Carbon dioxide endurance test
The carbon dioxide long-term test is used in aquaristics to continuously monitor the CO 2 content in the water. CO 2 is an important part of photosynthesis and therefore the basis for plant growth. So it does not in pool with a strong plant constituents to a CO 2 comes deficiency, the water is by means of carbon dioxide fertilization CO 2 added. The desired CO 2 concentration of mostly 10-25 mg / l can then easily be tracked using the CO 2 long-term test .
One form of carbon dioxide endurance tester consists of two parts. In the upper bell there is a small water sample into which a pH indicator has been placed. The inner bell space is in contact with the aquarium water through a small air duct. Carbon dioxide diffuses through this channel into the upper bell. The indicator liquid shows the current CO 2 value in the aquarium water. Almost all commercially available long-term testers indicate with green that sufficient carbon dioxide is dissolved in the water. A change in color to blue indicates insufficient carbon dioxide. Yellow or light green color indicates that the concentration is too high. Fish then often swim to the surface, gasping for air, as the CO 2 and oxygen levels are usually opposite. On the other hand, pure CO 2 surpluses lead to agitation of the fish and even to narcosis.
The carbon dioxide test can largely be replaced by a much more precise pH test. If the water hardness is known, there is a fixed relationship between the pH value and the carbon dioxide content. The color test described above essentially follows this principle.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Roland Selzer: Aquarium Guide . Retrieved April 19, 2017.