unplugged or I haven't switched it on etc because big bubbles come out. I'm guessing but I reckon that big bubbles equal broken diffuser.
Edit: One of mine did break..the diffuser just packed up for no apparent reason.
DRAT! That's what I was afraid of. It was a hassle to install too. Made a mess with the substrate and stressed out the fish. If the diffuser is truly dead, I don't think I'll buy a replacement. Maybe I'll just try the CO2 tablets, instead. It's a small tank, so the tablets may be adequate.
I have the red sea one too with the venturi gets blocked at times When this happens no fine bubbles come out of course and a vibration sound is there.
Does the hydor go under the substrate then cowboy? Just that you said it messed the substrate up and stressed the fish
I'd check everything is clear. No obstructions in the system
Thanks lilac_froggy. I'm thinking I'm going to have to take the reactor/diffuser out and do some checking. Yes, it does get partially buried in the substrate, so it may be blocked. Thanks for the insight.
Ah , I reckon it may be blocked then if it goes into the subtrate
The tiniest particle blocks ours and it has a strongish venturi pump. The mixture itself causes tiny hard particles to form, also bits of plant occasionally blocks it. Also very tiny snails have been known to climb into the outlet . All block the outlet and the flow stops