pressurized co2 equipment

[dcp5082]

Hey all, I've read jcardona's sticky about pressurized co2, but after reading it, and doing alot of research on the internet, I still find myself confused on exactly what I need for my 90 gallon setup. My budget is small, about 125-150 dollars max. I know I need a regulator, but what kind? Milwaukee goes for 80 dollars at the cheapest, too much. I know I need a pressurized tank, but the measurements and tube sizing just confuses the heck out of me. Where do I even get the thing filled? Then diffusers/reactors, that is even more confusing lol, what works? what doesnt? I don't need anything fancy or high tech, just a simple pressurized system that gives me the co2 I need. I'm not a DIY'er, so that is out of the question. Thanks in advance

 

[FLESHY]

There are always paintball systems...but that always opens a can of worms.

I am about to start using one on my 10g planted however.

For $150 I would start looking around for used systems.

 

[WyldFya]

I would wait until your budget allows more. $150 is going be nearly impossible to get a full co2 setup on.

 

[lipadj46]

Don't waste your money on paintball CO2. You will spend a fortune on refills with a 90 gallon and eventually step up to full sized system. For the least expensive tank option you can get a 15 lb CO2 tank (I recommend that size or even a 20lb for a 90g) at any welding store for around $70 full, then refills will cost about $20. You will just swap the tank out so don't bother getting a fancy aluminum tank. If you have a beverage or brew center around that is another place to get a tank, refills and regulators.

As far as a regulator goes the Milwaukee setup is the cheapest but the value is very suspect. Your best bet is to do your research and build your own. You can get very cheap 2 stage regulators on ebay and swap out the tank connector to a CO2 threaded connector. Also if you search ebay for victor medalist you can get a new single stage regulator for around $30 depending on the auction. Yes people talk about end of tank dumps with a single stage some say it has not happened to them, just don't run the tank dry (CO2 is cheap enough you can let the last 1/2 pound go).

I like the ideal needle valve for $70 shipped (52-1-12), you will never need to upgrade. Fabco and Swagelock make good needle valves just don't go cheapn this part. You don't need a bubble counter so don't waste your money. If you want to see your initial bubble rate just stick your tube in a glass of water. I think a solenoid is necessary, you want a way to turn off your CO2 without losing your settings. The burkert for $50 is your best bet, though the little mouse solenoids run on very little power and don't get hot like most solenoids. The last thing you need is a good check valve to protect your needle valve and regulator. Don't use a cheap plastic check valve on the regulator (I do use them down stream on the reactor though so I can easily unplug the reactor and not get water everywhere). The swagelok B-2C2-1/3 is the one of the best for $20.

As far as getting the CO2 dissolved, you can't use an in tank diffuser on a 90g. If you have a powerhead or canister you can build a reactor out out 2" PVC for $15-$20 and get 100% CO2 dissolved with no maintenance.

All together you are probably looking at $300 minimum but if you get a regulator really cheap it could be less. Just save your money and don't take shortcuts or else you will just end up spending more in the end.

 

[dcp5082]

300 minimum is crazy, ill just sick with my metricide lol. my plants look good and are growing, but not nearly as fast or as full as I'd like it.

 

[WyldFya]

Metricide is not a substitute for CO2 for many plants. It is helpful, but many plants need the higher co2 levels. Not to mention the decrease in algae when you switch to pressurized co2.

 

[lipadj46]

you would be shocked how fast plants grow with CO2, a tank will become overgrown quickly and you will find yourself throwing away fist full of plants nearly every weekend.