what tubing is co2 safe?
- Thread starter Linda S
- Start date
http://www.coleparmer.com/techinfo/...E,C&htmlfile=SelectingTubing.htm&Title=Search
anything w/ a dash in the CO2 column will do. If there's a number in the CO2 column, it will leak at least some CO2, and may get brittle as a result of CO2 exposure. Personally, I use 1/16" ID PEEK (but I have access to fittings etc. for it so it's easier for me than for most).
anything w/ a dash in the CO2 column will do. If there's a number in the CO2 column, it will leak at least some CO2, and may get brittle as a result of CO2 exposure. Personally, I use 1/16" ID PEEK (but I have access to fittings etc. for it so it's easier for me than for most).
Ok let me narrow this a bit. Of the tubing available from drsfostersmith.com, thatpetplace.com, petsolutions.com, petsmart, petco which is the tubing I want to use for DIY co2? is it the blue hosing? I understand the regular clear hosing will leak co2. thank you
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3742977
This is the stuff I have. I believe any silicone tubing will be just fine.
This is the stuff I have. I believe any silicone tubing will be just fine.
Silicone tubing is NOT recommended for Co2.
Silicone tubing is highly pearmeable to Co2, meaning that not all of the Co2 will exit through the end of the tubing, some, if not most, will exit through the actual wall of the tubing. While it may work you will be wasting most of your co2, and with a DIY system, Most of your Co2, is too much to lose.
Buy from Mgamer here:
http://www.bobstropicalplants.com/store/catalog/index.php?cPath=24&osCsid=44a341enh1o6d4cpcl0nsd1qd5
Or here:
http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-resistant-tubing.html
I have purchased from both, and each are very good sources.
Bob's is quite a bit cheaper on most stuff.
Silicone tubing is highly pearmeable to Co2, meaning that not all of the Co2 will exit through the end of the tubing, some, if not most, will exit through the actual wall of the tubing. While it may work you will be wasting most of your co2, and with a DIY system, Most of your Co2, is too much to lose.
Buy from Mgamer here:
http://www.bobstropicalplants.com/store/catalog/index.php?cPath=24&osCsid=44a341enh1o6d4cpcl0nsd1qd5
Or here:
http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-resistant-tubing.html
I have purchased from both, and each are very good sources.
Bob's is quite a bit cheaper on most stuff.
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From:"A Treatise on DIY CO2 Systems for Freshwater-Planted Aquaria"
"Getting the gas to the tank water is the next consideration. Tubing should be selected based upon several factors. One is pressure retention, or the ability of tubing to retain its shape under pressure. As tubing is put under pressure, it should not expand in relation to its diameter. Also the tubing will need to be inert; meaning not break down over time due to chemical reaction with the CO2 gas internally or the air or water externally. This pretty much eliminates standard airline tubing used for fish tank aeration. Another consideration is flexibility.
A good candidate for this application is silicon tubing. It does not react with CO2 as quickly, has good pressure retention characteristics and is very flexible. There is also special tubing designed specifically for carrying CO2 gas, and I would encourage spending the few extra dollars needed to use this. But silicon tubing will last for several years, and is in keeping with the cost savings approach DIY implies"
"Getting the gas to the tank water is the next consideration. Tubing should be selected based upon several factors. One is pressure retention, or the ability of tubing to retain its shape under pressure. As tubing is put under pressure, it should not expand in relation to its diameter. Also the tubing will need to be inert; meaning not break down over time due to chemical reaction with the CO2 gas internally or the air or water externally. This pretty much eliminates standard airline tubing used for fish tank aeration. Another consideration is flexibility.
A good candidate for this application is silicon tubing. It does not react with CO2 as quickly, has good pressure retention characteristics and is very flexible. There is also special tubing designed specifically for carrying CO2 gas, and I would encourage spending the few extra dollars needed to use this. But silicon tubing will last for several years, and is in keeping with the cost savings approach DIY implies"
I think zig is thinking of vinyl tubing. Silicone is good. Vinyl tubing will become brittle and reacts with the co2.