New co2 tomorrow ans I dont know what Im doing

[partobe]

Hi Everyone!
Im going tomorrow to pick up a co2 system I ordered. I really have no clue how to set it up. I mean Im sure I can out it together Ive researched on line and they dont seem that hard. I have no clue how much co2 I should be putting in to the tank how many hrs a day? I know there is a bubble counter but I dont know what that means? I think I should be putting in 2-3 bubbles per second? Im assuming I would just adjust the valve on the canister to increas or decress?
How do I know if its working?
I have a 36 gallon.
Thanks
Patrick

 

[jeffvmd]

Get a CO2 drop checker while your at it to better monitor CO2 levels inside your tank. You can start with 2bps.
Are you just going to use a ceramic CO2 diffuser?

 

[partobe]

what is a drop checker?(tester?) I have no idea what kind of deffuser it comes with. Is ceramic the way to go?

 

[jeffvmd]

A drop checker maybe a piece of glass or plastic . Here is what one may look like but there are several designs of these.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sugexp=gsis,i18n%3Dtrue&cp=7&gs_id=q&xhr=t&q=co2+drop+checker&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1366&bih=643&wrapid=tljp1316367713692012&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi
It comes with a pH reagent and needs 4dkH solution for it to work (as most drop checker kits only have the pH reagent and you have to buy the 4dkH separately)
It shows CO2 levels via a color change on the pH reagent mixed with 4dkH solution.

CO2 diffusers usually are with ceramic discs/plugs that put out a really fine mist of CO2.
If you have an inline filter it is better to get or DIY an inline CO2 reactor.

 

[partobe]

thanks jeff
the system I saw that he said was like mine but not as nice doesnt have the dc but I will ask. I have a hob filter