Finally settled on a co2 system

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convict360

convict360

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Dec 9, 2013
4,499
1,875
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Scotland
So after much reading and generous help from the experienced members of MFK, I feel like I'm a step closer to achieving some aquascape/planting goals lol.

I don't know if they have it abroad, but over here there are sodastream cylinders; that offer easy exchangable carbon dioxide, available from local stores.

I reckon a bottle will probably last me 2-3 months at a cost of £10 (15 dollarish), while that isn't long-term cheap compared to fire extinguishers, it is far far cheaper than buying disposable cylinders from say Fluval; the aesthetic small size is also very appealing.

Looking to pick up this system next month:

http://www.co2art.co.uk/products/complete-budget-sodastream-system-for-aquarium-up-to-120l

looks to have the essentials, as well as a coveted solenoid valve and well made diffuser, alongside drop checker kit :D

Hopefully I should have this set up by the 1st March, I'll then do a thread on my trials and errors lol.

One day I'd love to do a larger Co2 set-up on the 92 gallon corner tank, but I think that's not for a good while; unless i sell a kidney or something :P
 
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Looking forward to some plant updates. I went for a cheap kit many years ago and wasn't happy with it, but I'm guessing the tech and competition have improved the quality a lot.
 
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Woefulrelic said:
Looking forward to some plant updates. I went for a cheap kit many years ago and wasn't happy with it, but I'm guessing the tech and competition have improved the quality a lot.
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I like to hope that in this case, it's not so much cheap materials, as opposed to a simply cheaper price tag. The reviews from others seem very positive, with the company having a good reputation; so I can only hope :)

Also would more than welcome recommendations from experienced members like yourself, Homer; Manu 8 et al on plant choices.

I have a refined down list for carpet plant choices, but I'm totally open to suggestions on middle and background plants; that'll work with the 9 inch water height :D
 
Does that kit come with the actual container to store the Co2??? Coz im seeing all the parts that go with it, but no bottle??? Then again, i could have missed it???

It also says lasts 3-4 months at 1 BPS / 8 hours a day, so unless you run it at a similar schedule, im guessing maybe last you more like 1-2 months before refilling possibly???

Either way though, the system looks like its solid, so let us know how it goes, since over here, most Co2 systems come from Taiwan / China / Japan so not sure my recommendation would help...

Lastly, for plants i would maybe look more into foregrond plants and "mini" species to keep proportions more appropriate...

Since most times when i've researched background or even mid-ground plants are quite tall...
 
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Fat Homer said:
Does that kit come with the actual container to store the Co2??? Coz im seeing all the parts that go with it, but no bottle??? Then again, i could have missed it???

It also says lasts 3-4 months at 1 BPS / 8 hours a day, so unless you run it at a similar schedule, im guessing maybe last you more like 1-2 months before refilling possibly???

Either way though, the system looks like its solid, so let us know how it goes, since over here, most Co2 systems come from Taiwan / China / Japan so not sure my recommendation would help...

Lastly, for plants i would maybe look more into foregrond plants and "mini" species to keep proportions more appropriate...

Since most times when i've researched background or even mid-ground plants are quite tall...
Click to expand...

I need to purchase the bottle (or two lol) separately, for about £17 each. Then they are £10 to exchange for new

Yeah, I'd be really happy if i could run it for 2 months ideally...i was talking to someone else who ordered, who ran a bottle of it for 3 months on a 180 litre tank, that seems kind of dubious.

I guess its a matter of experimenting to find the ideal bubble rate to cater for the needs. I reckon I'd probably do around 2 bubbles a second to start, so you're on the money with that timeframe...
 
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Yeah, cool so i didnt miss it :P

Also, if you run a sponge filter you probably need even more, with a canister or something similar, around 1-2 BPS seems like a good starting point to then dial in... Then with drop checker, a lot of guess work will be taken out...

Also, one plant i may recommend is one i'm tying out now: cryptocoryne parva, nice short crpt that supposedly grows to only about 8-10cm tall... Perfect for shorter tanks...
 
Fat Homer said:
Yeah, cool so i didnt miss it :P

Also, if you run a sponge filter you probably need even more, with a canister or something similar, around 1-2 BPS seems like a good starting point to then dial in... Then with drop checker, a lot of guess work will be taken out...

Also, one plant i may recommend is one i'm tying out now: cryptocoryne parva, nice short crpt that supposedly grows to only about 8-10cm tall... Perfect for shorter tanks...
Click to expand...

I'm gonna nix the sponge filter, and rely on the internal. That gives me about 6x circulation with the internal being 400lph. Since removing most of the wood apart from one piece, it looks like that will do the job hopefully.

I'll check that out, also might take some pics and ask you if you recognise; ive got a couple of plants in there i dont recognise, i got given them by someone else
 
Just a word of warning, becareful adding new plants to a tank, especially if you dose with ferts, since you dont want to introduce snails or algae into your tank before you start ;)

Thats also why I'm now blech dipping new plants before they go into my new tank, although i've read its a real risk with more sensitive plants...
 
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