Co2 Cost, Equipment, Etc.

[OneOnion]

Hi, I was thinking on making my second aquarium a high-tech planted one with Co2 and all of that stuff, and I had a few questions...

First off, what is the basic equipment that I'll need? I'll be using one of those DIY yeast injectors with the soda bottles. What are the essentials, and what are the optional things that will help me?

Next, how much will this equipment all cost? I don't want to spend too much. If it's too high, I might end up going with low-tech.

Finally, how do I find how much co2 to actually add into the aquarium? It's a ten gallon tank.

Basically, I just need all of the basics of doing a high-tech planted aquarium. Thanks for reading.

 

[aaronnorth]

DIY is about £5 max.

2 guides:

http/www.fishforever.co.uk/carbondioxide.html
http/www.aquatic-eden.com/2006/10/build-your-own-yeast-co2-generator.html

CO2 levels/ measurment:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=268972

May help a bit more on the high tech side of things:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/298133-back-to-basics/

 

[OneOnion]

Thanks, I think I understand it more now.

So, the things I'll need for my 10 gallon tank if I decide to go high-tech is...

-The Co2 Injection thing

-Drop checker and all the 4dkh and bromothymol blue stuff

-20 watt bulb

And that's it, am I correct?

The main problem now is 'finding' all this stuff. I live in the US so I can't use those online shops listed in the guides. Anyone in the U.S. know where to get this stuff for cheap?

 

[aaronnorth]

Yes, DIY CO2 isnt the most stable injection system, so it is advisable to dose liquid carbon alongside it (seachem excel or easycarbo).

DC I got mine from here: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-Aquarium-Glass-Drop-Checker-Tester-Set-Test-Kit_W0QQitemZ180434227099QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Pet_Supplies_Fish?hash=item2a02b7cf9b

The 4dKH you may have to make up yourself, the recipe is in the drop checker guide.

 

[OneOnion]

Okay thank you, I'll look around for liquid carbon.

EDIT: Wait, are you saying you got it from that particular store, or is it included in that item?

 

[aaronnorth]

Got what? The drop checker? Yes I did.

Or if you mean liquid carbon, those are two brand names.