Help Build my Co2 system ...

D

Derringer

... overstock this!
Apr 8, 2007
768
0
0
Indiana
I am currently preparing my first ever planted aquarium ... I am expecting some plants tomorrow and based on my wpg 2.88 I would like to go ahead and put together a Co2 system. I of course am a complete newbie so I dont know what I need and what products are the best ...

I'm not sure what I need, but I figure I might need some of if not all of the following ...

Co2 tank
regulator w/solenoid
bubble counter
diffusuer
reactor
needle valve

Should I look to get all of this? Some of this? More than this? What should I get and what brand names are best for each product?

Thanks for your assistance.
 
Regulator: the most important part of pressurized CO2 is the Regulator and needle valve for this i would say you really don't want to scimp and a good regulator with a good needle valve will last a life time. for a good rock solid regulator check out these three sites. thay all have amazing costumer service and have great products.

http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/ (not just CO2 stuff an you can find basically every thing you need for pressurized CO2)

http://www.rexgrigg.com/ (he has good advice and makes a good regulator to boot)

http://sumoregulator.com/ (these are the guys i got my regulator from and man are thay good, it helps that i've met them both at NJAGC meetings, if you want to see my regulator just check out the link in my sig for my tanks)

The needle valve is probably more important than the regulator because it allows you to fine tune the flow rate of CO2 into you tank.

Tanks: for this you will find that many places just swap out CO2 tanks with ones thay already have filled so many times it is recomended you don't by one unless you know of a place that will fill your tank for you. this often takes around 2 days.

diffusuer/reactor: you can go with ether thay do the same thing. personally i used a glass diffuser till mine broke (clumsy hands). if you check out Rex;s site he has direction for an inline reactor that is vary effective.

bubble counter: vary help full but not necessary. you can DIY (Rex's site again) one have one put onto you're regulator if you're having it custom built (SUMO custom build an test all there regulators) or put one on your self. there are also some pre-built set ups that already have one on them.
 
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Milwaukees are relatively standard CO2 regulators, not the best needle valve but thy work. there are actually are alot of options open for you with where to buy regulators. the only reason i suggest those three sites is thay have the best customer service and all the people who own those sites can usually be found on line over at TPT (and i'm pretty sure at APC). and are willing to answer any questions you may have (i find this invaluable when it comes to planted tanks)
 
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