Carbon Block CO2 System

I've been considering this too, however the carbon blocks last only 6 to 8 weeks, and it costs about 37 US dollars to replace. I think I'll ddooooo it myself for awhile and then find a co2 tank setup in time. Unless the price of these cartridges come down or another manufacturer/ competitor can offer the system more cheaply. Given time it will happen.
 
I've got a couple of the units and they work fine for smaller tanks (40 gallons and less), but are more expensive to operate than pressurized gas. I got them for an office tank where pressurized gas was not permitted. The cabon blocks last 4-8 months (depending on tank size and how hard you drive them) for me. You do have to do regular large-scale patials to replenish the KH of the water, as the process does burn that out.
 
Running it 24/7 is a waste, pair it with first light timer to come on and go off with the light. In an ideal set-up, having the device start up 30-60 minutes before lights on might well be optimum, but paired with the lights was good enough for me. In the office 55 I had to use two units to get good CO2 (20+ -> 30ppm) levels, I have not tried them in anything larger. I have to jack up the current during the life of the block gradually - knowing that when I get to full power I will be replacing the block soon. In a 65 I would imagine that the block would be burned up quickly, weeks rather than months does sound possible in that situation.
 
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Hey RTR, how long will a CO2 tank last under the same conditions?

And how much does it cost you to refill a CO2 tank? I live in a small town and refilling a CO2 tank might not be an option here. Any info would help as far as cost and convenience. My only available tank is only 20 gallon.

Ofcourse, I could do what I always do and just keep Anubias and Java Moss. But, I want to try a lush plant tank for once.

Thanks
 
It will really pay for itself over and over again in the long run. Pressurized is the only way to go.
 
Cloud-9: I understand where you're coming from. I had a lot of trouble finding a place to get my CO2 tank filled. Find a place that sells beer kegs. They'll be able to fill your tank up for you in no time. I heard a lot about welding places but beer is much more accesible than welding materials. I cant think of anywhere on earth that wouldn't have kegs available nearby... ;)
 
NowherMan6

I live in a dry county. There aren't many liguor stores here. But, I think I may be able to locate one. However, the tank that I want to pump CO2 into will only be 20 gallons. Wouldn't a pressurized CO2 system be a bit of an overkill?

However, I am way too busy for any kind of sugar reactor or do it yourself system. What with work, classes, etc. That is what made me think of this carbon block thingy. But, from what RTR is saying, it would be an expensive proposition having to replace those blocks. Those blocks might be harder to find than a place to refill CO2. Or worse, what if the product gets discontinued.
 
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