Co2 - Someone Please Explain!

[Rorie]

So, i am now diving into a planted aquarium. I will start it all up in a couple months, i have everything other than a source of co2

The aquarium is around 340 or 360L.

I have read about different options - compressed, disposable, tablets etc. I imagine that compressed is the best option for a large aquarium for a regulated and regular flow?

What all do i need? What is the difference in price? Suggestions as to what i should get? And the big two questions - how much are we speaking to set up, and what is the running cost of the co2?

Thanks

 

[Katch]

2kg fire extingisher DIY setup.

Buy a reg, solonoid, bubble counter, diffuser and some airline (I got mine for about £100)

2kg FEs are about £20 each and mine lasts about 6 months on a 90 litre tank.

 

[Rorie]

Thanks for the reply

A FE.... do i assume this is just a cheap way to get a cylinder? Do you need to change the fittings etc and get it filled?

I have seen loads of bits and bobs online, for example, for pretty cheap i can get cylinder, stand, regulator, tetratec pump. Should i avoid certain manufacturers? Can i go wrong by buying cheap?

 

[Katch]

Unless you have a good local supplier who can refill CO2 bottles cheaply - 2kg fire extingishers are the best option.

Most CO2 regulators will fit - you just have to take off the horn and then screw on the reg before firing the extingisher and taping it open. I'd suggest registering over on UKAPS as they have some really good topics on setting up FE CO2.

 

[PDSimon]

Going on from Katch, there will normally be a supplier nearby(theres a thread on UKAPS of them but you'll have to register). I got 3kg for 30 quid, then 10 quid to top up (which will be ages anyway).

 

[ian]

lets go back to basics...give us some stats on your tank, Rorie. Lighting, substrate, ferts that will be in use when you get the tank up and running.

 

[Rorie]

Ok, i have had a look at UKAPS. Some good stuff on there, but as it is a lot more specific, it seems to miss the basics i am looking for...or maybe i have just missed them!

The aquarium - First off, i now have it, but its second hand and a custom build. Its to big for this flat, so keeping it stored for a couple months until i get set up in my new place.

Its 340 or 360L, has a full range of ADA substrate in. It has 4 tube lights, not sure how powerful, but i plan to have it lit up, not dull

As for plants - i am still deciding exactly what i want, but some tall plants in one corner, leading through to short plants, and eventually 'grass' covering 50% of the base.

That enough info to give me advise on?

I am thinking i will end up going for compressed gas - i can afford the initial cost if it saves me spending a fortune and mucking about with yeast and such. Rather than a FE, what about getting a bottle off ebay? I am currently looking at two auctions:

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180571915350&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150505047714&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

SDaying that, now i have made it public, it prob wont be such a great deal anymore Are either/both of these any good?

I see a lot of these 'sets'

http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue/co2-systems.asp

Any use (the first one on the page)

 

[Rorie]

Oh, and what sort of size bottle should i look for? I have seen a few 'sets' which state the range of tank volumes they will do, but this does not include mine normally!

 

[ian]

it looks to me that you have set you mind on pressurised C02. Have a read of these...

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=212550

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=254568&st=0&p=2104940&#entry2104940

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

its not all about the C02 though, its about light - C02 - Ferts. Try not to go into this blind, as you'll encounter more problems, IE algae. The balance needs to be spot on. All i can suggest is read plenty and if you have any queries, give us lot a shout.

For a tank that size, you'll probably want to be looking at the DIY FE as the other brands on the Market, you'll be paying stupid amounts of money on. The link is above.

 

[mbsqw1d]

i can see supercoley or radar (members) advising you soon!

(im not intending to b condesending here)
basics for plant growth is similar to a fire triangle...

fertilizer+light+co2

all in proportion mind.. having pressurised co2 with low tech lights will not be in balance. are you looking at lighting options too?

i understand that press co2 is the cheapest in the long run.

otherwise, you'd be pouring in a lot of liquid carb etc and the yeast method is not an option for that size tank.

Somethin else to consider is your substrate in terms of having one made of ferts (carib sea complete for example)

i look forward to u posting pics of the tank when complete

 

[Rorie]

SO! I have been doing reading, but have some questions, or maybe more to the point, can somebody confirm that my understanding is correct?

I can get a tank full of Co2, for example a FE, or one like this

http/www.123aquatics.co.uk/showproduct.aspx?Url=jblprofloraco2setm602-1082&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

OR i can get the same kits, but with a disposable canister. Am i right in saying the disposable canister works of yeast rather than compressed co2? I wouldnt imagine you could get a disposable pressurised canister?!

OR i can get

http/www.rapidaquatics.co.uk/hagen-nutrafin-co2-natural-plant-system-starter-kit-p-352.html

Is this just the same as the disposable canisters system, except you just plug it in and away you go?

I am basically confused with the different systems, as many look the same!

Thanks

 

[ian]

the JBL kit you have linked is the one i use, all but the diffuser. Its a decent kit, however it comes with only 500g of C02, which isn't gonna last long in your tank (not cost effective at all). It would last about 4 weeks, and then cost you another 15 quid for a refil. You can upgrade the canister, after though. As for disposables, they are pressurised, they are as it says on the tin. If i was you and you are obviously willing to shell out the money, steer clear of the disposables. The second link is for yeast co2, you don't want to be using that on a tank the size of yours.

There are some german set ups on ebay that are very reasonable, one of our members (RadaR) recommends them. I can't find the link for them, someone will hopefully come along and post it.

do you want a full ready set up or do you want to make your own, as in the FE method?

how much are you wanting to spend?

 

[Rorie]

Cool thanks for the reply.

I am not wanting to do a FE method - i'm one of these engineers who thinks the risks are a bit much!

I would rather do a 'purchase everything at once' method. I dont mind forking out if it will help in the long run, as i dont see the point in getting a £40 set up just to spend loads of money on it every month.

I realise a 500g canister would not last that long, but i did not think it would go that quick!! I have been told a 3kg tank should last me around 10-12 months?

With the JBL tank set ups, am i right in saying they are very plasticy? it has been suggested to me that i should prob fork out a bit more to get a decent set of 'real glass' rather than the plastic kits JBL do....though that obviously comes at a price.

 

[RadaR]

Cool thanks for the reply.

I am not wanting to do a FE method - i'm one of these engineers who thinks the risks are a bit much!

They are just as safe as kits you would buy off the shelf.
As an engineer, you should understand the risks more than others and therefore there should be no danger at all with using the FE method.
Your choice.
I got my FE set-up when I was 17 or so. Never had a problem. Just treat pressurized systems with care