What do I need for Pressurized CO2?

AshK

AshK

Muffin MIX NAO
Jun 24, 2008
481
0
16
38
California, PA
Hi guys. I'm getting fed up with my DIY CO2 set up. I have to unclog the lines too frequently and the uncertainty of the system makes me nervous. Sometimes I get a LOT of CO2 bubbles, but more often than not I get very few (1 per 30 seconds).

I want to go the pressurized route. I've read about people's set ups and stuff but I am still confused on the exact equipment I will need (and the sizes too). I want to split 1 CO2 canister amongst 2 tanks (20 gallon & 6 gallon). Will this work? Or do I need 2 canisters? The tanks are can be seen here. Here's a list of things I think I need:

-co2 canister (what size? is 5lbs sufficient?)
-drop checker (do I need more than 1?)
-bubble counter (do I need more than 1?)
-proper tubing (what is it called, what size/diameter is it?)
-means to diffuse, maybe a reactor, diffuser or small internal canister filter, as I don't have a large one.
-needle valves
-regulator (what is this?)
-means to split up the co2 amongst 2 tanks.

Am I missing anything? Thanks for your help.
 
-co2 canister (what size? is 5lbs sufficient?)
5lb is enough for those 2 tanks. But if the price difference between 5 and 10 aint that great then might as well go for 10.

-drop checker (do I need more than 1?)
good to have more than one so you know exact levels of your co2 in both tanks

-bubble counter (do I need more than 1?)
you would need 2 bubble counters (more explanation later in post)

-proper tubing (what is it called, what size/diameter is it?)
go for silicone tubing, sold at most lfs and even online for very cheap

-means to diffuse, maybe a reactor, diffuser or small internal canister filter, as I don't have a large one.
can add glass diffusers or even limewood airstones. Both work like a charm

-needle valves
2 will be needed (more info later in post)

-regulator (what is this?)
Milwaukee_CO2_Adjustable_Flow_Regulator.jpg

Basically connects to the co2 cylinder and controls the pressure the gas is exerted

-means to split up the co2 amongst 2 tanks.
Now we get to the heart of this project.
You would need a double manifold for the setup.
So basically if you look at the photo above you see the bubble counter connected to the needle valve. Well in your case you would need the following
dual-manifold_lg.jpg
dual-manifold-bubble-counter_lg.jpg


So this way you can run both tanks at different bubble rates.

Final cost of this type of project is around $200-250 (price differs since you can skip a few things like the expensive bubble counters and go for simpler ones)
 
Last edited:
So many thanks BK :D
 
I am doing a similar project and have been doing much research. Thanks for verifying everything! Does anybody have opinions about the "best" type of diffuser? I like the glass ones, are there advantages to powered ones? Or routing through canister filter?
 
So If I got this manifold:
dual-manifold_lg.jpg


Can I just get cheapy bubble counters (such as this)??
AHY4207.jpg


And if I get this manifold:
dual-manifold-bubble-counter_lg.jpg
Would I need needle valves too? Thanks again :perv:
 
^^^ that 3rd picture already shows the manifold + 2 needle valves + 2 bubble counters. So at $80 its pretty good for a whole kit.

If you get just the manifold (photo 1) it already includes the needle valves so you can add tubing right into the needle valve and run it with an inline chepo bubble counter (as you showed in photo 2)

Links:
http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-manifolds-splitters/co2-dual-manifold.html
http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-manifolds-splitters/dual-manifold-bubble-counter.html
 
So if i get this 2 way manifold thing, I've read i need a Milwuake and or JBJ regulator? Are these different than the regulator you've pictured?
 
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