CO2 recommendations please

[NuggetChops]

Hi wanting to introduce a co2 diffuser/pump to my tank. I’m clueless as to what would be best. wanting better plant growth. I did look at the Tropica CO2 System Bio as a starting point due to being a complete novice but mixed review and don’t think it’d work for my tank.

Money is tight so wanting some
Reasonably priced ideally around £40-50 mark if this is even possible.

Tank is 120litre

Any recommendations welcome TIA

 

[podsville]

I'm happy to offer some recommendations. However, since I'm in the US, I don't know if the identical products are available to you or their current prices.

I've been using this chemical CO2 generator for about 16 months:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9XZMX8L?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1
and it works amazingly well. You simply add the prescribed amounts of baking soda, citric acid and water and CO2 generation begins almost immediately. I find I get about 90 days per refill. The solenoid and needle valve which come with the unit function as they should, but you will need a timer to start and stop the flow of CO2 at the desired times. Usually, you only inject CO2 when the lights are on.

For effective diffusion of the gas, I can't recommend the ceramic diffuser which is supplied with the unit, or any similar ones. I've tried several and they either stop working in a short time or don't work to begin with. Cleaning them with bleach, hydrogen peroxide, etc. doesn't help. Instead, I highly recommend the Dennerle CO2 Flipper:
https://dennerle.com/en/products/co2-flipper
which, as you can see, is a German product. It dissolves the CO2 bubbles in the aquarium water almost completely, and it's soothing to watch.

Hope this helps. If you like, you can see a one-minute video of my 20gal/75l tank here:

 

[podsville]

I don't know why the link to my aquarium video turned into a black square, I'll try again:

Planted tank

 

[BigDog]

If you want a real true Co2 system that will last you a lifetime

Check out Green leaf aquarium

They have the best of the best stuff you want

They build each regulator by hand and have a a warranty to back there stuff up

 

[MattW]

You might not find much for that price range.

Best I could find. This place is based in Blackpool. Also, look at local stores there are some good ones in Merseyside who might have deals on.

https://www.uk-aquatics.com/product/fluval-co2-kit/

I used this in the past as a cheap alternative. Results were nothing amazing.

Colombo CO2 Basic Set | from Aquacadabra

Colombo CO2 Basic Sets provides a simple way to supply CO2 to your planted aquarium.

aquacadabra.com

My best results with C02 were with DIY. I used this method. - Youtube. With a cheaper diffuser, the total cost is probably around the £20 mark. The only issue is that there is no form of regulation, but I found high agitation, and an airstone helped reduce issues.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I learned a very long time ago, even before i had my first tank or did my co2 added tank, this very important fact.

In the long run, the cheapest solution is usually the one that costs the most up front.

Next, while pretty much all of the aquatic plants benefit from added CO2, most do fine without this. However, if you start adding it, you may find that you may need more light and ferts. And that means more money.