Time to get CO2

Hey all

As I have mentioned in the past, I am leaning towards CO2 for my main tank! And seeing as its almost Bonus time, I might as well start getting a few things!

So what to buy? And where to get the best price?

@SeanJ seeing as you had the tank, what size bottle should I go for?

Thanking you all in advance

Vez

 

Hi @Vez

List you need:

Regulator (ebay)
Check Valve (Sean J)
Diffuser (Sean J)
Co2 tubing (Sean J)
Bubble Counter (Sean J)
Canister (Chubb fire)

Okay my Co2 system cost me in the R1200 range.

I know that @Madam had a complete system going for R1500 a while ago don't know if this is still available. Think it had a SAGA regulator and a 5Kg bottle that was barely used. @Zoom do you maybe know if this is still available?

HTH

 

I would advise 2 x 2kg bottles.

If you shop around you will get them both at the same price as a single 5kg. (I know Sean has some good prices on bottles) The reason why i say 2 bottles is because when the one runs out, you can plug in the other one whilst you send the empty one in for re-filling. I personally have not found a place in the West Rand that will fill a CO2 canister while you wait. Even the fire servicing companies in our area sent the bottles to a place near OR Thambo to be refilled. So basically you in for a 5-7 day wait for one to be filled.

Oh, and a 2kg bottle in my tank set on 2bps lasts be approximately 4 months.

Oh, and the fact that you have a fill bottle lying around- if you are using fire extinguishers- means you always have a spare fire extinguisher around the house for when you need it.

Just another point to add. Fire extinguishers come with what is called a trigger tap, and other canisters come with a normal tap (turn handle type). You can change them for a small fee, but to be completely honest, I do not know why people would want to. Regardless of which tap system you have on the bottle, you need the tap open full. The regulator will only work on high pressure. (Remember the concept of end of bottle CO2 dump where the regulator dumps the remains of the bottle in one quick burst... this is because the pressure in the bottle is too little for the regulator to work). So the tap's need to be open full, thus a normal fire extinguisher system will work perfectly fine!

 

Thanks Hein and Zoom!

Im busy with a total redo on the tank, and the aim is for June next year, so i want to have the CO2 running asap so that my selected plants can grow!

 

I agree with @Zoom it works fine just cable tie it the tap down and it works like a dream..

 

@hein24

When you refer to check valve what are you referring to? I'm assuming this is the one way non return valve?
Also take note that the regulator needs to have a solenoid (rated for 220-240V) and a Needle valve.

I don't bother with a diffuser or a bubble counter. I simply connect the tubing directly to the venturi of a submersible pump... connect everything, and count the number of bubbles coming out the pump... when I am happy with this, I then turn the pump on, and is disperses the CO2 rather nicely! However the Bubble counter and diffuser does give a very nice visual effect to the tank if that is what you want to aim for.

CO2 tubing is nice.. but I would advice you to glue it to all the parts using PVC weld. It's a lot more rigid, and I found I was constantly refitting it to everything because it kept popping off.

I believe Madam may still have it. It wasn't "barely" used by her.. she NEVER used it. But she did buy it second hand from @Sean J ... who as far as I recall, was wanting to buy it back from her.

 

Thanks Zoom

well all i know is, that i need so start getting all the parts so that i can have it running by Jan 2012!

 

Yes sorry meant non return valve :tongue:

 

@Vez you could connect it to that nice cascade filter you running, should do the job perfectly.

 

that might work yes!

 

@Vez

I am busy organizing a complete Co2 system that will be for sale from The Planted Tank. The kit will include 2kg Co2 Fire Extinguisher, Regulator, Diffuser (Not ADA), for a good price... I will keep you posted. I am hoping to have them ready for January.

 

Thanks Sean! that sounds good! let me know asap, as im not the best person when it comes to being patient! if i want something, i want it now!lol!

so with that said, i should be your first client!

 

Cool. I'll let you know as soon as I can.

 

amen brother firemanmuzz gonna hook me up with a diy but if he takes long(like he normally does)lol sean j we on.

 

My Hagen setup was R350 works a treat

 

But that is a DIY system, not pressurized.

 

Yup, I was looking at pressurised and may move to this in the future, but I wanted to first see if it would make a dirrefence in my tank. I was going to do the whole DIY coke bottle thing, but the Hagen system was more professioanal, less risk of leaks and mess + the diffusion ladder works really well.

I would love to know how much a complete injection / pressurized setup would cost?

 

from what i gather its a bit expensive but there are guys working on making the diy pressurized system a little more affordable,ons sit en wag