View Full Version : Good CO2 Set-up?
JCason
11-08-2003, 10:27 PM
http://www.aquatic-store.com/en-us/dept_249.html
Looking at Combo 1 and doing the DIY reactor everyone has been telling me to do. Is this a good price or worth it? Anyone have any other sites where it may be cheaper? I really like the fully automatic system this is.
I'm sure you will get other opinions on this topic. This is mine.....
You are spending a lot of money and, as far as I can tell, still have to get a tank. I personally don't think all that gear is necessary(again, others will disagree) for the safe, efficient delivery of CO2.
If you have the cash to spend and it makes you comfortable fine.
There are less expensive, and less complicated systems. If you're spending a lot of money I would suggest more research as to what's available.
Len
bobalston
11-09-2003, 9:54 AM
Take a look at my web site for information on and sources for co2 tanks, regulators and needle valves.
http://members.cox.net/tulsaalstons/AquaticPlants.htm#High%20Pressure%20CO2
Bob
JCason
11-09-2003, 10:15 AM
I have a tank, actually 3. I am planting my 29 gallon. It has been up and running for a year. Light is going to be 3-4 wpg so I don't want this huge algae bloom, therefore going to CO2. I also have a 10 gal that I am wanting to evertually plant and I have a 20 long. I am paying the extra for the equip for my 29 gal b/c I am going to get a 55 in the near future and will be switching the fluval canister filter and things over.
superjohnny
11-09-2003, 4:33 PM
If you go with a cheaper regulator now and decide later you want to add a solenoid, needle valve & bubble-counter later you'll end up spending more money total. The Milwuakee has been a good setup IME (which is limited to ONLY the Milwuakee btw).
Robert at Aquabotanic sells a device that splits the CO2 so you can have one tank & regulator servicing multiple tanks. It's ~$30 IIRC.
Hope that helps.
JCason
11-09-2003, 5:35 PM
Thanks to everyone. I bought a JBJ regulator with the bubble counter, needle valve, solenoid, etc all together. MY LFS had them on sale today for $85. Now I just have to wait until Monday so I can get a CO2 tank and build a reactor.
I would recommend you consider getting a pH controller (Milwaukee) as well. It's not a necessary piece of equipment, but it's extremely helpful.
JCason
11-09-2003, 9:35 PM
I am going to look into a controller once I save a little more money now. That is why I cose to get a regulator with a solenoid. I have a hard time getting my pH to fall as it is now. It sits around 8-8.5 all the time. Can't tell you what my kh is right now, none of my local shops sell a test kit for it. I have one coming in and it should be here sometime this week. Might be why I am having problems getting good plant growth right now. I am using 2 Hagen co2 kits (yeast) and a jugle fizz factory. It has helped some but not much. I am about to add more light (130 watts total), co2 injection and start using trace elements and other ferts and see what I can do. If I get a huge algae bloom, I can always move my fish to one of the other tanks for a little but I am just going to hope everything goes well. I have been researching everything for about 3 months now and I feel as I have enough info to give high light a shot.