going pressurized?

[rockhoe14er]

So i was thinking about getting a pressurized co2 kit and i have a couple of questions.

so i found a place where i can get a 5lbs co2 cylinder for 60 dollars and a double gauge regulator for 80 dollars. Do you think this is a good deal? it's from a home brewing store.

I won't have a selinoid so i won't really be able to turn off the gas but if i keep it at 1 bps running all the time should that be alright?

Do i really need to get a co2 drop checker and a selinoid? Does anyone have any other suggestions for a cheep kit?

 

[mfield4]

So i was thinking about getting a pressurized co2 kit and i have a couple of questions.

so i found a place where i can get a 5lbs co2 cylinder for 60 dollars and a double gauge regulator for 80 dollars. Do you think this is a good deal? it's from a home brewing store.

I won't have a selinoid so i won't really be able to turn off the gas but if i keep it at 1 bps running all the time should that be alright?

Do i really need to get a co2 drop checker and a selinoid? Does anyone have any other suggestions for a cheep kit?

You could check craigslist for a larger and cheaper CO2 tank, I got a 20# for $70.

You could also find a better deal on a CO2 guage, one with a solenoid, for around $80.

If you are interested check out the for sale ad: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236339

Some people run CO2 24/7, some don't. It's not recommended as it wastes CO2.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

for $90 online you can get one with a built in bubble counter and solenoid. a drop checker isnt a must but it sure does help. same with the solenoid.

 

[rockhoe14er]

which one do you suggest?

 

[67chevelle]

which one do you suggest?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Milwaukee-Co2-M...477?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0709f4f5

Drop checker,

http://cgi.ebay.com/CO2-Aquarium-Gl...-Test-Set-/180522191568?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0

CO2 tubing,

http://www.bobstropicalplants.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=329

And look on craigslist for a bottle. I got a 10# bottle for $25.

Get some timers for your lights,and solenoid, and your good to go.

EDIT,

You will need a diffuser as well. You can get glass ones cheap on Ebay. But depending on the size of tank,you may want to look at all the options there are.

 

[rockhoe14er]

no i already have an internal diffuser. So in that arena i'm good to go.

 

[67chevelle]

I would get the Milwaukee regulator with the bubble counter and solenoid valve. That is less than $100 shipped. With shipping,the drop checker is less than 10. The CO2 tubbing is about that too.So minus the bottle,your looking at like $115. Not to bad IMO. Keep your eyes open for bottles on Craigslist.

Going pressurized is worth it. The initial expense is small price for a beautifully planted tank,IMO.

Plus,what in this hobby doesn't cost $150?
Ya gotta pay,if ya want to play! :grinyes:

 

[rockhoe14er]

That's true that's a great deal. How do you use the drop checker? is there a fluid that in the glass piece that turns a color? how does it work?

Also what does a #10 bottle mean? is that a short way of writing 10 lbs bottle?

 

[67chevelle]

That's true that's a great deal. How do you use the drop checker? is there a fluid that in the glass piece that turns a color? how does it work?

Also what does a #10 bottle mean? is that a short way of writing 10 lbs bottle?

10# short for 10lbs.

You need KH standard to put in them,then add a drop of PH indicator. It will start off blue,then when it is green,you have 30ppm of CO2 in your tank. Which is what you want.

http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-drop-checkers.html

Their prices on drop checkers are high.Which is why I linked them on Ebay. But there is a bit of info in drop checkers and other stuff.

 

[rockhoe14er]

anyone use the Milwaukee regulator? i hear a lot of mixed reviews about these regulators. Is it better to wait and try to get a nicer second hand one on CL? or just save up for a nicer one?