Sign that Co2 bottle is empty for CA reac

[scubadude]

Ok im gonna admit to something here that Im not proud of doing. I havent checked my levels in a while been well over 3weeks and I was thinking the other day something is not right I need to check my levels...Well I didnt right away i started checking my tank and I had signs that gave it away.

1. My coralline algae on the back of the glass was starting to peel off, very slightly noticable.

2. My coral growth rates appear to have slowed down quite a bit, but there was still evident growth rates.

I checked my Reactor and my bubble counter had no liquid in it so I couldnt see the bubbles! I then realized I was out of Co2 I checked my DKH which was at 6.1 (i know i know) Then I checked my CA which was at 325. The point Im going to close with is that Im getting a little to brave here and trying to read my tank by looks, which I think I am learning to do BUT i dont think its a safe way to fly! Take care guys/girls who want to take on the same methods....dont wanna see a bunch of corals die on us just because we havent swished a test tube in a few months! FWIW Im changing from a 5lb bottle of Co2 to a 20lb bottle.

[SueT]

I have found myself doing the same thing and it is not a good thing to do. I always remember that nothing good ever happens in a reef tank fast, but my own little addition to that is bad can happen too fast. I kind of was also letting my tanks tell me when they needed something but by the time they were levels dropped and you cannot atleast in an sps tank raise them fast. Good stuff to remember.

Scubadude, been trying to get ahold of you for over a day.

my 180:
http://berlinmethod.com/suet/
my 120:
http://suetruett.homestead.com/home.html

[scubadude]

Originally posted by SueT


Scubadude, been trying to get ahold of you for over a day.

my 180:
http://berlinmethod.com/suet/
my 120:
http://suetruett.homestead.com/home.html

Im very sorry, my ISP has had alot of issues lately and im on them like white on rice. Its apparent that its really only affecting my Email. You can PM me and I shouldnt have any problems. Hey I was gonna ask you are you going to MACNA? I sure would love to chew the fat w/ya there

[mrok12]

I date the co2 bottle now because this same thing happpened to me recently. I noted that the bubbles also became erractic (stuttering out if you will) when the tank was nearing empty ( this is hind sight). I have now resolved to changing the tank out every two months. I also got my Kalk reactor back on line this weekend which is helping out to. The float swithced puked the night before I left on vacation. Talk about bad timing.


MROK12

[organicreefer]

man this is a wakeup call for me i think -i havent tested anything in MONTHS.....just playing by ear and keeping my other routines up-first thing tommorrow when i get home i bust out the test kits.