Affordable Co2

[Bandahor]

Hi all.
 
I thought I would pass this info onto others thinking about purchasing or modifying an existing CO2 system.
 
I purchased a very basic Flora-Grow CO2 Nano150 system and regretted it after being ripped off for replacement  CO2 cylinders at £13.00 a go, I did some research and found a Pub Gas supplier local to me in "Bexhill-on Sea". 
 
http/www.sellergas.co.uk/  and got a loan refillable 7Lb/ 3kg bottle of CO2 for under £12.00.(no deposit required).
 
I found a supplier for CO2 gauges https/www.weldequip.com/ and purchased the gauge with a hose tail suitable for a 4mm internal diameter air tube for around £40.00
 
Total cost £52.00
 
Phone them if in doubt, both suppliers are very helpful.
 
All I have to do now is hide the bottle so the wife can't see it. Hmmm.

 

[techen]

Most people use fire extinguisher and get them refilled at any fire safety store (Which there are lots of)
 
A pub can would also work although slightly harder to get a hold of.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Yeah, I have a Nano tank co2 system, JBL u201 one. Its ok but loads of room for improvement and kinda pricey.
 
Like you, replacement bottles are about £10.
 
So am seriously considering going a DIY co2 system with a fire extinguisher and regulator with solenoid.
 
Good tips there though.

 

[Bandahor]

I have just purchased a solenoid valve with a needle valve from "CO2Art" http/www.co2art.co.uk/product-category/regulators-solenoids/
It works well, they also supply a complete Aquarium CO2 Regulator Dual Gauged with Solenoid Magnetic Valve for £39.95, Shame I didn't find them earlier.
 
I have also purchased from Maplins this clever socket extension £39.99 http/www.maplin.co.uk/p/energenie-four-socket-power-management-system-n05kf
This has 4 programmable sockets (and 2 non programmable) that can be set up via a USB port on your PC, it now time controls the complete aquarium.