Description

Askoll CO2 Visual Control:

A Comprehensive Overview

The Askoll CO2 Visual control is an essential tool for any planted aquarium running a pressurised CO2 system. It is a drop checker, a device designed to provide a continuous, visual indication of the dissolved carbon dioxide levels in your aquarium water. By monitoring the colour of a special pH-sensitive reagent, aquarists can easily determine if their CO2 injection is at an optimal level for healthy plant growth and the well-being of their fish.

How It Works: The Science Behind the Colour Change

The Askoll CO2 Visual control works on a simple but effective principle. It consists of a small glass chamber that is filled with a specific reagent fluid and an indicator. The chamber is placed inside the aquarium, but in such a way that the reagent fluid is completely isolated from the main tank water, with only an air pocket separating them.

As CO2 gas from the aquarium water diffuses into the air pocket and then into the reagent fluid, it lowers the pH of the fluid. The indicator in the reagent changes colour in response to these pH changes, providing a clear visual signal:

• Blue: pH is high. The CO2 level is too low for a planted aquarium.
• Green: pH is stable and in the ideal range. The CO2 level is optimal.
• Yellow: pH is low. The CO2 level is too high and could be dangerous for fish.

Setup and Placement

Proper setup is critical to ensure the accuracy and safety of your Askoll CO2 Visual control.

1. Preparation: Fill the glass chamber with the provided reagent fluid up to the marked fill line (or approximately 3-4 drops).
2. No Water Mixing: This is crucial. The fluid must not mix with the aquarium water. Carefully turn the chamber upside down to trap a small air bubble and then place it right-side up inside the aquarium.
3. Placement: Use the included suction cup to attach the device to the inside of the aquarium glass. Position it in a visible location, away from direct CO2 injection points or surface agitation, to ensure it measures the general, ambient CO2 levels in the tank. A good spot is typically in the middle of the aquarium at a depth of around 15 cm.
4. Observation: Allow at least 2-3 hours for the device to acclimatise and for the colour to stabilise. The CO2 Visual control is not an instantaneous meter; it has a natural time delay.

Interpreting the Results and Making Adjustments

• Blue Reading: If the fluid is blue, your CO2 level is insufficient for healthy plant growth. Slowly increase your CO2 injection rate (e.g., by one bubble per second) and recheck the colour after a few hours.
• Green Reading: This is the ideal target colour. A green reading indicates that the CO2 concentration is approximately 30 ppm, which is perfect for most planted aquariums and safe for fish.
• Yellow Reading: If the fluid turns yellow, your CO2 level is too high. This can be dangerous for your fish and other livestock as it can cause oxygen deprivation. Immediately reduce your CO2 injection rate (e.g., by one or two bubbles per second) and perform a water change if necessary.

Maintenance and Considerations

• Reagent Lifespan: The reagent fluid in the CO2 Visual control will eventually lose its effectiveness. It’s recommended to replace the fluid every 4-6 weeks to ensure accurate readings.
• Time Delay: Remember that the drop checker is a long-term indicator. It will not show instant changes. Any adjustments you make to your CO2 injection rate should be followed by a waiting period of a few hours before you can trust the new reading.
• Lighting: The colour can appear differently under various aquarium lighting. Always try to view the device in natural ambient light or use the provided colour chart for reference.

The Askoll CO2 Visual control simplifies the task of maintaining consistent and safe CO2 levels, allowing you to fine-tune your aquarium’s environment for lush plant growth without the risk of harming your aquatic inhabitants.