Finally going pressurized

[bbortko]

I've decided I'm going to set-up a pressurized co2 system on my 36g bowfront (aquaticlife 30" dual t5ho fixture, eco-complete, dry ferts). I've just begun my research and know the components needed but I keep finding older posts on the equipment so models and vendors maybe dated. Anyone out there built a new system recently and has tips or suggestions, I'd really appreciate the help. I'm not looking for the fanciest system but I want the components to be quality, willing to pay for better quality versus more features.

 

[Anchovie]

I've decided I'm going to set-up a pressurized co2 system on my 36g bowfront (aquaticlife 30" dual t5ho fixture, eco-complete, dry ferts). I've just begun my research and know the components needed but I keep finding older posts on the equipment so models and vendors maybe dated. Anyone out there built a new system recently and has tips or suggestions, I'd really appreciate the help. I'm not looking for the fanciest system but I want the components to be quality, willing to pay for better quality versus more features.

I just did it a week ago. Whole system was 180$. Drsfostersmith.com. Get the semi automatic co2 system. Comes with everything but the tank. For the tank and gas, I go to the liquor store. They do a 5lb aluminum cylinder exchange for 18$


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[bbortko]

I am considering that one. Does it seem to be well built? If i remember correctly people didnt like the included diffuser but then it sounds like they changed them for a different model, do you like the one included? I haven't looked for tanks as of yet, probably last to look into, but there is a place 3 miles from me that fills 10# tanks for $10.

 

[Anchovie]

I am considering that one. Does it seem to be well built? If i remember correctly people didnt like the included diffuser but then it sounds like they changed them for a different model, do you like the one included? I haven't looked for tanks as of yet, probably last to look into, but there is a place 3 miles from me that fills 10# tanks for $10.

The regulator is really the only thing you have to look at, as everything else is super cheap. The azoo regulator that comes in the kit is awesome. Has a magnetic valve with a fine tuning knob. I can go from wide open all the way down to 1 bubble per 5 seconds. they used to send them out with cheap glass diffusers but they replaced them with nicer ceramic ones. I put the diffuser right under the intake of my canister. So about half the bubbles flow past it into the water column but the other half goes through my system and is further dissolved. I've noticed significant plant growth in the past week.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[mrrobxc]

Kits will save you money...but find out what you really want/need.

I've kept my system pretty simple and through trial and error, i've found a way that works for me that others will swear against.

First off, I use a pretty simple Regulator. I think I paid just over 100 for it and it was through JBJ. Reason being that I like having the attached bubble counter and it was inexpensive.

I hate those little glass ceramic disc diffusers. They clog up fast and require cleaning/replacement too often. Instead, i bought a chaep ($12) inline reactor that literally suctions to the outside of my tank. I have one of my canister filter's outlet go through this and into the tank where it is pushed across the water column by a powerhead. I haven't maintained this thing since Sept of last year. no joke...and i don't imagine i'll have to for awhile.

As for my CO2, i keep it running 24/7. People say thats wrong...that you should put it on a timer to coincide with your lights. Others will tell you to sync it with a pH controller. Then they'll get scientific and you'll lose interest in what they have to say. I did all those things...and it went from inconsistent CO2 levels to this or that... I would get some issues here and there with algae...improper growth...etc.

I found it easier to slowly dial it up over the course of a few days...check your fish behavior coupled with the drop checker. I point my powerhead so that the flow gently ripples the surface...and i've had no issues since and my CO2 runs all day. Down side is the life time of a tank of CO2. But i have 2. So i refill one at a time.

Lastly, I use a drop checker to help me monitor my levels. I like the color to be lime green. WIth my 24/7 method...it stays that way.

So in short, here is what I run that works for me after doing this plant thing for about 5 years.

1. JBJ cheap single gauge regulator with an attached bubble counter. (Rich people tell you that you MUST have dual guage or you'll die)
2. Inline CO2 Reactor
3. Drop Checker

Thats it. 24/7 CO2 with Powerhead gently rippling the surface.

Lastly, I use dry ferts. Took me a while to go there but the cost savings drew me in. Now, I swear by them. Don't waste your money on liquid ferts.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you need any further info. Good luck!

 

[bbortko]

Since my birthday is 6/3 the wife needed something to give me and I worked last Saturday so the cost has been covered I splurged and got the primo regulator from gla. All that is left is an inline reactor, too busy for diy. I might get the ista off of dr fosters and smith but I'm open to suggestions. I toyed with the inline atomizer but remember how much microbubbles annoyed me in my 125.

 

[mrrobxc]

dr fosters and smith but I'm open to suggestions. I toyed with the inline atomizer but remember how much microbubbles annoyed me in my 125.

should be fine. Happy Bday!

 

[Aquaticfan]

Since my birthday is 6/3 the wife needed something to give me and I worked last Saturday so the cost has been covered I splurged and got the primo regulator from gla. All that is left is an inline reactor, too busy for diy. I might get the ista off of dr fosters and smith but I'm open to suggestions. I toyed with the inline atomizer but remember how much microbubbles annoyed me in my 125.

I agree about the dry ferts. Cost saving, last longer and work fantastic.

All of my co2 set ups I built myself. Dual stage bubble counter etc. I always try to use a high quality needle valve. I've used drop checkers in the past but no longer do as I use the livestock and plants to tell me.

As far as a reactor. What are you using to pump water through it? Bigger tanks are harder to saturate with co2. A large enough reactor to handle the flow will be important. As well as good very thorough in tank circulation.

You will need to find things that work for you. Not all advice or things others always do may work. Trial and error

Sent from my SPH-L710 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[bbortko]

I agree about the dry ferts. Cost saving, last longer and work fantastic.

All of my co2 set ups I built myself. Dual stage bubble counter etc. I always try to use a high quality needle valve. I've used drop checkers in the past but no longer do as I use the livestock and plants to tell me.

As far as a reactor. What are you using to pump water through it? Bigger tanks are harder to saturate with co2. A large enough reactor to handle the flow will be important. As well as good very thorough in tank circulation.

You will need to find things that work for you. Not all advice or things others always do may work. Trial and error

Sent from my SPH-L710 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

one of them main reasons I went withba regulator from gla was the needle valve, I felt if I were to upgrade the needle valve down the road I would have ate up half my savings of going with a cheaper regulator so I went ahead and went better right out of the gate.

I've only been using dry fetrs for a few weeks and have been pretty happy with the results. Once I have the co2 set-up on the tank I plan on tinkering with dosage but dont want to waste the time until all equipment is up and running.

The reactor will be on a eheim 2217. Right now I'm not using the spray bar due to aesthetics. I plan on leaving the spray bar off but if bubble count is too high for the drop. Ounter reading I'm willing to put it back on for better dispersion.