Co2 And Ferts Question

[keeton]

hi guys
im considering diy co2 and adding ferts to my 30 gallon.
i know how to make a diy co2 unit in a 2l bottom but how do you regulate it? or set the amount for a certain size tank, do you leave it running 24/7 until it runs out?
also what ferts should i use? i heard of excel and somethese

cheers

 

[Andeekaii]

You cant regulate it, hence why people recommend pressurised co2, which you can regulate.
For a 30 gallon you will need 2 bottles running side by side, which you rotate every 5 days
So bottle 1 is connect, then 3 days later add bottle 2, then change bottle 1, then 5 days later change bottle 2.

This should give you a constant good supply of co2.

You leave it on 24/7.

 

[mdwheeler]

I actually use three bottles hooked up to a gang valve, giving me a constant flow of co2 (and control if I need it)

My bottles are filled three inches from the top and since I used a metal gang valve it allowed them to build to quite a bit of pressure. Imagine shaking a coke bottle before opened and squeezing the sides to feel the pressure. Thats EXACTLY what they're like, and since the gang valve isn't fully sealed off (because its cheap....figures) the bottles have some leeway so they wont bust. With the valves closed I "hear" about 1 bubble a second, and when I open one of the valves ever so slightly I bump it up to about 5 bubbles a second (and my plants are growing like CRAZY!!!)