As you may know from my other post, I will be starting a 28g fairly heavily planted tank. I need help finding a complete CO2 system for a beginner such as myself. Help me out please!
Help me build/find a complete automatic CO2 system!
- Thread starter clawlan
- Start date
like i said, I am looking for a pre-built set up with everything i need. I would like to avoid a lot of assembly. Perhaps you can list everything I would need for my tank? Also, a ph regulator would be fantastic so I don't have to worry about swings in ph.
Controlled Regulator. Solenoid has LED to show power status. Includes MK II perma-seal, in-line brass check valve, 5' of CO2 tubing.
Bubble counter
then just pick up a ph regulator.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9933&N=2004+113779
way over priced but you get the idea.
System includes: CO2 Pressure Regulator with solenoid, Bubble Counter, Maxijet Powerhead, Pinpoint pH Controller, 20 ft Silicone Tubing, 10 ft Flexible Vinyl 1/2" Tubing, Aqua Medic CO2 Reactor 1000, Water Pump Return Spout, ball valve, and plastic clamps. Assembly instructions included.
Bubble counter
then just pick up a ph regulator.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9933&N=2004+113779
way over priced but you get the idea.
System includes: CO2 Pressure Regulator with solenoid, Bubble Counter, Maxijet Powerhead, Pinpoint pH Controller, 20 ft Silicone Tubing, 10 ft Flexible Vinyl 1/2" Tubing, Aqua Medic CO2 Reactor 1000, Water Pump Return Spout, ball valve, and plastic clamps. Assembly instructions included.
No matter what you buy you are going to have to attach the regulator to the cylinder. The tubing to the regulator and bubble counter and to the check valve and the diffusion method.
Ask yourself this question. Which is more important? Saving time by buying a lot of questionable quality items from one place or buying higher quality items from a couple of different places? I offer three different needle valve choices. Any one of which is better than the valve on any mass produced regulator. If you want an extremely high quality needle valve I can handle that. But that valve costs more than many all-in-one mass produced regulators.
Take the time. Do some research. First thing. Should you buy or rent a cylinder? See my Guide on how to figure that out.
Ask yourself this question. Which is more important? Saving time by buying a lot of questionable quality items from one place or buying higher quality items from a couple of different places? I offer three different needle valve choices. Any one of which is better than the valve on any mass produced regulator. If you want an extremely high quality needle valve I can handle that. But that valve costs more than many all-in-one mass produced regulators.
Take the time. Do some research. First thing. Should you buy or rent a cylinder? See my Guide on how to figure that out.
Rex -
Is the first needle valve you show on your site from a model airplane? It looks very similar to the OS Max needle that I am using (and thinking of replacing). My bubble count won't hold its setting - after the solenoid cycles I have a different (lower) bubble count.
Sorry about the thread hijack!
Is the first needle valve you show on your site from a model airplane? It looks very similar to the OS Max needle that I am using (and thinking of replacing). My bubble count won't hold its setting - after the solenoid cycles I have a different (lower) bubble count.
Sorry about the thread hijack!
Ok so this is what i will need (correct me if im wrong)
co2 tank
regulator
bubble counter
reactor/diffuser (are these the same thing?)
pump (powerhead because i use a HOB filter?)
tubing
check valves
ph controller.
I'm not sure exactly how to piece everything together correctly though. Whay aren't there more complete sets???
co2 tank
regulator
bubble counter
reactor/diffuser (are these the same thing?)
pump (powerhead because i use a HOB filter?)
tubing
check valves
ph controller.
I'm not sure exactly how to piece everything together correctly though. Whay aren't there more complete sets???
tankmate: No. It's a Clippard part.
clawlan: Attach the regulator to the cylinder. Be sure to use a wrench and get manly on it. You can't break it. Attach CO2 tubing to the regulator (note that some regulators have a built-in bubble counter). Attach tubing to check valve. Attach check valve to bubble counter. Attach second check valve to bubble counter. Attach tubing from second check valve to diffusion method. Plug solenoid into controller. Set bubble rate using needle valve.
Why are there not more complete sets? Because most people selling CO2 equipment figure that you can do the research and know what to buy and don't want to put a box of crap together and field the support calls.
A reactor is normally mounted outside the tank and a diffuser is mounted in the tank. They both have the same function, to get CO2 into the water column. So go with one or the other. If you don't have a canister filter you can save yourself a lot of work and plumbing by just using a diffuser.
clawlan: Attach the regulator to the cylinder. Be sure to use a wrench and get manly on it. You can't break it. Attach CO2 tubing to the regulator (note that some regulators have a built-in bubble counter). Attach tubing to check valve. Attach check valve to bubble counter. Attach second check valve to bubble counter. Attach tubing from second check valve to diffusion method. Plug solenoid into controller. Set bubble rate using needle valve.
Why are there not more complete sets? Because most people selling CO2 equipment figure that you can do the research and know what to buy and don't want to put a box of crap together and field the support calls.
A reactor is normally mounted outside the tank and a diffuser is mounted in the tank. They both have the same function, to get CO2 into the water column. So go with one or the other. If you don't have a canister filter you can save yourself a lot of work and plumbing by just using a diffuser.