How do you CO2???
- Thread starter Viciente
- Start date
Come on Lotus show us your adventurous side. 
I make my own, don't need expensive pressurized systems if you know how. And it only takes about 5 more minutes when refilling to use multiple bottles.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/xyshannen/3CO2.jpg
I make my own, don't need expensive pressurized systems if you know how. And it only takes about 5 more minutes when refilling to use multiple bottles.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/xyshannen/3CO2.jpg
LOL Yes it is, and it's the big one too. I've posted this before but again I repeat. On that particular filter it is a very very bad idea to run the CO2 into that canister. The way that filter works (being a wet dry) allows the gas to build up in the canister to be spit out in large bursts causing massive PH swings and over doses of CO2. Lesson learned the hard way, when I first hooked it up I almost wiped out the entire tank. It's a 75 gal community.
Don't get me wrong. Pressurized high tech systems are NICE! I wish I had one. If you can afford it you should get one. It gives you much greater control without all the trial and error.
I've posted this before but again I repeat. On that particular filter it is a very very bad idea to run the CO2 into that canister. The way that filter works (being a wet dry) allows the gas to build up in the canister to be spit out in large bursts causing massive PH swings and over doses of CO2. Lesson learned the hard way, when I first hooked it up I almost wiped out the entire tank. It's a 75 gal community.Don't get me wrong. Pressurized high tech systems are NICE! I wish I had one. If you can afford it you should get one. It gives you much greater control without all the trial and error.
I've never really considered injecting CO2 into my canister (I use an Eheim 2222 on my 20G). I use this powerhead reactor. It's a bit ugly, but I try to have plants camouflage it.
Though I've always wondered if I should just get the Hagen CO2 ladder and just up the flow rate off the CO2 cylender to compensate for the lower absorption rate? It would look A LOT less ugly...
Though I've always wondered if I should just get the Hagen CO2 ladder and just up the flow rate off the CO2 cylender to compensate for the lower absorption rate? It would look A LOT less ugly...
The ladder actually works pretty well, it's what I turned to as a second option. For the most part the bubbles are dissolved by the time they get to the end. The only downside is it needs to be pulled for cleaning about every week to every other week. It gets the same white gunk that forms on a airstone being used to for CO2 injection. When it gets this stuff on it the bubbles stop following the ladder all the way to the end. I would stick with what you have, or improvise a DIY outside the tank reactor not to far from what you already have. I've been planning one, just haven't had time to make it.
You guys are all SO fancy with your Co2 diffusers it makes me laugh almost. I shoot my DIY CO2 straight up the wazoo,er, uh, I mean the filter intake on the HOB, and straight in the venturi on the powerheads. I get nice levels this way.
I am getting a pressurized system for Christmas, and may consider something a bit more scientific, but for now, I'm keeping it simple.
I am getting a pressurized system for Christmas, and may consider something a bit more scientific, but for now, I'm keeping it simple.
Up the..emmm yeah *cough* intake is what I do on my 40 gallon, and yup it works great. My only complaint is since that system I built is also a dual bottle set up that produces more CO2 than needed (or safe) it has to be controlled with a valve just like the one in the pic is. The problem is I couldn't tell how many bubbles per second I was getting without making a bubble counter. That was actually pretty easy to make using an old prescription drug bottle, some tubing, a drill, and some epoxy.
Pressurized systems are a little intimidating at first... But once you actually sit down and put it together, you realize that it's not so bad.
And I ALWAYS get a big WOW factor when I show off my tank to non fish keeping people and I open the door to the stand and they see the canister filter and the CO2 tank with the regulator, valves, solenoid and bubble-counter.
Brings a smile to my face.
And I ALWAYS get a big WOW factor when I show off my tank to non fish keeping people and I open the door to the stand and they see the canister filter and the CO2 tank with the regulator, valves, solenoid and bubble-counter.
Brings a smile to my face.
I just got the Plant Gro CO2 system for Christmas. I had a DIY setup on a 10g before. I just set up the new system on my planted 46g about 9pm last night. I am still waiting for bubbles. C02 is pushing its way down the line, and has almost pushed all the water out, so I should start seeing some bubbles soon... the instructions said 10-24 hours. In my tank I have Hornwort, Java Fern, Amazon Sword, Annacharis, and Aponogeton. The Annacharis and Apono. haven't been doing so well, so I'm hoping the CO2 will help.