Air pump needed after Co2 tank shut down at night

[Samson]

Do we need to on our air pump bubble after our Co2 tank shut down at night? I friend say, plant need air at night at Co2 is shut down? Is that true....:undecided

[Tn23]

Plants do not need co2 at night time, in fact they will release instead of take in when its night time. However some people leave their co2 running 24/7 and that is really your choice.

[rymeyer]

Between the two options, how does each affect pH?

[imke_j]

Between the two options, how does each affect pH?
O2 highers pH, CO2 lowers it. Check out this article in our library (http://www.shrimpnow.com/viewarticle.php?articleid=73).

[retardo]

During the day, plants use CO2 and produce oxygen; the rate at which this occurs depends on the amount of light that is over the tank. Higher light=higher CO2 (and fertilizer) requirements=Higher O2 output. At night, plants do the opposite by intaking oxygen (respirating) and and releasing some CO2. However, it is also their "resting" period, so their intake of O2 is not elevated and does not remove enough oxygen from the water so that it affects fish or shrimp. An important thing to remember also is that CO2 does not displace oxygen in the water, so there is no need for an air pump. If you want to be on the safe side, add an air pump.

Currently, I am running my CO2 at night because the solenoid on my CO2 regulator decided to stop working and there are absolutely no ill effects on the fauna. I also run DIY CO2 on a smaller tank with no problems for the fish either.

[Samson]

Thanks for the advise Tn23, rymeyer, imke_j & retardo.

[Tn23]

I also heard that o2 raises pH levels, and co2 lowers pH