Co2 systems for blondes hehe [Archive] - Tropical Aquariums South Africa

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windfire

24-11-2010, 20:39

hey guys so i been doing some thinking and maybe it's time to think about introducing a CO2 system so i need a lil help. it'll be for the 70L betta setup as i have the hm and hc in there and really want it to do well. now seeing as christmas is on the way i think i could at least get some of the components as gifts so what will i need to start off? i really am clueless about this and a blonde chick to boot so if possible lets keep it simple lol. i could hide the canister and pipes behind the drawers the tank sits on. where would be the best place to get a system from? i assume i'd need regulators, a canister of CO2, i have plenty of pipe, about 5mm in diameter. i could put the outlet into the right side behind the wood. how much would i need to apply to a tank this size? and do the plant sp in the tank influence the mount applied? i know theres plenty of questions and i think i'll have more by the end of this though i will try do my own research as well.

thanks in advance:blink1:

Zoom

24-11-2010, 20:59

Whilst I know absolutely nothing about what you will need for a pressurized CO2 system, there is one thing that I promise you will need... so I'll kick off the answers with the list of things needed.

- CO2

:bird:

windfire

24-11-2010, 21:29

ok ok i asked for that lol point one obviously CO2 lol thanks zoom.

shihr

24-11-2010, 21:30

u need a

1. co2 cannister (i use a fire extinguisher- not the powder kind of course. that cannister has the same thread as the regulator)
2. a regulator (i'd get the one with solenoid incorporated- more convinient)
3. a solenoid if ur regulator doesnt come with one (u dont need this one but if u dont have it u'll have to "switch" the co2 on and off manually)
4. pipe- which u have
5. a diffuser to diffuse the co2 into ur water

thats it.. its expensive though so be prepared.. u can get solenoids and regulators in the net which are pretty resonable..

Rickus

25-11-2010, 17:39

Dont know if I'm allowed to say this: I read alot about co2 on www.apsa.co.za (http://www.apsa.co.za) , just search co2 and whala. there is a guy that used a a fire extinguisher aswell.

I'm also interested in the planted side of the hobby, found alot of answers there.

Firefly

25-11-2010, 19:38

Laure

26-11-2010, 07:50

Hi

I hope the 2 links I am about to post won't get deleted. But they are really very helpful and will provide you with some very good information. You may have to register and log in; I'm not sure...

DIY CO2
http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/7855-DIY-CO2-primer-for-planted-tanks

Pressurized CO2
http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/7278-A-Primer-for-Pressurized-CO2

windfire

26-11-2010, 08:30

thanks Laure these will be very helpful i did a quick skim through and will read more later. but i do have some questions already like 1) we use solenoids in irrigation systems so could i use one bought from an irrigation shop, if its small? i assume its the same thing 2) does the regulator also include a timer mentioned in some of the articles i've read? 3) what is the best diffuser to use? i was thinking the diffuser ladder or the ceramic ring, but i assume the ring would be mighty expensive. oh and lastly where am i going to get most of these components? i did mention the DIY to my ma and got a flat out no way so the pressurised is my only option. what price range am i looking at here?

windfire

28-11-2010, 19:26

what is the verdict on flourish excel? i wondered if i could use it in the interrim, over the holidays? i mean it does the same thing as the pressurized CO2 system doesnt it?

shihr

29-11-2010, 09:48

we use co2 to basically inject carbon into the water and to lower ph..flourish excel basically is a liquid form of carbon if im not mistaken.. it works well in a planted tank and can mimic co2..you can see this when the plants start to pearl! but if u overdose too much, it can be detrimental to fish and plants.. so dose accordingly..

2.5kg cannister - R500ish (extinguisher from builders)
solenoid and regulator - R800ish
ceramic diffuser - R100ish
bubble counter - 100ish

bear in mind this is the cheapest ive seen and prices dont incl shipping.. you can buy online.. best prices there..

---------- Post added at 10:11 ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 ----------

oh ya also it should be more cost effective to use excel if ur tank is small..

windfire

30-11-2010, 15:02

hmmm possibly the excel may be cheaper in the short term but the long term the pressurized system might be cheaper. a 250ml bottle is nearly R100 at the last place i found it but i think for december it might be the answer, thanks for all the help shihr, i'm probably going to make a run for jungle aquatics tomorrow to go have a look, i'll get some then and start dosing. i'm interested in seeing the change in growth :D