which Co2 system for my 180g planted tank?

the lion who ate the sun

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Mar 11, 2014
1,237
50
51
35
georgia
Hey guys--

Im looking to purchase a co2 system for my 180 gallon planted tank. I have no experience with co2 systems, and picking one out is intimidating. I dont want to wind up spending a large sum on a piece of junk.

Does anyone have any advice? Im wanting to spend as little as possible on a great system that will last for years, and hopefully wont ph murder my poly tank.

Thanks!!!



Note:
Was looking at this guy, but again... no idea what Im looking at. Could be quality--could be garbage @_@

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9935
 

the lion who ate the sun

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Mar 11, 2014
1,237
50
51
35
georgia
Ebay seems to have good prices (?) Much more affordable than my prior post... still no clue what to make of what I'm seeing.
 

MilitantPotato

Candiru
MFK Member
Jul 19, 2006
722
2
48
Missouri, USA
I used a PinPoint PH controller, regulator with solenoid, bubble counter and a 5lb Co2 tank from a welding supply store for years and it worked perfectly. With a 180 I'd try and find a 10lb tank.
I ran the Co2 into my canister, to both save money and avoid cleaning the diffuser which was another annoying task.

Though I never had an issue, I do wish I had sprung for a dual stage regulator for peace of mind.

With an extra air pump handy since the controller can turn it on if the PH gets too low I'd snag these bits.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4493
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4512
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3746+25948+9895&pcatid=9895
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4648

I'd shop around for better prices and a different bubble counter, but with those things and a large Co2 tank you'd have a fully automated Co2 system.
Also, if you go the diffuser route either put it below the output of a filter, or T the line and put one on each end of the tank.
 

the lion who ate the sun

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Mar 11, 2014
1,237
50
51
35
georgia
Is there a cheaper option that is viable? Im looking to spend around ~250. Adding up all those numbers from the above links makes my head spin.
 

the lion who ate the sun

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Mar 11, 2014
1,237
50
51
35
georgia
Well, I guess thats only 300ish. Maybe I can try to swing that. Is the learning curve steep or is it fairly intuitive?

Edit:
I probably just need to do more research. I have no idea what any of these pieces are or how they function.
 

MilitantPotato

Candiru
MFK Member
Jul 19, 2006
722
2
48
Missouri, USA
You could skip the ph controller, but it has some serious risks for livestock. You'd just need the regulator with solenoid and a timer.

Sent from my LG-E980 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 

MilitantPotato

Candiru
MFK Member
Jul 19, 2006
722
2
48
Missouri, USA
You could skip the ph controller, but it has some serious risks for livestock. You'd just need the regulator with solenoid and a timer.

Sent from my LG-E980 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
And a bubble counter.

Sent from my LG-E980 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 

Charney

The Fish Doctor
Staff member
Moderator
MFK Member
Nov 15, 2005
3,597
665
150
40
Somerville NJ
I would talk to Orlando at Green leaf aquatics. He is really knowledgeable and has helped me a lot with my planted 90g (well before I tore it down).

Make sure you get a two stage reg to avoid end of tank dump
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store