Just stopping by to tell you all that I am following the conversation with interest- keep it up!
Easy and complete CO2 system?
- Thread starter Cearbhaill
- Start date
I've concluded that even you guys can't agree on what is necessary and that no system comes complete with everything I need.
Then I guess I don't understand what you are asking. I think we all agree that the parts necessary are: a CO2 tank, regulator, needle valve, and diffuser. A bubble-counter & solenoid are optional. Most of the all-in-one setups include these.
It's really up to you to figure out how you're going to implement it into your current system. Some people use a diffuser, some use their canister. Some use a solenoid to shut it down at night, some don't. Some use a bubble-counter, some don't.
There is no right or best way, there are just different ways.
It's really up to you to figure out how you're going to implement it into your current system. Some people use a diffuser, some use their canister. Some use a solenoid to shut it down at night, some don't. Some use a bubble-counter, some don't.
There is no right or best way, there are just different ways.
I guess I'm just afraid of sitting here with all my parts and having no idea what to do with them, dicking with it all day, and ending up frustrated and confused.
Let's try this.
90 gallon tank, plants, discus, Eheim 2028 with prefilter and spraybar (doesn't break surface).
IF I order the AquaBotanic complete system for large aquariums "Includes a regulator with two gauges, needle valve, check valve, bubble counter, solenoid, pH controller, and external reactor that connects to a cannister filter or sump. 10 feet of tubing included at no charge." can I be sure that it will include everything I need except the co2 tank??
Same question re Florida Driftwood Ultimate co2 system?
"(B) Co2 Regulator
(C) Solenoid Valve
(D) Needle Valve
(E) Bubble Counter & Brass Check Valve
(F) Co2 Reactor 200 (up to 200+ gallon capacity)
(F') Rio50 pump
(G) Co2/pH Controller & Probe
(H) Co2 Tubing (7')"
Yes to both, right?
So why does one supply a pump and the other not?
Because it depends in your filter integration method (or lack of)?
Do I want it integrated?
Would that complicate my filter maintenance?
The pump is for an internal reactor which is not necessary if you have a cannister filter and want to run the CO2 into it for distribution into the water column. I have heard that some people have had problems with the CO2 injecting through a cannister because it causes some type of air lock within the cannister.
I have a cannister, but use the internal method, basically because it's what I had before buying the cannister. Although based on the above reports, I don't know whether I'd go with the injection through the cannister or not, given that option.
I don't think it would cause any additional maintenance as to extra cleaning of the cannister, but I could be incorrect in that area.
Both of the sources you mention, IMO, offer complete systems from my point of view so it's your choice as to injection that will make the difference.
I think the differing opinions you're getting reflect the different ideas people have of what is "necessary" and what is not.
I personally don't think a bubble counter or solenoid are "necessary". Some do. It's like getting a new car with/without cruise control.........your choice.......your pocketbook.
A CO2 system is not that difficult to set up and any or all of us can guide you through it.
Len
I have a cannister, but use the internal method, basically because it's what I had before buying the cannister. Although based on the above reports, I don't know whether I'd go with the injection through the cannister or not, given that option.
I don't think it would cause any additional maintenance as to extra cleaning of the cannister, but I could be incorrect in that area.
Both of the sources you mention, IMO, offer complete systems from my point of view so it's your choice as to injection that will make the difference.
I think the differing opinions you're getting reflect the different ideas people have of what is "necessary" and what is not.
I personally don't think a bubble counter or solenoid are "necessary". Some do. It's like getting a new car with/without cruise control.........your choice.......your pocketbook.
A CO2 system is not that difficult to set up and any or all of us can guide you through it.
Len
The instructions that come with the regulator are very good. It walked me through the setup and I knew literally nothing about how the stuff fit together before I did it.
I was thinking of getting an inline diffuser, but decided I'd try to run the CO2 through my canister first to see if it caused an air-lock. Much to my delight it does not air-lock. My understanding is that air-locking is when you break the siphon. This hasn't happened to me so far. It's kinda hokey looking, I'll post a pic when i get home, but it works perfectly.
I was thinking of getting an inline diffuser, but decided I'd try to run the CO2 through my canister first to see if it caused an air-lock. Much to my delight it does not air-lock. My understanding is that air-locking is when you break the siphon. This hasn't happened to me so far. It's kinda hokey looking, I'll post a pic when i get home, but it works perfectly.
The pH Controller is expensive, but not necessary... a timer for the solenoid shut-off at night is good to have. A simple timer will do..
You've probably seen pics of 'complete set-ups', but here's a pic anyway...
Here's the link: CO2 Set-up
Hope this was somewhat useful as it was before I got mine set up... CO2 seemed like some kind of mystery, but once you get it going it is a simple system.
You and your plants will love it.
Oh yeah, get extra extension cords, couldn't hurt to have one when needed. My CO2 set-up didn't come with the tank, so I got one locally at a 'carbonics' business...
You've probably seen pics of 'complete set-ups', but here's a pic anyway...
Here's the link: CO2 Set-up
Hope this was somewhat useful as it was before I got mine set up... CO2 seemed like some kind of mystery, but once you get it going it is a simple system.
You and your plants will love it.
Oh yeah, get extra extension cords, couldn't hurt to have one when needed. My CO2 set-up didn't come with the tank, so I got one locally at a 'carbonics' business...
OK OK OK!
I will order a complete system the end of this month.
But when I show up here all confused and cryin' y'all better show up to help a gal figger it out.
I'd assume that I need to measure the height of my underneath zone before I get a tank- I'm tempted to buy a nice new shiny one, but will have to see what is available locally and nearby.
I don't mind more frequent refills (or even keeping a spare) but this is in my living room and must look nice.
"End of tank dump" is a little frightening- you could go ahead and assure me that this is easy to figure out as well...
I currently run 110w of compact fluoro on a 90 gallon, but it is a 220w unit (I keep the back set turned off).
How will 220 watts work out with CO2- in terms of what additional plants I will be able to sustain?
Will it increase my variety possibilities substantially or just promote more vigorous growth of what I am already keeping?
I'd like to be able to grow more variety.
I will order a complete system the end of this month.
But when I show up here all confused and cryin' y'all better show up to help a gal figger it out.
I'd assume that I need to measure the height of my underneath zone before I get a tank- I'm tempted to buy a nice new shiny one, but will have to see what is available locally and nearby.
I don't mind more frequent refills (or even keeping a spare) but this is in my living room and must look nice.
"End of tank dump" is a little frightening- you could go ahead and assure me that this is easy to figure out as well...
I currently run 110w of compact fluoro on a 90 gallon, but it is a 220w unit (I keep the back set turned off).
How will 220 watts work out with CO2- in terms of what additional plants I will be able to sustain?
Will it increase my variety possibilities substantially or just promote more vigorous growth of what I am already keeping?
I'd like to be able to grow more variety.
Don't bother to buy a nice shiny one, you'll just trade it in on the refill. Go to your local beer brewers supply store and get a 6lb tank used, $60 filled, $10 refill.
good luck
good luck
