omgs co2 system = $$$

[simbadda]

I've been reading articles and threads on different types of co2 systems, and decided to take the next step by going to my LFS to investigate the products surrounding it. 5 minutes after I arrive, I have some guy trying to sell me a 1200 dollar co2 system.


So it's safe to say I'm holding off on that idea until I research some more and find the most cost effective way.

 

[scottracy]

Will have my new system up and running this week and all for about $160 which includes a 20 lb CO2 tank. Take a look at this website http://members.cox.net/tulsaalstons/AquaticPlants.htm#High Pressure CO2

Also many money saving ideas on the forum.

Scott

 

[simbadda]

wow great link. Thank you!

 

[falcon]

I see you're in Canada too. I got my Milwaukee controller from US for $80USD, JBL regulator with bubble counter for about the same from US, aluminum co2 tank from wine making store, co2 tubing from a company in Quebec(50') - lots left over. AquaMedic reactor 1000 from big al's 100CAD. I think the whole setup cost me around $500CAD - not cheap.

falcon

 

[simbadda]

omg, falcon come over and help me with this co2 system. I'm in sauga Do you go to the big al's at dixe and dundas area?

 

[superjohnny]

I got my Milwuakee regulator, needle valve, bubble counter & solenoid for ~$75 online and a new filled aluminum 10# tank for ~$60. Cost less than $150 total. The LFS is the LAST place to buy this stuff. Their markup is crazy. Home brew Beer & Wine shops, distributors & welding shops are your friend.

 

[falcon]

All the time as it's close to my work. But I prefer the one in Brampton. Don't like the people in Mississauga store and had a bad experience with them. I got an impression that all they care about is making the sale. For fish selection, they're better than the one in Brampton but on average I lost more fish from them within a week of buying than the one in Brampton.

If you need any help with setup or the system, no problem-can help. Also, I can give you a couple feet of the tubing if you can't find any as I didn’t find any locally. Let me know. If you haven't bought your equipment yet, I can show you few sources.

We Canadians are not so lucky. We can save a lot of money if we get aquarium supplies in US (on average, we pay 40% more here after conversion). The problem is duties. If you can ship it to relatives and pick it up later, you can save quite a bit. For example, the Milwaukee controller cost me around $80USD or so and I paid almost $40CAD in GST and duties.

falcon

 

[superjohnny]

Yea, but you get free health-care so suck it up

 

[simbadda]

Superjoynny - lol not for long, they're re-working the system so we have to pay for a lot more services then we did before.


Falcon - It was big al's who told me the price, wasn't going to buy my stuff there anyways..because I know they over price. I should also look to drop by the one in brampton...or maybe the new one opening in oakville I heard it was going to be awesome.

 

[Skippy]

Check out www.aquabid.com , I just got a regulator with bubble counter and solenoid there for a really nice price, ($70 if i'm remembering right)

If you have a BOC Gasses in your town look them up for the tank and such. Or any wending supply shop should be able to point you in the direction of a good C02 source.