Co2 Bio-Systems?

[Dunkal]

Hi, I have a Juwel 125 rio and am looking at adding some plants but want to add co2 but have no idea about where to start. I was reading about CO2 Bio-Systems? are these any good? Do they need a plug? Are they expensive and easy to instal? Thanks.

Karl

 

[Primous]

C02 bio systems like the one made by red sea is (in my opinion) just a way to part well intentioned hobbyists with their money. You can make the same thing yourself for a fraction of the cost. Chances are you already have the components, the only thing you may need to purchase being silicone sealant.

However having been down this route before I feel it's important to let you know that diy and or bio systems are a recipe for disaster. Most people (myself included) rarely get a handle on the impact diy/pre packaged diy C02 systems can have on their aquarium because in short. DIY C02 is inconsistent and inconsistent C02 begets a number of algae blooms. And once these algaes (such as the dreaded black hair/brush algae) take hold you may be forced to start over on your planted adventure. I've seen my fair share of people do this. via youtube and other aquatic forums.

To avoid this my advice would be to test a number of C02 recipes, record the out put of each for a week, and run with the recipe that gives the most consistent output over that seven day period. My most consistent recipe was.

1 1/2 tea spoons of wine yeast (ebay)
1 teaspoon of yeast nourishment (ebay)
2 cups of Cane sugar
1 tea spoon of molasses

Which produced 1 bubble a sec for 5 days. Aided of course by the summer warmth but once the weather turned cooler the consistency would fluctuate.

Primous

 

[Mikaila31]

Yeah I messed around with DIY bio CO2 systems and would never suggest them, let alone buy the over price premade ones. I still use CO2, but its pressurized now. That said you definitely DO NOT need CO2 added to have a nice lush planted tank. Not all my tanks run CO2 and side by side I doubt you could tell which ones don't and which ones do. What it really comes down to is the growth rate. With CO2 you have a really fast growth rate and plants need to basically be managed weekly to keep the tank from looking overgrown. Once you get up into the realm of pressurized CO2 then you usually have medium-high light and daily fertilizing to go along with it. Basically you can run a nice planted tank without CO2 thats low maintenance. As soon as you move into CO2 either DIY or pressurized your looking at a lot more maintenance to keep the tank stable.

 

[Dunkal]

All my plants seem to die all the the time, even the vallis which seem to be low maintenance. I thought c02 might be an option as I do love a planted tank.

 

[sjdriscoll]

All my plants seem to die all the the time, even the vallis which seem to be low maintenance. I thought c02 might be an option as I do love a planted tank.

I have run DIY on my planted tank for years and, to be honest, it's not easy! I have a medium sized tank and run (well ran) 4 x 2 litre coke bottles, via lots of connectors and my outlet pipe - through my external filter. It works pretty well if you keep on top of it - change 1 bottle a week, EVERY week - and my dropper was always yellow/green with some fizzing plants too! However, I'm busy and lazy so often couldn't be arsed so the levels would dip. Also lots of leaks at times. A frustrating method to keep in control.

I have recently got a pressurised system and what a great move that was! Hassle free and consistent. I wish I had not been so stubborn and listened to my learned friends on this forum all those years ago! I must have spent the price of a half decent one (£130) several times over in sugar alone.

Top tip 1 - Marmite in with the yeast mixture lengthens the life of mixture by loads. And I mean weeks, not days.

Top tip 2 - get a pressurised system!

I do tend to agree with an earlier comment though - if you get low level light plants and the light is around or just under 2w/l they seem to flourish just as well without CO2, in my tank at least. You could try some liquid carbon stuff instead of DIY CO2.

Have fun