ok, i had it with DIY co2!

[FishHunter8]

Hello everyone,

I've recently gone a pretty big move accross a province for University. Unfortunatly I was sapposed to be keeping 3 87g tanks, a 75 and then a couple under 30g's. I ended up breaking one of the 87's for those of you that read the post in the General freshwater. I gave the 75, and i believe a 55 to my cousins. Anyways, when that tank broke i needed a tank for my cichlids, so i made a choice between the 87g planted and the 87g saltwater. In the end, i ended up doing away with the saltwater, due to costs of school. The cichlids know have that tank which is unfortunatly far away from me and under the care of my grandparents. Know i've got the 87g planted tank set up out here and its been running for about 4 month's. I currently run 10-12 2L yeast bottles. Problem is the **** lids keep cracking and so im sure you know have fun that would be with 10-12 bottles.I am at the point where i want to line the bottles up in a feild a shoot them with a 12gauge. So I'm wondering now about pressurized co2. I've never actually used them before(aside from setaline ect.) and was wondering if it would be better. Remembering i'm on a very tight budget. What kind of a tank size would i be needing to look at? My dad works at a welding place a couple hours from where i live so i think he might be able to help me out with the tank anyway. I guess the biggest question would be, what are the cost differences going to be? Thanks for looking and have a Merry Christmas!

[phanmc]

Once you go pressurized, you'll wonder why in the world you didn't use it sooner. The initial cost is rather expensive, though your dad working at a welding shop should mitigate some of the costs. Long term, pressurized CO2 will be cheaper and much easier to maintain. After the initial cost you only have to worry about refills, which can be anywhere between 3-8 months depending on tank size and your water parameter.

A 5-10 lb tank are relatively close in price, ranging from 60-100$, depending on your area. You'll need a dual gauge regulator to control the tank output, that can cost around 100-150$. A precision needle valve is hard to find locally but there are plenty of online places that sells them, and they're cheap. Those are the essential components.

Its a good idea to have a bubble counter, which you can make yourself with a small bottle. A check valve will prevent the rare case of tank water reversing back into the CO2 tank when it gets low on pressure. Lat but not least is the CO2 reactor to better dissolve the CO2 into the tank water (which you should have with a DIY setup as well).

[FishHunter8]

Alright well thanks, i believe i will head down that path...

[Raithan Ellis]

I've never had problems with anything cracking when using Gatorade/Powerade bottles. They aren't as large... but if you need a size upgrade with the same make of cap, Ocean Spray cranberry juice in the 3L bottles work just as well. Best part is they won't collapse on you either.

With that many bottles running, you may be better off with pressurized.

[FishHunter8]

Ya i thought about running bigger bottles, but i figured since the 87g is really the only tank i'm constantly looking after i'm better off going pressurized. May cost a few bucks initially but i think it will be worth it evan though i will have to cut down to one meal a day in januarury to pay for it and school... :D