going to get into CO2

nursie

AC Members
Jan 15, 2005
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Peoria, IL
Real Name
michelle
I'm setting up a 75 gallon tank and am contemplating CO2. What is the best way to do about it with that size of tank...from the standpoint of cost and of time spent dinking around with it and safety for the inhabitants.
I see the DIY info, and have also read about pressurized tanks,a nd found some powerhead system on ebay that does up to a 125 gal tank...what are your reccomendations?
 
For a tank that size I would definitely recommend a pressurized CO2 system. You should try to get at least a 10 pound tank. I'm sure you get away with a 5, but it would need to be refilled more often which is a pain.

You'll need a regulator to control the flow down to a low level. Then a needle valve to finely control the flow. Many people use a solenoid, so the CO2 can be plugged into a timer and shut off when the lights are out. You can buy these as all-in-one combos.

You'll also want an effective way to dissolve the CO2 into the water. I use the Hagen bubble ladder. It's not very efficient but does the job for me. It's very simple which is why I chose it.
 
Where is good to get this equipment? I shop ebay and see this stuff for sale there. Cheaper there or elsewhere?
 
several online sites

I would suggest that you investigate the traditional online aquatic supply stores, plus the online aquatic plant stores. I got my last regulator from PetSolutions, or ThatFishPlace, I forget which. I got the prior one from Aquabotanic, but shopped Aquatic-Store also. For an All-in-One, expect to pay $85-$90 for regulator, solenoid, bubble counter, needle valve combo. Add some tubing and diffuser or reactor, your choice of internal, external, cheap or expensive, powerhead driven, canister filter driven, or a diffuser which can be as simple as a micro airstone, a glass mister, or a Hagen ladder or similar thing. I've used the PlantGuild internal reactor ($50) and the Eheim diffuser ($15) and have been pleased with both.
 
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