Co2 systems for blondes hehe

Discussion in 'Planted Tanks' started by windfire, Nov 24, 2010.

  1. windfire

    windfire

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    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:
     
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  3. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    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:
     
  4. OP
    windfire

    windfire

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

    shihr Glosso

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    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..
     
  6. Rickus

    Rickus

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    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.
     
  7. Firefly

    Firefly Pleco

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

    Laure Cyano Terminator

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  9. OP
    windfire

    windfire

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    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?
     
  10. OP
    windfire

    windfire

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    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?
     
  11. shihr

    shihr Glosso

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    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..
     
  12. OP
    windfire

    windfire

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    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
     

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