Hagen Plant Gro CO2 Natural System Experience

raymondevil

raymondevil

Still Learning...
Apr 3, 2005
53
0
0
46
Malaysia
If you've used/using this product, do tell me how's the performance of it. Currently I'm using SERA CO2-start

My tank stats:
11gal
Moderate planted tank (covers 60% of the tank)
2 adult mollies, 15-20 fries
2 albino algae eater
 
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I use the ladder diffusors, and have mixed feelings on them, they are fairly simple, and do a decent but far from perfect job. I own one of the co2 production canister, but didn't find it to be big enough for my purposes even on the 10g. in addition, the yeast they provide was somewhere between slow and dead as compared to equal quantities of bread making yeast from the local grocer. Overall the ladder is O.k. but not great, they rest of it is far less effective than a 2 liter pop bottle and some yeast and sugar. JMO.
Dave
 
I used the Hagen with ladder diffuser in a 10 gal for several months. I can't say it did any good becuase the tank was constantly choked with hair algae. I have since replanted the aquarium and this time around around I'm not using the Hagen CO2 kit. I found it next to impossible to control the optimum level of CO2 without daily testing which can get frustrating and expensive. Unlike daveedka's experience I found it easy to let the CO2 get to dangerous levels. So it's certainly more than enough for a 10 gal. But without any way to regulate the CO2 I would say dump the idea and dose Excel.
 
I thought it was great, at one time I had 3 of them. The unit is neat and tidy, nice for places where looks are important, like the office. No mad scientist with all the bottles and hoses and stuff. Pretty much fool proof, just tighten the lid that extra 1/4 turn. Never siphons tank water onto the carpet, never bubbles up. Might get some algae, snails, plant leaves, or yeast snot interferring with the bubble path, but not usually a problem. If the rate is too high, either move the line to a higher level or use less yeast. For most folks, the CO2 level is never high enough to be a concern, but there are rare exceptions. For a 10 gallon tank, I think it is perfect. For a 20, maybe. For a 30 or more, get pressurized gas.
 
I'm using the hagen system on my 25g and I'm not too excited about it. I like the diffusor ladder idea, but its really cheap. The canister is not giving me enough co2, my ph measured 7 this morning. Kh 4, so I'm getting 12 ppm co2 which is ok, but 15 to 20 would be better. The canister is too small, although I like the idea. I wish it was the size of a 2 litre bottle, because it is a nice thermal bottle and easy to connect the tubing altho, they provide no check valve, saying not to let the canister fall over!!! :huh: to prevent back siphoning into the tank. The provide a little latch thingy to hang the canister on the tank but I'm not using it.
If I'd have known, I would have saved my bucks and set up a diy 2 litre. I bought it mainly for the difusor which is so-so, as Dave points out.
 
I've got a DIY 2L bottle setup for my generator on my 55 gal tank, and was looking at getting the Hagen ladder diffuser/reactor to increase the amount of CO2 that is absorbed into the water. It seems that reviews of the bubble ladder are so-so, and I was wondering what people would recommend instead of this.

I've seen the DIY reactors made from siphon tubes and such, but I was looking for something a little cleaner looking for my show tank. I'd also like to avoid having to run another powerhead, so "powered" reactors would be my last choice. Does anyone have any suggestions that would be better than the Hagen ladder?

Mike
 
thanks for the feedback.. i can see it's pretty a dissapointing product...

since you guys have lots of experience in 2litre diy, is it safe to use it on my tank? i'm just afraid overdosing CO2 and harm the fish.. any way to control that?
 
mcps95 said:
I've got a DIY 2L bottle setup for my generator on my 55 gal tank, and was looking at getting the Hagen ladder diffuser/reactor to increase the amount of CO2 that is absorbed into the water. It seems that reviews of the bubble ladder are so-so, and I was wondering what people would recommend instead of this.

I've seen the DIY reactors made from siphon tubes and such, but I was looking for something a little cleaner looking for my show tank. I'd also like to avoid having to run another powerhead, so "powered" reactors would be my last choice. Does anyone have any suggestions that would be better than the Hagen ladder?

Mike
Click to expand...

What I did in my 66g tank is use a clear plastic bottle, and puncture a hole big enough to pass the spraybar through and out the end. Then I made a hole in the cap to pass the co2 line thru from the bottom. The co2 is mixed with the spraybar water. The co2 congregates at the top of the bottle until it oozes out. (You need to keep the cap on the bottle to keep curious fishies from entering.)

What I've done now is take a small 60 ml or so (2 ounce) clear plastic bottle, puncture a hole in the top of the bottle with a nail, enter the co2 line into the 1/4 inch opening of the bottle and affix it with a suction cup to the glass. It looks neat, barely noticeable.
 
raymondevil said:
thanks for the feedback.. i can see it's pretty a dissapointing product...

since you guys have lots of experience in 2litre diy, is it safe to use it on my tank? i'm just afraid overdosing CO2 and harm the fish.. any way to control that?
Click to expand...

With diy 2 litre bottle on a 20g tank, you can't really make enough co2 to cause damage. On a ten gallon, I'd use half the recipe and a 1 litre bottle.
 
When I installed my unit I noticed a considerable difference in 3-5 days on a 20 gallon tank. The yeast mix lasts about 4 weeks. I think it is well worth the money.
 
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