Co2 system....Where to start?

[sawyer1206]

I have been researching co2 systems for the past couple of weeks and I need some advice. Right now I am leaning toward purchasing one of these to get familiar with Co2.
http://www.petsolutions.com/default.aspx?ItemId=15517690&EID=15517690&SID=FROOGLE

Has anyone used one of these with any success?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

what size of tank? its a basic diy co2 set up.

http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html

you can build your own for a lot cheaper.

 

[Rex Grigg]

If it's for your 200 gallon then just send me the money instead. It will do you as much good.

That system works OK on a system up to about 20 gallons. But save money and just buy the Bubble counter and use your own bottle, sugar and yeast.

But again. If it's for your 200 gallon tank forget it.

Buying it to get familiar with CO2 would be like playing with Hot Wheels to prepare for your CDL (Commercial Drivers License).

 

[TipStylez]

Yep, that lil thing wont do anything for tanks larger then 20gals.

 

[sawyer1206]

The reactor is for a 20 long planted aquarium I have been playing with for about a month now. I want to try some Co2 but I am not ready to shove out a bunch of money for the pressurized kit and I have enough DIY aquarium projects going to keep myself plenty busy.

Will the store bought kit give me the same results as the DIY set up?

 

[TipStylez]

Its the SAME exact thing. Just that the yeast comes in "premeasured" packets with fancy names and fancy prices. Your still going to have to change the sugar/yeast water when it wares out and replace it just like you would with a DIY setup.

When you buy that, your pretty much paying 20bucks for a fancy bottle, and the crappy CO2 ladder they provide.

Just go DIY and get a glass diffuser off ebay, works better and wont leach the yest water into your tank.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

yes very good idea. plus your going to be able to add more diy co2 bottles if you want. 2 liter bottles also hold more then the little premade things i think.

 

[GirlieGirl8521]

For a 20g long I'd go with 2 2L bottles of DIY. The kit is probably only 1L, maybe 2L and IMO thats not enough for a 20g. I have 1 2L and 1 1L on my 3g. That works pretty well... Try DIYing 2 2L bottles. It will be cheaper than the Hagen kit and work better.