DIY Co2 on nano (2.5-3g) tanks

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Choco

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Jan 12, 2008
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I plan to make a DIY Co2 system for a small planted 3 gallon tank..

most of the articles I've read on DIY Co2 suggest using 2L bottles (2-3 of them connected) to give sufficient Co2 to the aquarium. However, those articles all seem to be aimed at standard or larger tank (30gallon +-)

So, if I am doing the DIY Co2 on a 3gallon tank, how big of a container should I use, and what proportion mixtures would be good.

Do you guys have any other suggestion on injecting Co2 in a 3g tank other thank using the DIY yeast bottle method? (i.e. would it be better/easier if I just add chemical containing carbon like once a day?)

Tank will have flourite black substarte, hairgrass, glosso/riccia/hc carpet plant (undecided). I will be using a 27W daylight compact fluorescent bulb 10-14hr per day.
 
Sploke

Sploke

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Oct 20, 2005
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I use a 2L on my 10gal, I'd probably do the same for a 3gal. My recipe is 2c sugar, 1/4tsp yeast, warm water up to within 2" of the bottlecap. I use a hagen bubble ladder for diffusion. The other thing to look into is Flourish Excel, its a liquid carbon supplement and might be less of a hassle on a tank that small.
 
C

Choco

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is the flourish excel a good source of Co2?

For a 3g tank, I need only 1ml daily of excel. Can plant like glosso grow well with just Co2 from excel + a lot of lighting?

It seems like a much better/easier/cheaper solution than doing the DIY yeast Co2 method, but would a few drop of excel a day gives enough Co2?
 
Sploke

Sploke

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I've never used it but I've heard it recommended several times for people with smaller tanks. One small bottle wouldn't be that expensive so it might be worth a shot.
 
Manzanitadude

Manzanitadude

The driftwood guy
Dec 22, 2007
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I would do both Excel and DIY CO2 for real good results. You can use the 2l soda bottles without harming anything. I would set up only one to begin with, and have another one ready to go in a week when the other one starts to drop in CO2 production. Also, I would suggest starting out with a photoperiod of 5-6 hours with bright lights until your tank gets to growing good.
 
FtwayneFish

FtwayneFish

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Dec 7, 2007
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I agree with above comments, only 1 2L, and ive never used EXCEL either but alot of folks like it and use it with DIY, and with getting a spare bottle ready.

I use a 2L on my planted "jungle" of a 5g. it works well. Im not running 9wpg like you. Only 5.2wpg but it grows pretty good. I also found I'd had a hew leaks the whole time. Fixin that today. So make sure you get the seal right.

Post some pics please.
 
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