Do a search concerning Clippard solenoids. You will find quite a few complaints regarding leaks.
Lighting question for 30 gallon Planted tank
- Thread starter sundragon
- Start date
Update
Updates. I added DIY CO2 and the cheaper, but higher output light (65 w) and the plants are popping... The Wisteria is now growing so fast I can see it on a daily basis. The swords are popping green, and the algae is also enjoying it. I added a few more plants (Micro Swords, Crinium Cal., Cyperus Helferi) to compete with the algae and take advantage of the CO2.
They showed me another CO2 system from Sicce (Italian Company) called CO2 Life. It uses C02 electrolysis. The unit and cartridge cost was considerably cheaper than CO2 regulator system and the planted tank they were using it in looked amazing.
Have you guys heard anything about it?
Updates. I added DIY CO2 and the cheaper, but higher output light (65 w) and the plants are popping... The Wisteria is now growing so fast I can see it on a daily basis. The swords are popping green, and the algae is also enjoying it. I added a few more plants (Micro Swords, Crinium Cal., Cyperus Helferi) to compete with the algae and take advantage of the CO2.
They showed me another CO2 system from Sicce (Italian Company) called CO2 Life. It uses C02 electrolysis. The unit and cartridge cost was considerably cheaper than CO2 regulator system and the planted tank they were using it in looked amazing.
Have you guys heard anything about it?
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Did a little research, The CO2 Life system works, just expensive over the life of the system. I was looking for something that was a little smaller and look acceptable in a living room.
Very nice! I just started a 20H with fairly similar plants.I am going to start DIY co2 in a few days so I should take some pics and start a thread. Your before and after pics have clinched the deal for me. I was on the fence about DIY or pressurized but after seeing your results and the fact that you have 50% more water volume I am sure DIY will be enough.
I am planning a much bigger tank for next year and will go with pressurized on that but pretty excited about how this works for small tanks.
I only wish I was as good at layout as you and others I have seen, maybe some of it will rub off on me.
I am planning a much bigger tank for next year and will go with pressurized on that but pretty excited about how this works for small tanks.
I only wish I was as good at layout as you and others I have seen, maybe some of it will rub off on me.
Thanks for the compliments. Post some pictures!
I've been looking at less expensive CO2 injection and I may make the jump. I don't mind mixing the yeast, etc. I just don't like the irregularity from batch to batch.
I quickly realized I don't want to put the energy into making a DIY injected tank - I'd rather purchase one that works and be done with it than hunt online for parts and hope everything works. Members have been very helpful and mentioned more than a few links on how to build one for ~$130.
You can also look at these regulators I found online for about the same:
http://www.aquariumplants.com/AquariumPlants_com_s_Electronic_Co2_Regulator_p/co2.htm
or
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9935&pcatid=9935
or this one for a bit less:
http://www.aquariumplants.com/product_p/pr333.htm
Currently, I'm going to try out the DIY way just to see how it goes. So far the first batch had bad yeast that petered out in just over a week.
I suggest that you do a bit more research, save a bit more money if you need to and get a better pressurized CO2 system. It will save you money and more in the long run.
I would not purchase either of these regulators and systems unless there are plans for needle valve modifications. I would actually still suggest going for a better regulator assembly.
I've used the Azoo regulator in that kit, While it is simple to use, it's needle valve doesn't hold its bubble rate well. You can add an inline Fabco or better needle valve and get by. The factory doesn't recommend adjusting its preset working pressure, but it can be done if needed. I never adjusted mine. It was fine in that respect. The AM BC in the kit is a but "funky" too. I like it, but you have to do a few mods and then it is good to go. Some people do not like silicone tubing because CO2 can leak through the tubing's pores. The timer is OK. I haven't used the diffuser in this kit.
Do a search about the Milwaukee regulator. You will find many complaints, but there are some people that do like them. The Milwaukee regulator has "funky" directions for set-up in an effort to compensate for its poor quality needle valve. Again, a better inline needle valve will help.
funky directions - "The MA957 Regulator set up procedure & gas flow adjustment is as follows:" http://milwaukeetesters.com/pdf/MA957 Regulator Set Up Procedure.pdf
Thank you for all the detailed information! How about this model: http://www.aquariumplants.com/AquariumPlants_com_s_Electronic_Co2_Regulator_p/co2.htm
It's a bit more expensive, but not excessive. Honestly I don't need/want wizbang - I just want it to work for a single 30 gallon tank - Possibly a moderately larger tank in the future
It uses a cheap single stage regulator with that electronic box. There have been mixed reports on them.Thank you for all the detailed information! How about this model: http://www.aquariumplants.com/AquariumPlants_com_s_Electronic_Co2_Regulator_p/co2.htm
It's a bit more expensive, but not excessive. Honestly I don't need/want wizbang - I just want it to work for a single 30 gallon tank - Possibly a moderately larger tank in the future
If you run two aquariums with it, you will need a splitter and another box. Or, a splitter, needle valve and an optional solenoid for the other aquarium. There might be other ways to rig it too.
Tom Barr, myself and many others like the two stage regulators with a good needle valve such as the brass Ideal V52-1-12 with the micrometer handle and an optional solenoid like the Bürkert 6011 with Buna-N seals and a LED cable plug. Many times you can get a good and cheap two stage regulator from eBay. You can build a very good one for $190 or less. It depends on what you pay for the regulator. Someone on another forum just won a Victor two stage regulator for 99[FONT="]¢[/FONT] plus shipping. [FONT="][/FONT]To save even more money, you can get a Swagelok/Nupro or Parker metering valve and a Parker (or another brand of) solenoid from eBay, closeout or another aquarist.
I'm taking notes!
I've read that two stage regulators are better than single stage. I love this hobby, but I'm really not into building a system piece by piece. If upgrading a needle valve on a $120 unit would make it reliable, then I'm game 
