Co2 systems for blondes hehe

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:

 

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:

 

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

 

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..

 

Dont know if I'm allowed to say this: I read alot about co2 on 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.

 

Should think you would be allowed to say that. APSA is a sister site like MASA. Lots of info on both sites.

 

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

 

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?

 

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?

 

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..

 

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