Automatic CO2 systems

d3sc3n7

d3sc3n7

Superstar Fish
#1
Nov 21, 2007
1,455
0
0
44
Ft. Campbell, Ky
www.d3sc3n7.com
#1
Can you overdo an automated CO2 system? I'm looking at all the equipment I'm going to get for my 55 redo. I'm not sure yet, but I'm thinking of going BIG on it. I figure, if I'm going to invest alot of money into it...I may as well get the good stuff, right?

I know this is preliminary, prices, availability, and technology will be different by the time I do this. I just want to research EVERYTHING very very well. I'll list everything here...and see if anything is over/under kill. The filter will probably change, since I've heard the Rena systems are better. I may run dual filters, if that seems like a better idea. I'll be getting 2 heaters. The aquascaping will be driftwood and live plants, thats it. I cant say what the stock will be as of yet.

I'm still up in the air about the CO2 system. There are some semi-automated systems for just over $100...so I'm not sure what I want.

CO2
Lights
Substrate
Air Pump
Fliter
Heater

Ok, I think thats it

Edit: Don't worry Pearl, this is the BIG! order I spoke to you about...these links are for reference only!
 

d3sc3n7

d3sc3n7

Superstar Fish
#3
Nov 21, 2007
1,455
0
0
44
Ft. Campbell, Ky
www.d3sc3n7.com
#3
Well, the air pump will run opposite the CO2, so I can replace some O2 in the water. Ascetic reasons also. So, the CO2 will run from hours X to X. Then the air pump will come on when the CO2 goes off.

But yeah, most of this is not final. I'm fully up for other (cheaper) options as long as I can achieve the same results.
 

tom91970

tom91970

Superstar Fish
#6
Jan 2, 2007
1,305
5
38
Tejas
www.myspace.com
#6
d3sc3n7 said:
Well, the air pump will run opposite the CO2, so I can replace some O2 in the water. Ascetic reasons also. So, the CO2 will run from hours X to X. Then the air pump will come on when the CO2 goes off.

But yeah, most of this is not final. I'm fully up for other (cheaper) options as long as I can achieve the same results.
Click to expand...
I see...I was thinking since you were getting the system that comes on and off automatically you would not have to worry about gassing off the CO2 levels at night. I'm not too familiar with using the higher end systems, just the DIY kind.
 

Avalon

Avalon

Superstar Fish
#8
Oct 22, 2002
2,846
10
0
Ft. Worth, TX
www.davidressel.com
#8
You CO2 system should consist of the following:

Cylinder: $80 + $15 to fill it
Regulator, dual gauge /w solenoid: $80-100
Needle valve: $15-20
CO2 hose: $1-2 per foot

You could get a bubble counter, but I think they are kind of useless. It only serves to count your CO2 bubbles, which tells you pretty much nothing. Count them when they come out of the tubing. Anyone with a long attention span might find it amusing though.

You could also get a monitoring system that could totally automate your CO2 delivery system via your solenoid on the regulator. Just hope like hell your KH never changes. They run about $150 or so and cost you good working knowledge of CO2 in planted aquaria.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.