Co2 On A Budget.

[Verminator89]

FE i just bought the cheapest buy it now + P&P from eBay.
Regulator + Solenoid is a brand from Hong Kong (AAS regulator + solenoid) £32 it was, found the receipt.
Tubing, diffuser and bubble counter was from AquaEssentials and is TMC branding.

As mentioned i don't actually use the solenoid. Its plugged in, but just runs 24/7. Mainly because once it stops, it doesnt seem to kick back in again unless you open the valve fully and blast the CO2 for a second.

It seems pretty much problem free with plucking out a regulator without having to worry to much about the conspecifics. You can save money by just buying a normal regulator, doesnt have to be "aquatic" branded because they have extra cost for some reason. I did, just to make myself feel at ease.

 

[james_fish]

Do you think running it 24 hours would be okay, or should I invest in a solenoid?

Plus, extra question... How practical are they at moving? As I may have another 55gal on the way which I may plant aswell, is it just a matter of removing the diffuser and taking the whole thing downstairs and setting it up the same? Or is it a bit more complex than that?

Cheers, James.

 

[Verminator89]

Its a piece of cake to move. Its just a FE with a regulator attatched with tubing going into your tank with a diffuser on the end, plus a bubble counter somewhere inbetween. Absolute piece of cake mate, so yes very easy to move. With a solenoid you just have a wire to plug into something.

One thing to note if your going to move the same CO2 set-up to a bigger tank. You would probalby have to invest in a bigger diffuser, as you get different ones suitable for different volumes of water. You could always get a t-valve and have two diffusers at opposite ends of the tank, which in practice would actually be far more suitable for a tnak that size. So i'd recommend it!

The argument goes on forever about whether its good or bad having it running for 24/7. I was taught by themuleous over on UKAPS that it really isnt a bother at all. Some people harp on about giving the fish a break from high levels of CO2 at night, and plants photosynthesise in reverse at night thus making it worse for fish. I was told it really isnt all that bad, and tbh i've not had a problem to date.

Obviously benefits of a solenoid is just that, it gives your tank a rest at night, and thus saves on CO2 usage. Which means less refilling and thus less money spent. I havnt had to refill mine yet as i havnt been running it long enough, so i havnt experienced how deep its going to hit me.

 

[james_fish]

Would this be okay?

http/www.welduk.com/Details.asp?ProductID=82

Or this?

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-Regulator-Dual-Gauged-Solenoid-Magnetic-Valve-A153-/160412057871?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item25594dc10f

James.

 

[JenCliBee]

Would this be okay?

http/www.welduk.com/Details.asp?ProductID=82

Or this?

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-Regulator-Dual-Gauged-Solenoid-Magnetic-Valve-A153-/160412057871?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item25594dc10f

James.

Yep both would be completely fine, infact the welduk one is the one i originally was going to buy but decided to buy one complete with solenoid, the advantage is with the ebay one though having the solenoid in with the price (if you decide to use a solenoid that is).


EDITED>> just to say on the welduk one, i THINK you need an extra adaptor so you can connect airline to, you may be able to get a sort of in-line needle valve that attaches straight on then regulate the amount into the tank from there but don't quote me on that.

I think this may have been another reason why i opted for a complete solenoid and reg instead (been a while now).