Instant, afforable & reusable CO2 system

Howdy folks!


So, after building and setting up the office 4ft'er of which I'm sure most of you have seen the thread, I also landed myself a little 2ft'er which I wanted to use at home and start playing around with a planted setup. My previous tanks never had plants, because I had Severums. And Jack. Enough said.

So when I first added some java moss to our office tank, it died within a month or so which sucks because it's fairly expensive, at least down here in CT. After that episode I realised that I had a lot to learn regarding what plants need to thrive. One of the obvious boosters is a CO2 supply. Plus I like gadgets. Don't judge me.

So I started poking around, looking for potential CO2 supplies for my tiny tank. I always thought that I'd just get a paintball cylinder and rig it up somehow, but this seemed like overkill for my mere 50 litres of plantyness. Then I happened upon emergency cycling air supplies, and that gave me an idea.

You will need:

1x CO2 Inflator ***MUST be the version with a) a closable tap and b) screw-on attachment, not just a push-on - R129
1x Threaded CO2 cartridge (Available Sizes: 16g,25g,80g) - R45 for 2
1x Tubeless Valve - French version (the thin one) - R40
1x Length of air tubing - R15?
1x Diffuser/airstone - Free?

Now simply trim down the rubber bit on the one end of the valve till you're down to the metal, pop one end into the inflator, air tubing over the other, screw in the CO2 cartridge and VOILA! Mini CO2 supply, totally scalable, perfect for small setups, and best of all, no unsightly chemistry experiment standing next to your tank. Just awesomeness.

You're welcome!



Disclaimer: I've just given birth to this idea and as such cannot at this time provide any information in terms of how long a cylinder will last etc. It might be awesome, it might be useless. But at R250 odd bucks I'm giving it a go!

 

PS: This is my planted tank to be. It's no jungle, and yes CO2 is probably an overkill, but I want to get loads more plants! So this is merely getting ready for Le Plants to come!

 

How will you regulate/measure the amount of co2 being pumped into the aquarium? Don't you run the risk of gassing your fish if you don't monitor this?

 

I didn't include it in the parts list merely because it's not really part of the "supply" part of the setup, but I trust that anyone looking to get into entry level CO2 setups will have the necessary monitors in place like a drop checker etc.

 

Using a similar set-up on my cube. Running at 1 dps for about 10 hours per day. A 16g container lasts about 7 days. Practically it woks very good although, in my opinion, slightly expensive. As the co2 usage is about R80 pm. I believe the guy's running bigger rigs will state that it costs them much less.

 

Ahaaa, yes that does seem a little steep... Well the principle is proven at least? Guess the paintball version is next!

EDIT: I see Takealot goois the 16g cartridges for R15. So that's R60 a month.

 

Wait..... they still make you pay for Java moss. Thats just sad.

 

Dude, don't even get me started... The guy that was reasonable doesn't have stock available, and the place that has loads of it is insanely expensive. I'm talking a little pre-packed tub of no more than a hand full for R180+

I'm need to start growing and selling that stuff over here.

 

Man I will burn that place down, sorry but thats just ridiculous it not even funny.

If you ever want moss again give me a shout and I am sure for R70 postage we can sort you out.

 

Right now? I want moss again right now. Do you think it'll survive the postage?

 

Yes ... ;-)

 

Yeah moss ships without any problems. You might have to give me a few weeks then I can help you with Java, Spiky and Xmas.

Just received mine from F-Fish and growing it out. It did however already doubled in volume what I got from him

 

Man are you feeding them ... vodka?

 

Haha no, me and moss just seem to understand each other

Some of it went to my Stump project to be grown immersed and they have taken off quite nicely this last week or so.
The other in my 3ft are going bos.

 

You obviously know the way of the Mosserai... Sounds good!

 

Hi, I could use some java moss too if anyone has to spare please? Dnt mind paying

 

I am also interested in some Moss will send you a PM Vis and F-Fish

 

This morning when I reached the office tank, a fellow colleague standing in front of it said something along the lines of "...I must bring some of my plants from home for this tank. Got some moss and stuff..." upon which I keenly enquired and he apparently has a bunch of Java and others at home of which he'll gladly supply me some. YAAY!