CO2 Drop Checkers Explained: How They Work & Best Practices

Are you curious about how CO2 drop checkers work and why they're essential for your aquarium? In this video, I break down everything you need to know about CO2 drop checkers, from the science behind them to practical tips for using them effectively in your aquarium.
🔗Resources and Links:
🛒CO2 Drop Checker Kits: Amazon US - amzn.to/3UQvbiW | Amazon UK - amzn.to/3K15HKD
🛒Bromothymol Blue Indicator Solution: Amazon US - amzn.to/4am3vrG | Amazon UK - amzn.to/3QKiKUg
🛒FZone CO2 Regulators: Amazon US - amzn.to/3WJoVMu | Amazon UK - amzn.to/4bE7FfH
📺Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up CO2 Systems: • An Essential Guide to ...
📺Co2 System Buyers Guide: • Don't Get Duped! Watch...
Why Watch?
- Understand how a CO2 drop checker works and why it's a must-have tool for aquarium enthusiasts.
- Learn step-by-step how to set up and maintain your drop checker.
- Discover the best practices for managing CO2 levels to keep your plants thriving and fish safe.
0:00 Introduction
0:18 What is a CO2 Drop Checker?
0:53 The Science Behind CO2 Drop Checkers
1:33 Why Use a Drop Checker?
1:47 Setting Up Your CO2 Drop Checker
2:30 Interpreting the Colors
2:48 Adjusting CO2 Levels
2:59 Best Practices for CO2 Management
3:46 Maintenance Tips
4:02 Conclusion
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[@vijayjoseph8164]

Once again great information 👌

[@Paul-li9hq]

I have used a drop checker... and used a good quality liquid pH test kit at the same time, to test the water pH values
Oddly, the pH of the water tests virtually the same with the liquid test kit (I am hard-pressed to see any difference), despite the drop checker colour fluctuating - even when the drop checker is bright yellow!
I don't bother with drop checkers anymore: I look at the condition of the fish, shrimp and the plants... The plants are lush and the fish/shrimp are lively. The shrimp are breeding like crazy - I have absolutely no idea how many are in that tank now... there are a lot): that is my monitoring system.
My filtration and water movement are both quite powerful. I think that is what keeps the whole thing well balanced?
The C02 system is a fairly beefy homemade yeast/sugar system which runs 24/7, with two reagent bottles that get exchanged alternately to provide a reasonably stable level of co2 injection (in terms of bubbles per second).

[@redlaser1656]

Great content. Thanks for the upload.

[@jbmurphy4]

Thanks for this video. I stopped using my drop checker once my co2 levels stabilized & I got a digital pH meter too. But lately my co2 needle valve isn't working right and my co2 is swinging around.
This has given me the push to get my drop checker back out. The pH meter probes are expensive and keep getting overgrown with black algae.

[@fezanshaq5291]

I really like the video you made for the siesta lighting period. Can you tell me what your lighting and co2 schedule was if you'd be so kind 🙂

[@DylanRenke]

I like to have my CO2 come on quite a bit earlier than the lights and I always keep good surface agitation to reduce the chances of harming the fish by keeping oxygen levels and CO2 levels high. This does inevitably waste some CO2 from off gassing at the waters surface.

[@AquariumShed]

I do exactly the same with the surface agitation. As long as you can get a cheap enough supply of CO2 I think it's worth it! 👍

[@gweejiahan9336]

how deep does the hang over types have to dip into the water? and does it make a difference?

[@AquariumShed]

Hiya. As long as the end is fully submerged so no atmospheric air can get in it doesn't matter what depth it sits at. Cheers.

[@alptunga]

34.10 euro per 10gr.