shrimp and pressurized CO2..best set up?

[skratikans]

Im a newbie when it comes to pressurized CO2 and I want to keep tiger shrimp. Would you go with a pH controller or a drop checker? What is the best way to have a pressurized CO2 system with shrimp?

[Makoto]

They don't like it, fluctuates ph.

[retardo]

I would use ceramic diffuser with a CO2 setup and use some sort of internal filter to create flow throughout the tank so that the CO2 reaches all the plants in the tank. A pH controller is not needed, but a drop checker may be a good idea. The amount of CO2 injected will depend a lot on how much light you will have on the tank and also will require you to implement and adjust your plant fertilization routine.

[retardo]

They don't like it, fluctuates ph.

While there will be pH shift when you inject CO2, it does not harm your shrimp unless it's done incorrectly (e.g., extremes). Plenty of folks inject CO2 and their shrimp are as happy as can be. They don't even notice the difference.

[Makoto]

High grade CRS "SSS" reacts negatively to Co2 injection, Co2 isn't recommend if you are keeping high grade CRS.

[skratikans]

I was just going to do blue tigers for now. I was thinking of setting a CO2 concentration of 15ppt instead of the 30 that is common. Is there a way to set up reference color of 15ppt instead of the 30 that most drop checker reference solutions have? Is it preferable to do a solenoid or let the CO2 always run (I have heard both arguments and what your take on that)?

[retardo]

Drop checkers typically are green for a concentration of 30ppm. I don't know if there is reference solution for 15ppm. You could just eyeball it based on the health and growth of your plants.

Go with a solenoid. Running CO2 24/7 makes no sense. 1. it's a waste of perfectly usable CO2, and 2. plants are not able to lock up carbon during dark periods while they are respirating. There are those that argue you won't see a drop in CO2 levels in nature, which may be true, but I really don't see the point.

[skratikans]

Thanks for all the advice! I REALLY appreciate everyone's input.

[flashsilva]

Don't use at night and have attention to your Kh value..

[paco-m]

I use it for years in all my tanks, with a controller is much more comfortable, just have to be kh concern to maintain a 3 or 4, I use the same for the cherry as the CRS and CBS SS , and reproduce rapid