Pressurized CO2 questions for the plant geeks

[Zoom]

I'm in the process of getting the heart of the pressurized CO2 system. I'm in contact with @Altum and we are discussing the Dual guage regulator with solenoid and needle valve.

I'm guessing I can get the bottle up in JHB cheaper than shipping something from CT, however I have a few questions for the members who are running CO2:

(1) Does a CO2 bottle have the similar type of "tap" attachment as to your gas bottles for your gas heaters? If so, I would assume you fill from there, close the "tap", attach the regulator, and you're A-for-away. (?). Or does the regulator get fit onto the bottle, and you fill the bottle through the regulator?

(2) WHERE can I get a bottle? (I know you all going to say a fire extinguisher, and go to Builder's... BUT builder's only sell the DCP fire extinguishers, and not the CO2 type. If you actually KNOW of a place I can go get a bottle, please PM me a name and number?

(3) WHERE can I get the bottle filled?

(4) I'm assuming I might possibly need some reducers/fittings etc if the regulator doesn't fit... where can I source these?

I don't want to go and spend the cash on the regulator etc and find I'm up a creek without a paddle...

Regards

[Apoc]

Hey Zoom – Nice to see you taking the plunge into a full on high tech system !

I am certainly by no means whatsoever an expert in the slightest way, but nonetheless…. I am also in the process of taking the proverbial plunge into a high tech tank with pressurized Co2 etc…. And my observations thus far would be as follows;

1. I would imagine the majority of regulators ( particularly if sourced locally ) have a standardized thread / tap size…. Only the specialist makes from overseas and the like seem to have unique sizes…. Regulator will then fit the standard thread… IE: Attach the regulator / needle vale to the bottle’s outlet directly….
2. I often frequent the builders Warehouse in Edenvale, and I have seen 2kg Co2 fire extinguishers there. In the alternative you can also buy Co2 fire extinguisher bottles directly from places like Chubb fire ( midrand perhaps ) or similar such suppliers, particularly if you looking for something bigger than a 2kg bottle and that’s if you don’t mind the thought of using a fire extinguisher bottle…
3. I have had mine filled at Exotic pets in Boksburg, but must admit they were terribly expensive…. You could try any decent marine orientated LPS, welding supply companies, Afrox I think, and naturally fire equipment supply companies ( I seem to recall a thread on APSA about there being a fire place in Kempton which is very cheap, haven’t tried any of the above yet though, as I have not yet had need to refill mine )….
4. If a standard sized regulator is bought im sure this wont be a problem….

Hope the above helps… sure some of the more experienced plant fundi’s will have lots more to say though.

[shihr]

I'm in the process of getting the heart of the pressurized CO2 system. I'm in contact with @Altum and we are discussing the Dual guage regulator with solenoid and needle valve.

I'm guessing I can get the bottle up in JHB cheaper than shipping something from CT, however I have a few questions for the members who are running CO2:

(1) Does a CO2 bottle have the similar type of "tap" attachment as to your gas bottles for your gas heaters? If so, I would assume you fill from there, close the "tap", attach the regulator, and you're A-for-away. (?). Or does the regulator get fit onto the bottle, and you fill the bottle through the regulator?

(2) WHERE can I get a bottle? (I know you all going to say a fire extinguisher, and go to Builder's... BUT builder's only sell the DCP fire extinguishers, and not the CO2 type. If you actually KNOW of a place I can go get a bottle, please PM me a name and number?

(3) WHERE can I get the bottle filled?

(4) I'm assuming I might possibly need some reducers/fittings etc if the regulator doesn't fit... where can I source these?

I don't want to go and spend the cash on the regulator etc and find I'm up a creek without a paddle...

Regards

ok dude,

1.) u fill the bottle through the opening of the co2 cannister not through the regulator
2.)like u guessed, builders warehouse.. most of the bigger builders will store the co2 ones.. otherwise ones i have seen that have are the ones in centurion, greenstone.
3.) pm sent
4.)the regulator will fit. as long as u get a standard regulator and standard co3 bottle.

good luck!

[oscar freak]

sorry dont mean to hijack now but HOW important is a co2 kit for a planted tank ie does it make a BIG difference to plant growth and health?and for those aka me who are not very diy can you just buy a co2 thingy at the petshop and plug it in?

[shihr]

it makes a HUGE difference in plant growth..

do u need it? no. u can still get good growth and health with out it.

can u buy at most LFS? no. usually online or through the sponsors

u can think of co2 and light like an accelerator pedal.. only thing is that they work hand in hand.. higher light, more co2. more co2 more light. else u get lots of algae or lots of dead fish..

oh and pushing the pedal u need much more fuel (nutrients) some ppl resort to dosing every day!

[Zoom]

@oscar freak

In a nut shell... yes, CO2 will make a huge difference. If you look at the award winning planted tanks, they all running undergravel ferts, and CO2. DIY just doesn't come CLOSE to the real deal. Go look at the following people's tanks:
@shihr @wearsbunnyslippers @Laure @Rudi and ask them if they would EVER achieve that type of growth without their CO2. Remember CO2 is introducing CARBON to the tank, in a form that the plants can take in. Basic biology is the plants absorb CO2, use the CARBON as the BASIC FUNDEMENTAL element of growth, and release the O2.

[Zoom]

~* Drum roll please *~
La aaa aaaadieeeeees & GentleMEN (Say this in a circus announcer's voice)

I am proud to announce that I have accepted a quotation on a COMPLETE CO2 kit.

Kit includes: (to my knowledge)
1 x 5kg fire extinguisher (full) [might even be a 7.5kg- current owner not 100% sure] {Estimated cost to refill at fire-house R250.00]
1 x regulator with solenoid and needle valve
1 x glass bubble counter
1 x glass non return valve
1 x glass diffuser

@ a price of R1800.00

{I was quoted R1500.00 for for the regulator, and R450.00 for a 2kg bottle... you do the maths}

Current owner ran 4 planted 4 foot tanks on one bottle for 3 months. We estimate that my single 4 ft tank will last about 12-18 months on one refill!

[Vis]

Houses,Co2 Systems.....we better see a brilliant tank comming up.

[Rudi]

@Zoom,
Thats the bargain of the year,dude.Well done!!
Be careful with those glass equipment,they look great but break very easily.

[Laure]

@Zoom - I don't have CO2

And congratulations on the purchase. What you need to find out is WHERE THE *#&%&# do you buy the nylon regulator seals? I have ordered off Ebay, I have got some from the Fire Extinguisher people...nothing works. I have the Azoo regulator. There is nothing special about the connection. But then again, this will only be a problem for you in about 12 months' time. Good luck!