Hagen Plant Gro CO2 Natural System Experience

[raymondevil]

If you've used/using this product (http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/product.cfm?CAT=1&SUBCAT=118&PROD_ID=01076900020101), do tell me how's the performance of it. Currently I'm using SERA CO2-start (http://www4.sera.de/site/products/product.php?id=62&language=en)

My tank stats:
11gal
Moderate planted tank (covers 60% of the tank)
2 adult mollies, 15-20 fries
2 albino algae eater

[daveedka]

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

[Quartermain]

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.

[anonapersona]

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.

[Swimfins]

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.

[mcps95]

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

[raymondevil]

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?

[Swimfins]

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

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.

[Swimfins]

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?

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.

[bigwater]

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.

[Kasakato]

I have the DIY version on my 20g. Works great! I replace my bottles every 2 weeks.

[raymondevil]

sounds good.... gonna start this project this weekend.. :)

[Kasakato]

sounds good.... gonna start this project this weekend.. :)

Only takes like 30min. Lol, not a whole days project.

[daveedka]

In all fairness I should add a couple of things to my earlier glowing endorsement. The tank I used the cannister on uses a lot of Co2. It's a 15g that I try to keep at close to 30ppm co2, and I keep it lit 18-20 hours per day. In a typical planted 10 it would probably be big enough. the ladder has two major faults as I see it.
#1. it isn't tall enough. bubbles frequently make it to the top before they are fully diffused and then escape to the surface.
#2. Snails love the bio-film and are constantly in the way blocking the bubbles. I have considered several ways to block their access but really feel I should just build a power reactor and be done with it. Hagen should seriously consider redesigning the ladder for these two problems, as I think they have a good base concept, and just haven't tweaked it enough.

I tried several different passive reactors, and none did any better than the ladders IMO. most were worse, or I wouldn't still be running the ladders. As far as I'm concerned, a power reactor or some configutration therof is the only way to go. I was not able to achieve 100% diffusion until I built one.
Dave

[CharlieV]

Hi

I use 2 of these on my 30g. the recomendation is one per 15g (approx) and I have had good results.

Nice neat bracket for hanging on back of aquarium. Stabaliser / yeast packets are v expensive to replace and I am just about to start trying my own mixture (you get 3 free packets of each with each diffuser). Although Hagen state it will last up to 4 weeks I feel 3 weeks and it's peaked - bubble count (for my purpposes) is too low in the 4th week.

I have a 100g bowfornt on it's way to me and willbe upgrading to a presurised system and use one of these for a little more oomph (presurised I am buying is up to 75G)

just my .02

[Swimfins]

It is easy and cheaper to diy 2 litre bottles on 20g or so tanks.
Hagen has a good concept but if they sold the canister in a 2 litre size and the ladder seperately. (never mind the mysterious activator and stabilizer packages...that we all know are yeast and baking soda anyway)
They would have a good product.
I would definately snap up the canisters in a 2 litre size, or even 4 litre size. It would save a hassle gluing the caps fer shur!

[daveedka]

if they sold the canister in a 2 litre size and the ladder seperately. The ladders are available seperately via Big Als on line. search under bubble counters, and you'll find them. Now if they would get the 2 liter/4 liter thing down and make some adjustments for snails it would be great.
Dave

[Swimfins]

I looked up the Hagen website, and sent them an e-mail telling them that the canister idea is pretty neat, but most of us don't want 'multiple units' on our tanks and if they could sell the canisters in a larger size as 1, 2 and 4 litre, it would probably be of interest to do it yourself'ers. Yes, I realize the ladder bubble diffuser is already being sold separately. Why not the canisters? ;)