Done with DIY CO2

[laurenrocksth]

So after 5 tries, I am still getting no bubbles from my DIY CO2 setup. I don't really have the time to keep screwing with this so I've decided to go with a CO2 system that uses the same fermentative process. These are the ones that I've found so far:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18478/si1501563/cl0/plantgroco2naturalsystem
or
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18478/si1380873/cl0/redseaco2biogenerator

I also found this
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+4610&pcatid=4610
Anyone have any experience with that? It looks pretty cool but then again so did DIY

I am also considering pressurized CO2. My tank is a 55g and I think that maybe over the long run, it'll be more cost effective. I found this setup that seem sto include everything and isn't a billion dollars:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9935&pcatid=9935

What do you guys think that I should do?

[Bk718]

So after 5 tries, I am still getting no bubbles from my DIY CO2 setup. I don't really have the time to keep screwing with this so I've decided to go with a CO2 system that uses the same fermentative process. These are the ones that I've found so far:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18478/si1501563/cl0/plantgroco2naturalsystem
or
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18478/si1380873/cl0/redseaco2biogenerator

The 2 above are good but they are the same as diy co2, all it is is just premixed packets of yeast and baking soda. Plus they are only .5-1L big so they would not provide enough co2 for your 55g tank.

I also found this
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+4610&pcatid=4610
Anyone have any experience with that? It looks pretty cool but then again so did DIY

The Carbo-plus has been known to be a waste of $$ so ignore that product.

I am also considering pressurized CO2. My tank is a 55g and I think that maybe over the long run, it'll be more cost effective. I found this setup that seem sto include everything and isn't a billion dollars:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9935&pcatid=9935

What do you guys think that I should do?
Pressurized is your best option. And will save you plenty of headaches. Though that system you linked above is great but the final price wont be..
So try and call local welding places and see how much they can rent you out a 10lb co2 tank for.
Then go to www.water-testers.com (http://www.water-testers.com) and get their Milwaukee CO2 regulator, they have it for the lowest price on the web. $84 shipped
You get the Regulator, solenoid, needle valve, bubble counter and tubing. Everything you need to get started.


Answers in bold.

[laurenrocksth]

Cool. I'll do that. To diffuse the CO2 from my DIY system, I was running the tubing into the intake of a fluval 1+ internal filter. Would that still be appropriate or do I need to get a specialized diffuser?

[Bk718]

Is that the only filtration you have on the 55??

I never diffused through an internal filter but if the bubbles are remaining in the filter and or coming out as a mist then i guess its fine. Another option would be to get a limewood airstone for a diffuser. Or ofcourse if you have another canister on the tank then you can diffuse via that.

[jmhart]

Your diffusion method is just fine.

I agree with BK regarding your other co2 options, pressurized is the way to go. On tanks 30g and larger it only tanks a little over a year to pay off a pressurized co2 system compared to the opearating cost of DIY co2 @ 30 ppm.

[laurenrocksth]

I kind of figured that I would end up going pressurized. Starting grad school in January and at $34000 a year, I'm trying to keep costs down but I figure that this will actually be easier to maintain and cheaper over time.

[Bk718]

I kind of figured that I would end up going pressurized. Starting grad school in January and at $34000 a year, I'm trying to keep costs down but I figure that this will actually be easier to maintain and cheaper over time.

Get as much plants as you can + the pressurized. Have the plants grow fast and do plant sales every other week. By January the plants will pay part if not the whole amount you spent on the co2 setup.

[laurenrocksth]

Ok, couple of wierd questions... Why rent a canister as opposed to buying it? Is it really expensive to buy a canister? How long would a 110lb canister last? If I bought/rented a 10lb canister and the regulator/solenoid/bubble counter combo suggested, do I need anything else?

[Bk718]

You can buy a new co2 cylinder online but once you go to fill it up at a local welding supply, they may only do swaps (you give them your tank and they give you a used filled one + you pay $13-25 for the gas itself)
So when you rent a tank from a welding supply you pay say $80 for the tank + $20 for gas. Once you are done with the tank and dont need it anymore you can return it and get your money back.

Depending on the cylinder you are looking for. For a 10lb tank you can pay from $85-100 + getting it filled. Unless you can find a used cheaper one on ebay.
For a pressurized setup you will need the filled co2 tank, regulator w/ bubble counter/needle valve and solenoid is good but its optional. The final thing would be a diffuser, but that can be as simple as a wooden airstone.

[Spewn]

Ok, couple of wierd questions... Why rent a canister as opposed to buying it? Is it really expensive to buy a canister? How long would a 110lb canister last? If I bought/rented a 10lb canister and the regulator/solenoid/bubble counter combo suggested, do I need anything else?

Basically, you don't have to worry about buying one, getting it tested every few years, getting a new one if ever need-be etc.

[jmhart]

If you think you're going to be living close to the place you rent from for a while, renting is good. The advantage of owning is you can take it anywhere....and less and less places are renting these days.

[laurenrocksth]

Ok. I found a place near me that leases tanks for about $50 a year with a $25 deposit with $25 for a fill. They also have 15# and 20# tanks. Would a larger tank be better? How long would a 10, 15 or 20# tank last?

[jmhart]

For that kind of money, I'd buy the tank. Here in the Bay Area you can get a 5# tank for $65/fillled, and then refill for $12. That's a refurbished tank, but still. You can get an empty brand new tank for $85 online through beverage factory. Since hydro testing is only about $20 and only needs to be done every 5 years, it really works out cheaper to buy.