How to setup a co2 system?

[Fishnerd360]

I finally want to try a high tech planted tank, I want to make this as cheap as possible so I’ll be using a 2 gallon so almost any light will be sufficient. But I’m wondering how I can setup a co2 system for cheap($50>) that’ll last for a good amount of time. I found these cartridges on Amazon and wondering if these would work, but how would I set it up, would I need a regulator, bubble counter, or just a diffuser setup straight to the cartridge? But how would I connect the air tube to the cartridge?

 

[dr exum]

cartridge bad... refillable canister good -

was burning though those carts 1 per week or less - regulators are ish...

chinese regulator also bad....

i think there’s no $50 setup....

tank - $100
regulator - $50
diffuser- $10
tubing - $5
fill tank - $20

the diffuser is somewhere you can skimp and save - others not so much....

2nd hand ur best best -

 

[Fishnerd360]

Why does co2 have to be so expensive lol. I’ll just try and experiment with diy co2, there are a lot of good videos out there, so hopefully it’ll be enough for a smaller tank.

 

[dr exum]

Why does co2 have to be so expensive lol. I’ll just try and experiment with diy co2, there are a lot of good videos out there, so hopefully it’ll be enough for a smaller tank.

you’re not located in the 360 area code are you?

 

[eon aquatics]

can a normal air pump help give plants co2?

 

[Fishnerd360]

you’re not located in the 360 area code are you?

No

 

[dr exum]

No

ahh - if you were local was going to help you out....

i’ve got lots of excess in the co2 dept -

honestly - my tank with fresh and plant light and plant gravel is doing better than the two tanks with co2 that don’t have plant gravel

 

[Fishnerd360]

ahh - if you were local was going to help you out....

i’ve got lots of excess in the co2 dept -

honestly - my tank with fresh and plant light and plant gravel is doing better than the two tanks with co2 that don’t have plant gravel

Oh, if I was setting up my larger tank, then maybe I’ll spend that much for co2, but on a 2 gallon, I’ll be spending more on co2 then I would on everything else lol. But good to know about your tanks doing good with plant gravel, I guess nutrients are better than co2.

 

[Fishnerd360]

can a normal air pump help give plants co2?

Not really, co2 systems work because it’s pressurized and direct. Air has co2 but isn’t 100%.

 

[burntrubber]

Not sure how it works in your area. Is it cheaper to refill/buy a fire extinguisher than a gas cylinder? I've seen people using fires extinguishers rigged up to regulators.

Also a lot of Chinese made Co2 regulators and accessories go for cheap on line these days. Not the best but does the job.