getting fed up with DIY CO2...

mellowvision

mellowvision

Seafood Lover
May 17, 2007
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Brooklyn NY
www.mellowvision.com
Real Name
Bill Brissette
It seems like I've gone through bottles and valves and hoses and airstones and glass bubblers, there's always some problem... right now I have 2 bottles producing co2, but nothing that will keep a seal for more than 48 hours. I spent probably 25 dollars trying out different mini valves for the bottle top, each with it's own flaw. the airline hose is getting cloudy and slimy, every airstone I try ends up clogged eventually. the glass bubblers seem to take a lot more pressure than an airstone to push through... I think I've tried hard enough.

I'd like to try one of the 30-40 dollar options I've seen around. The one reccomeneded at the local fish store had a powerhead included for 33 bucks, but I really don't want to add a powerhead to this tank. Ideally, I'd like to use the glass bubbler, it looks nice, but am willing to try something else if people think the bubbler is not a good option. I don't need a lot of co2, I'm dealing with around 15 gallons of water or so.

this is the one reccomeneded by the lfs... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...ll&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

will it work well without the powerhead?
 
Do what i did.. Get a water bottle
buy a hagen bubble counter( i bought 3 for about $7 each)
get some airline tubing ( the bubble counter comes with it.)
make a hole with a drill(screw if you don't have a drill)
put the airline tube in, u
se NON-TOXIC sealant all around the airline tube just put a huge blob who cares what it looks like it will be hidden(unless u want it visible). TaDa.
i used a dasani water bottle the larger ones it lasts about 3 weeks.

Bubble Counter:
bubblediff.jpg
 
I've heard good things about the Hagen CO2 system. It's in the price range you are looking for. I just bought one myself because I'm not one to enjoy drilling holes in 2 liter bottles.
 
Yes I agree, the Hagen system is good for those who aren't DIY friendly, like me. The Hagen system's cannister volume is 1L. The second link you posted was a waste of time and money. Stay far away from it.
 
Mellow-

I hope this is not redundant for you... however...

What I have done is made a small hole in the bottle cap, that is slightly smaller then the tube. Then, I cut the bottom of the tube at an angle to create a "sharp" end. Then, I use pliers to pull the tube through the hole. That itself creates a tight seal, but then I add LOTS of silicone around it. I have never had a seal go this way, and I ran my bottles for 6 months.

HTH
 
I did the same thing as aquariageek but on mine I did not use silicone. It's just the tight fit of the airline tubing against the bottle cap. Use one size smaller drill bit that you would normally use if you were going to use silicone. Then snip the tubing in an angle and use a needle nose plier to help you pull the tubing through the hole.

I had the same problem with the airstone being clogged up after a week, some recommended the wooden kind.
 
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