CO2 Beginner help

[Zak03]

So, I'm setting up a 90-gallon tank, and I'm thinking about doing CO2 for the first time. I never planned on ever using CO2 cause I thought it would be too much hassle and too expensive (I'm still very budget-conscious though). However, after recent, limited research, I'm warming up to it.

To those that are experienced with this aspect of aquarium keeping, what advice do you have?
What specific gear should look for / avoid? Where should I get this gear? How do know/make sure I'm not using too much or not enough?

 

[burntrubber]

This looks interesting. A DIY co2 kit with a solenoid regulator.

DIY CO2 KIT - High Pressure Canister Tank for Aquarium – SWOG Guide

What this DIY CO2 Kit does: $2~3 per reaction and last at least 2 weeks for a 75 gallon and more than a month on a 10 gallon.

www.swog.sg

 

[burntrubber]

From my view, take Co2 injection as a supplement for the plants. Not as a must have.

If you are buying gear, you need a 1) tank(obviously), 2)regulator (preferably with a solenoid control valve on a timer), 3)bubble counter (if your reg. doesn't have one), 4) Co2 diffuser, 5)check valve 6) High pressure air tube (thicker and stiffer than regular air tube).

For checking Co2 levels you need a drop checker and solution.

 

[dr exum]

stay away from china regulators.... got 8 busted ones... they kept sending me more as they broke..

company in cali has good regulators -

 

[Crazylegs78]

I agree with everything said regarding regulators. Don't skimp here. Consider one of the GLA models, as the cheap ones I've purchased in the past have dumped full bottles of co2. However, I prefer a low pressure system using a reactor and not a diffuser. I currently run the smaller sera flora model reactor on my 75g.