John N. said:
The cons of a pressurized system is the initial start up costs i.e. 10# CO2 cylinder + regulator. This lumped costs generally is $150. Thereafter, one will pay only $10-20 to refill the cylinder every year.
#10 CO2 cylinder filled locally - $65-70
Milwaukee/JBJ/Azoo regulator - $80
Your quote regards the CARBO 'without shipping' seems biased since you don't mention a shipping cost associated with a fixed system. If you are saying that a fixed system can be bought locally, negating a shipping charge then I can just as easy say the same. There are shops in my town that sell them. Of course there is also local tax which I hope you are factoring in.
Also, I have a propane tank filled now and again and it's a pain. At times I have to stand in line in 100 degree weather just to have it filled then need to wait again in line to pay.
John N. said:
The Carbo Plus Unit initial startup costs is around $150 without shipping. Every 2 months, blocks need to be placed for $10-30. Yearly costs to replace equates to $60-100+.
No disrespect John but I've already mentioned I don't spend up to 30 on carbon plates nor do I replace them every 2 months.
It's $10 every 4-5 months which equates to just under 30 a year.
John N. said:
That's only the costs differences.
Regards the regulator, does that also include the necessary hardware to get the co2 into the tank? For example, the system starting off the thread is quoted as a 'complete system' and it sells for 219 without shipping (or tax) I gather and it seems from the comments mentioned, it is a good system. Is the $150 system you recommend comparable?
John N. said:
Functionality differences favor a pressurized CO2 setup.
I'm in relative agreement with this since you have the flexibilty to jet stream co2 into the tank if you are so include. No, not implying that you would.
I agree that being able to blow straight co2 into a tank if the value is cranked up is more flexible that a governed system but then, that flexibilty also makes for a more dangerous system where, for example, the regulator goes bad, gobs of co2 enter the tank and your fiish are dead.
But also, the CARBO does have a regulator and I've already mentioned that I CANNOT crank it wide open as it dumps too much co2 into the tank, thereby affecting the fish... They tend to rise to the top of the tank in search of oxygen
If the CARBO regulator did break, can't imagine massive amounts of co2 entering the tank. There are electrical issues to consider
John N. said:
So the comparison with DIY CO2 is on the mark, your CO2 rates will vary and clearly won't be as high as the block looses steam. Pressurized will is fixed CO2 output, no fluctuations.
As mentioned, CARBO is adjustable and from what I've read here, DYI is intended for small tanks. Still having an issue seeing the connection.
But also as the cylinder depletes, you need to make adjustments to keep co2 at the appropriate levels and, those adjustments affect the hardness of your water. Not sure about the system you are promoting but the CARBO has a VERY visible LED that can be used spot checked from a distance to make sure co2 output is constant, In addition it's easier and cheaper to have plates on hand for a quick changeout if a plate is spent... Am assuming it could take hours to switch out a cylinder if you don't have anothor on-hald. In that time, the dynamics of your tank are fluxuting.
As well, co2 plates are delivered to my door... no need for me to leave the house for refills (I have them onhand) and the system is small, taking up very little space.
Regards steam, both systems lose it but it seems, the CARBO system is easier to both detect and resolve and cheaper if reaction time is to be considered (since a quick cylinder change requires a 2nd fully charged unit or a charging station open 24-7).
John N. said:
The goal is to achieve a balance in a Planted Aquarium with light, ferts, and CO2. A pressurized CO2 system will help you achieve this better than a Carbo-Unit.
-John N.
Agreed at least in regards to balance!
Now, I don't have experience with a cylinder (perhaps 1 day I will) but do have CARBO experience. Wondering if any of you have CARBO experience - seems there is a lot of bias against the system here but no practical experience to back it up - seems there is a lot of 'go here go there' instead of 'in my experience...'.
As I mentioned, I did try the sites originally posted but had issue trying to get to them - but not from a lack of trying.
I will check into the sites listed when I get to the house. But really, I have a system in place and its hard to put stock in other opinions since I experience the CARBO 1st hand
