How long does your CO2 tank last?

[corky]

I'm in the process of trying to decide on a CO2 system for my new 50 gallon tank...I like the idea of a set up with a solenoid to turn CO2 off at lights out, but not sure to go for disposable bottles or refillable tanks ...how long do you find they last, & at what bubble rate ??

[Mgamer20o0]

its all abouts.... but 6 months on 24/7 on a 5 pound tank. a year or so turning it off at night. i personally say get as big as tank you can fit. i have a 20 and a 10. nice not to worry about it. lol

[jmhart]

Go with a refillable tank. I work with cylinder gases, and not only is it a pain to dispose of a disposable tank, it's rather costly in the end to essentially purchase a new tank each time. On top of that, most disposable tanks are rather small and won't last you very long.

Seems like a bit of an investment, but get the largest co2 cylinder you can practically store. If you can store a 20#, do that, but for me I went with a 5# because a 10# just barely won't fit in my stand. I just got it, so I don't have a lot of info on how long it will last, however most people refill about every 6 months or a year.

The bubble rate is very specific to your tank. I know a guy with a 75g that's pushing 10 bubbles a second(he took a picture, counted the bubbles, and divided by the shudder speed). Get a drop checker and start out small, 1 bubble per second or something, then up it according to the drop checker.

And just in case, a drop checker is a nice little gadget that inexpensively allows you to measure the amount of co2 in your tank. Do a thread search on drop checkers to find out more info, there have been multiple threads about them.

[Nolapete]

no need to turn off at night, 5# cylinder should last 6 months on your tank

[TwoTankAmin]

I run a 5lb on my 50 at 1 bpm 24/7 and it lasts over a year. It is important to use teflon tape on all the screw in joints and then to bubble test the system after you turn it on with a soap solution to make sure there are no leaks.

[Native American]

A 10-lb. cylinder on my 100gal and my 38gal. Almost a year so far, but I don't have a lot of light or a lot of plants.

Cost to fill at my local welding shop is only $9 per cylinder.

Regards, N-A

[leoslizards]

It is important to use teflon tape on all the screw in joints and then to bubble test the system after you turn it on with a soap solution to make sure there are no leaks.

How do you do this bubble test?

[jmhart]

Get some dish soap, mix it with some water, squirt it on EVERY connection and watch for bubbles. If you see a bubble, tighten the connection.

[leoslizards]

Got it. thanks. :)

[legendaryfrog]

I use an automatic co2 doser in one tank, and a regular solenoid that turns off at night in my others.

The automatic lasts about 8 months, the regular solenoid about half that.

Oh, and its a 5 gallon bottle.

[leoslizards]

I've never heard of an automatic co2 doser. How does it work?

[Mgamer20o0]

you just use a ph monitor. you set it to your target and it will turn off and on the co2 to reach that target.