DIY CO2 pressurized system plan

5 lbs co2 tank about $35 if you can find it locally

Dual Gauge Regulator $46 after shipping http://www.ebay.com/itm/Premium-Pro...ltDomain_0&hash=item53ea563bc1#ht_2577wt_1344

Needle Valve $14.50 after shipping http://www.ebay.com/itm/Needle-valv...ltDomain_0&hash=item3cb5eb6165#ht_3372wt_1128

bubble counter $3 free shipping http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aquarium-Aq...265734?pt=AU_Pet_Supplies&hash=item20bf77fec6

co2 diffuser $13 after shipping http://www.ebay.com/itm/S3-CO2-Diff...316?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb3021aa4

total= about $112 total for a complete system.
 
I've had my eye on this for a while:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041YLM7G/ref=s9_simh_gw_p199_d0_g199_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=1YNVDT3T6QJK26HP3TWB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846

It sells for much cheaper on ebay if you're willing to go that route. Seems like some people have had good results with it on other planted tank forums.

They're $63 on ebay brand new, so with the cost of the $35 CO2 tank and $13 diffuser it'd come out to $111 (the one on ebay comes with a bubble counter). Not to mention this comes with a solenoid which is a huge plus, imo.
 
When looking at regulators, I highly recommend looking at a dual stage rather than a single stage. Dual stage will prevent the end of tank dump that can gas out your livestock.

I also highly recommend a solenoid and timer to shut the flow off when the lights are out. Both of these will add some cost, but in the long term, are well worth it.

To add some thoughts. Look on ebay for the Viktor VTS 250/253 series.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Victor-VTS-...339?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45feeddad3

This one has an oxygen fitting that would need to be changed to a CO2, but for the price compaired to a single stage, I think you will be much happier. When looking, also keep in mind that while a 5 lb CO2 tank will be in the 1000psi range on the supply side, the delivery is probably never going to go much past 30 psi. Your delivery side gauge will therefore want to be in the 0-100 or 0-60 psi range. You just have a tighter and more accurate control over something in the 0-200 range.
 
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5lb Co2 tank filled is more like $75 to $95
Get a GOOD quality regulator. if not you chance to much. Spend roughly 150 to 200
 
I got my tank "used" from a local home brewing store for $35. It was filled and had gone through pressure testing only a month previously.

I have another local shop that fills an 5lb tank for 7 bucks.
 
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