CO2 System

[Grumpy_Marine]

I would like to change my DIY setup to a actual system. Meaning that i don't want two coke bottles anymore. It is effective and cheap to make, but my tops keep breaking seals and i would like to be able to maintain a level of CO2 in my tank. Right now i cannot get my CO2 to rise above 7 ppm when i need about 11-20 ppm for my tank. I was looking at this but don't know if it would work or not:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18478/si1501563/cl0/plantgroco2naturalsystem

I am not looking for one of those big tanks of CO2 and a pressure gauge, needle, and the gadgets, just something simple, affordable and efficient to use in my tank to add co2. With the above would i need this as well or could i add this to the above to increase performance:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18478/si1431660/cl0/redseaco2reactor500wpump

 

[James From Cali]

The first link shows a fancy DIY setup IMO. It works the same way as DIY but looks nicer and you have to deal with making a mixture. The reactor may increase performance but if you want to maintain a stable CO2 level then go pressurized. Just save up for it. It will be worth it in the end.

 

[Lotus]

The setup you linked to won't do anything more than your current system, it's basically a nice bottle with yeast that comes in a packet.

If you want to upgrade, go for a pressurized system. It will cost to set it up, but it's cheaper to run over time than a yeast system (with all the sugar and yeast). It will probably only cost $20 a year to run, but probably close to $200 to set up.

Believe me, while the startup cost is high, you will be really pleased with the results and ease of use.

 

[Grumpy_Marine]

that is the biggest reason i fear pressurized system as it is so complicated looking, I am the on off switch type of guy so i like easy, will have to do some research then and work into it... anyone have links to a small pressurized setup or whatnot?

 

[Lotus]

There's a fairly simple explanation here: Rex's Guide to CO2

This place seems to have some good prices, too: Combined Systems (and get a CO2 canister locally).

 

[Grumpy_Marine]

i was just going to say... i found semi auto system on dr foster and smith for 119 everything except tank, i just need to kow what size tank i should get? like how long would a five pound tank for CO2 last?

 

[Grumpy_Marine]

so i could get the basic co2 system for 64 dollars, then buy me a tank or rent me a tank hook up and be set since my tank is only going to be max of 55 gallons i should be safe with basic from what i see.

 

[Meman5150]

I too would like to know the answers to this as I am thinking about a system also.

 

[Lotus]

A 5lb tank should be OK for a 30g tank. If you're planning to upgrade, a 10lb tank might be a better choice. Make sure you measure what size can go in your stand, or work out somewhere outside the stand that it would fit.

A basic system would probably be OK. You'll need to monitor it for a while when you get it, so that it's set right.