Which CO2?

[sorberj]

OK, so I have my regulator and my reactor, now I just need the bottle to go full pressurized on my 55gal. I was going to go to a local shop and buy into a tank exchange but I noticed that they have multiple grades of CO2 available. They vary from "industrial" to "medical" to "research" with varying levels of purity. Does this matter much for a planted tank? Should I just get the inexpensive stuff (industrial) or should I be aiming for the purest CO2 possible?

 

[tanker]

Me personally----I always get the "human/food" grade, so I think it is the most expensive.

 

[avionics30]

I've used "industrial" or CO2 from a welding shop for years. In California you cannot get medical grade CO2 without a perscrition.

 

[FSM]

What is the price difference for the different types?

It costs me $10 for a 5 lb tank refill.

 

[avionics30]

No huge difference. I have two 10 lb tanks and that usually costs about $35 to fill both. So, $3.5 per lb? If you can get medical grade, go for it! Welding gasses are easier to find.

Best wishes!

 

[Pavo71]

I usually get my CO2 tank filled at the local restaurant supply house at just over $12 for my 5lb tank. But I use it for force carbonating and dispensing beer as well as for my future hi tech planted system.

I'm on DIY CO2 for the planted tank right now making beer in the 2L bottles.

 

[ghengis]

Food grade, if it's available...otherwise definitely the medical grade.