Co2 plunge

K

Krilorn

AC Members
May 11, 2009
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Nebraska
Ok tax money just got here and its time to start up the Co2 project. Im doing some research on the net and looking here and there, but as always I turn to you all. I know the basics that i need to start this up

Tank
Regulator
Something to diffuse the bubbles


I have heard that other things like Ph controllers, needle valves, bubble counters arent absolutely needed, is this true? Also any online super secrets you all may have on where to find the best buys on all of this stuff. Looking around on ebay I can put a system together for around 250-300 with all the bells and whistles, or 150-200 for a pretty basic setup. Any thoughts and tips are always welcomed as I am pretty exicted to take this next step in planted tanks.
 
I recommend a regulator kit for newbies. The assembly isn't difficult, but on line instructions that aren't for exact model equipment can be frustrating. Here is a good value. I've had mine for a couple of years and my only regret was not spending $30.00 more for the six outlet model.

http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-Regul...LM7G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328303281&sr=8-1

You'll want to find and purchase a tank, bottle, cylinder, whatever, locally if possible. The question will come down to refill or swap. That will depend on the CO2 distributors in your area. I prefer swap and 20# tanks even though it won't fit under my stand. A good supplier can be the local beer distributor. American bars use more CO2 than most people would think they would.

For a diffuser, don't fret. A 1" length of chop stick stuck in the end of your CO2 line makes a fine beginners diffuser. Later you may want to get something that does a better job, but practice on the cheap. The newest 'atomic' diffusers are worth the money, but scary when you see the price.
 
Ok so I can get a 5lb tank locally for around $66 filled. After looking around I was thinking of going with http://www.aquabuys.com/p/co2-combo-regulator-ph-controller.html . I have $300 set for the budget and this would allow me to pick up a decent diffuser and stay within budget. To my thinking this would be a good system for around my 300$ budget and cover everything, am I missing anything? Anyone think I could do better with the $ I would be spending?
 
avoid single stage regulators, they will be great for the first year and then the second you have an end of tank dump and kill all your fish you will regret going the cheap way.

I dont want to self promote here but I have setups that I can sell you that are 100x better for less than what you will pay for a junk milwaukee or aquateck setup. PH meters are expensive and require maintenance and annual costs...although low, they are there.

tank: dont rent/lease a tank because it will be more expensive over time. Buy one cheap and then get it refilled. Just remember that you will need to pay for hydrostatic testing every few years. Get the largest tank you can fit under you stand or next to your stand. Cost of refills of a 5# 10# and 20# tank only differs by a few bucks.

PM me. I have a lot of suff that I want to get rid of. Ill give you a deal.
 
By all means if you can do better then what im looking at, self promote all you want!! Im still new to this and trying to learn as i go.
 
Ok after looking around for some info im a little bit confused. I hear alot about end of tank dumps with single stage regulators, but with going with a ph controller wouldnt i avoid that? To me if the regulator allowed a dumb to start the ph controller would read it and shut down the setup. Am i wrong on this?
 
I use a Co2 drop checker instead of a pH controller so I can not say if it'll stop it. My Co2 setup has been on for about a month now so I have some time before mine will try to dump. And the main thing im replying to you here is so you can avoid this bluegreen algae problem I hit... When my Co2 setup started going I did not have fertilizers to dose with yet and the sudden "feeding frenzy" my mosses had on the nutrients eaten away quickly leaving me with no nitrates, and less oxygen in my water quickly grew the BGA. So if you do not have ferts yet, get them before you start the Co2!
 
unseenone00 said:
I use a Co2 drop checker instead of a pH controller so I can not say if it'll stop it. My Co2 setup has been on for about a month now so I have some time before mine will try to dump. And the main thing im replying to you here is so you can avoid this bluegreen algae problem I hit... When my Co2 setup started going I did not have fertilizers to dose with yet and the sudden "feeding frenzy" my mosses had on the nutrients eaten away quickly leaving me with no nitrates, and less oxygen in my water quickly grew the BGA. So if you do not have ferts yet, get them before you start the Co2!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up. Im currently just dosing iron/potas/flourish trace/excel. I have a supply of dry ferts waiting on the Co2 setup.
 
Yeah, just keep testing those nitrates for the first couple weeks with the Co2, dont let them drop below 8ppm imo
 
unseenone00 said:
I use a Co2 drop checker instead of a pH controller so I can not say if it'll stop it. My Co2 setup has been on for about a month now so I have some time before mine will try to dump.
Click to expand...

So you use a single stage regulator as well? What brand if you dont mind me asking?
 
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