co2 wannabe

[Debisbooked]

My 17 month old 75g tank has been planted with low light plants (java moss, fern, sags, crypts, plus a few others) since the beginning. I have Bolivian rams (5), neons (5), black skirts (5), clown loaches (3 small to med sized), 2 adult mollies and about 20 baby mollies. The substrate is ecocomplete. The lights are Coral life 6700 x 2 and stay on for ten hours/day (timer). Two filters: Rena xp3 and an Eheim 2213 canister. I forgot what heater but it's rated for 75g. Water chemistry tests are withing normal limits.

I do a one third water change every two weeks. The tank has a hair algae problem, plus I suspect cyanobacteria problem. Some of the plants seem to be 'melting'. (I think some of these problems stem from overfeeding by "helpers" when I am away from home). From what I read on this forum, frequent water changes (more than every 2 weeks?) and co2 could help; maybe even less light hours? (The tank is not near sunlight, btw). I do not want to do the DIY yeast thing but am willing to buy the gas canister, valves, etc. All the terminology flummoxs me though. Could someone just tell me the exact mimimum pieces I need, their names, where to buy, etc? I just want my plants to grow better to outperform the algae. I am not looking to win any awards here so I do not want the best of the best valves, just common workhorses. Thanks!

 

[Rex Grigg]

http://theplantedtankfaq.com/CO2_FAQ.html

Minimum needed for pressurized CO2.

Cylinder
Regulator
Needle valve
Tubing
Check valve
Diffusion method

Where to buy? There are lots of places to buy. But generally if you try and buy everything from one place you are A) Going to overpay or B) Get at least one or more crap components.

One thing to decide. Do you want any kind of a controlled CO2 system? Hooked to a timer or pH controller?

What type of diffusion method do you want to use? External reactor? Internal method like a mister?

 

[Debisbooked]

http://theplantedtankfaq.com/CO2_FAQ.html

Minimum needed for pressurized CO2.

Cylinder
Regulator
Needle valve
Tubing
Check valve
Diffusion method

Where to buy? There are lots of places to buy. But generally if you try and buy everything from one place you are A) Going to overpay or B) Get at least one or more crap components.

One thing to decide. Do you want any kind of a controlled CO2 system? Hooked to a timer or pH controller?

What type of diffusion method do you want to use? External reactor? Internal method like a mister?

Thanks for responding so quickly Mr. Grigg with a succinct list. I certainly do not want to overpay for parts.

I am going to check out the local welding/gas supply house for used cylinders and (new or used) regulators then compare them to internet sites. Yes I want to control using a timer at least. I am not familiar with the pH controller though I understand one wants to avoid a pH crash. As for diffusion, I would prefer something that is not really obvious but if co2 infusion works I suppose an internal could be hidden behind the lush plants.

As for regulators, is it wise to get them used? Is there a way to check them?

 

[snickle]

BTW Rex sells great regulators.

As for controlling the CO2 flow there are 3 basic options:

Run 24x7, this is the cheapest parts wise but you will use I little more CO2. I use this method aiming for an average of 15ppm of CO2.

Run with lights. This is a very common method, requires a solenoid valve on you regulator and you just hook it up to the same timer as your lights.

The PH controller is the high-tech most expensive way, it monitors the ph and adds CO2 when it starts to rise (CO2 lowers PH). This is a complicated system and can be hard for people new to CO2.

Best on your list of plants and the lights, I would go with a simple setup and get more complicated later if you decide to get more advanced.

I would also add two items to Rex's a bubble counter and a Drop Checker. The bubble counter gives you a visual way to see how much CO2 you are pumping and the drop checker gives you a way to see how much CO2 is in the tank.
For the Regulator, Needle valve, Tubing, Check valve and bubble counter consider Rex. I wish I had.

For a cylinder the big question is do you have any place local that fills or only place that swap? I have a fire extinguisher place reasonably close that will fill, I bought a brand new 20# aluminum cylinder from American beverage on ebay. $105 with shipping. $20 bucks to fill. A 20# will last a while.

If the places near you only do swaps, find a cheap used steel tank. Ebay is a good choice.

I would buy the biggest one you can accommodate in your setup. It does not cost much more to fill a 20# than a 10#, but it last longer.

If you want a cheap drop checker PM me and I can find you a few links.

Diffusion method: Always interesting. One common method is to inject the CO2 into the canister filter or return from a sump filter, but we do not know your filter setup. With low CO2 plants, this method work well.

Let us know your filter setup.

Hope all this helps.

 

[Rex Grigg]

They have two canister filters on the tank. So I would go with an external CO2 reactor.

You don't need a welding regulator. They are expensive. A good quality beverage regulator works just fine. I use Cornelius regulators for all my builds. They cost a couple of bucks more than less expensive regulators (after you factor in the shipping charges on the on-line "deals"). But they are rock solid.