Fluval Mini Pressurized Co2 20G Kit

[nurglespuss]

Hi All,

I said I'd never use pressurised CO2 but these 'cheap' kits seem a dream! and for about £15 for three cannisters, seem fairly sustainable, that is, provided the cannisters last a bit!!

Does anyone use one of these? do they run out in a week or a month or more?

Cheers!

 

[StandbySetting]

It depends on the set up, but no more than a few days/weeks.

For the price of these you're better off going DIY CO2 with Yeast, if you look in the PARC in the planted section there's an article by Supercoley1 on how to make your own, DIY set up in order to achieve 30ppm.

 

[nurglespuss]

Cheers

Thats a shame!

I've used yeast kits previously and have found them to be a little unpredictable (plus my room is a little cold)... hmmmm but I could give them another go...

I would like to try a full sized CO2 fire extinguisher cylinder, but I really don't feel confident about setting that up myself! (I've seen the results of a pressurised cylinder detonating)... is there somewhere you can by a ready done 'kit' with absolutely everything needed (just insert cannister/diffuser)? Thanks!

 

[StandbySetting]

There is but they're incredibly expensive, D+D and JBL do them, there's nothing to DIY fire extinguisher set ups, just buy the bits you need and all you have to do is take of the horn from the extinguisher using a spanner and then attach the regulator and other relative equipment.

 

[nurglespuss]

Cool thanks

I just want good green plant growth, and to avoid the algae nightmares that have hit my previous attempts in the past!

 

[OldMan47]

I have no idea what kit either of you is talking about. I have a simple 5 pound bottle connected to a proper timer and solenoid arrangement on a 40 gallon tank. The bottle of CO2 lasts about 4 months, not just days to weeks.

 

[StandbySetting]

This is the kit Oldman http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/fluval-mini-pressurised-co2-kit-20-p-5379.html

The thread size on the regulator is non-standard and bottles have only 20 grams of CO2 within them.

 

[OldMan47]

It looks like it uses the tiny cartridges that are more often used in a pellet gun or maybe in a seltzer bottle. At £24.99, you are almost half way to what I paid for a proper CO2 system that lasts months. There is no way I would be tempted to even try that tiny piece of gear.

 

[nurglespuss]

What was the gear you got for £50ish? thanks

 

[StandbySetting]

Nurglepuss - take a read of the PARC at the top of the planted section, you can easily set up your own pressurised CO2 kit using a fire extinguisher, solenoid, regulator etc for a relatively low cost.

 

[L_Plates]

I have just bitten the bullet i gone for the FE setup, i got 2 x 2kg fe's for £20 from a local dealer and when i need a refill its another £10. With all the pieces its cost me about £80-£90. Not cheap initially but considering from now on it will be £10 lets say every 2-3-4 months.

I am currently using the yeast method but its really hard to get a consistent dosage of co2 into the tank. As you know, plants are not cheap so im happy to shell this out to keep them healthy

LP

 

[Tizer]

I've been using the Fire Extinguisher method for just over a week now, it is really really simple to setup and in my eyes, perfectly safe.

Had you asked me a month ago what i thought, i would have said it sounds bloody dangerous, but since putting one together, i wouldnt think twice about recommending it to others. Its a very cheap alternative to the specialist packages such as the JBL one.

Mine is tucked away under my tank with my filter and there is no chance of it getting knocked over, as the tank is soooo heavy it wont move one bit. Although i will be putting a bolt on the door to keep any pesky kids out!

 

[nurglespuss]

I don't suppose you mind sending me a guide?

LOL, I really am nervous about it!

 

[Tizer]

Go to the planted section of the forum, there is a guide there.

Alternatively here is a list in a thread of all the pieces i got to set it up.

All you need is an adjustable spanner and some soapy water to check you have no leaks when its all connected.

You can do it a little cheaper if you get a glass diffuser, but you might have to get a bubble counter then.

also give your local fire safety place a call, they often have spare/uncollected CO2 Extinguishers laying around. Else the one in the link on ebay is good enough.

 

[nurglespuss]

Thanks!

I live opposite a fire station

I will give it a go, i just recieved a glass diffuser..

thanks a lot!