checklist for pressurized CO2

[Bravofleet4]

Hi,

I've decided to explore pressurized CO2. I've compiled a list of components that I think will be good. Am I missing anything? Also I'm still confused about certain parts. Can someone explain to me "threads" and "barbs"?

5 lb Co2 tank $56.00
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/tanks/co2/C5.shtml

Classic Series Double Gauge CO2 Regulator $38.90
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/regulator/double/classic_double_gauge_beer_co2_regulator.shtml

REST OF COMPONENTS FROM REX GRIGG'S WEBSITE
http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/CO2.html

Brass Check Valve $12.00

15ft CO2 Tubing 15 ft x $0.75/ft = $12.00

Fabco Needle Valve $22.00

Clippard Solenoid $30.00

Bubble Counter $9.00

I do want to save money though, so if I can remove or swap components to save cash then that would be great. I just think DIY yeast methods require too much work with the uneven CO2 production and waiting period before the mixture gets started. Right now I am thinking of cutting out the bubble counter, clippard solenoid, CO2 tubing, and brass check valve or putting them off later instead go with DIY bubble counter, silicone tubing, and plastic check-valve.

How long can I expect 5 lb tank to last for 30 gallon tank under both setups which is the strongest reason for getting a solenoid and CO2 tubing?

[Jag1980]

If you want cheap: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CO2-Regulator-Solenoid-Complete-Kit_W0QQitemZ330285657865QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item330285657865&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

And a diffuser: http://cgi.ebay.com/Live-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Aquatic-Plant-CO2-Diffuser-AR24_W0QQitemZ130268158317QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Pe t_Supplies?hash=item130268158317&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[bigwave]

Threads screw together

Barbs press together

Personally I would go with threaded components over barbed, but that is just one guy's uninformed opinion.

My Filters run barbed fittings, with a plastic clamp that holds it down, so it won't slip out. My Co2 is all threaded from what I remember.

[darkmindzz]

correct me if i am wrong.. but when i do my setup
all i need is a tank and this:

http://www.eseasongear.com/milwaukeema957.html

.. it seems like bravofleet is buying a lot of components separate right?

and also if i feed the co2 feed into the filter of mine, i wont need a diffuser correct?


and lastly i am thinking about getting a 15pound tank.. mainly because i would like to fill it once for my 40g tank and not worry about for for a while.. also when i get another planted tank i woudl ike to feed two tank off of one that 15 pounder.

[Bravofleet4]

that's another option I've considered. I've just heard people having difficulty maintaining a consistent bubble rate with that regulator.

As for running your CO2 line into your filter, it depends on what kind of filter you have. From what I've read, though, you'll always achieve much higher diffusion rate with a DIY Co2 reactor (if you want to be cheap) which is the way I plan to go. It's important I think to consider especially if you want to save Co2 and avoid the hassle of refilling. Maintaining high levels of CO2 with 2-3 bubbles/sec with a good diffusal method seems much more preferable than 5 bubbles/sec using just the chopping method of a filter to get the recommended 20-30 ppm.

[darkmindzz]

i agree with you bravo.. i dont want to send out unneeded co2..

but i have the fluval 405 filter.. anyone know if i can just pump the co2 right into the intake feed of my fluval...

[fabsroman]

Get the biggest CO2 tank you can because it costs very little extra to have it filled. I think I pay $25 for my 5 lb. and $30 for my 20 lb. For a fraction of the cost, I get 4 times the CO2. There are 2 reasons I haven't gone to a 35 lb. yet. First, that big of a tank would look terrible in the room (i.e., I cannot hide it with a potted plant), and secondly, it will be a little awkward to get it to the filling place unless I use my truck, and then the savings will be burnt up in the extra diesel used to get it there. So, it will probably be two 20 lb. tanks for me for quite a while.

I am using the Milwaukee regulator with the Milwaukee ph controller, and they have been working great for the past 2 years.

If anybody knows whether or not sticking the CO2 into a Fluval 405 intake will work, I would love to know because I am running 2 of them on my tank. That would make life a little easier for me. Then again, everything has been going well for the past several months, so I might not want to mess with it. LOL