Co2 System

[methodmza_uk]

Hi guys, I have been looking on ebay at co2 systems for my new planted tank that I want to set up.

Are these system I have seen on ebay any good? They are cheap, and look like they would work. I just dont know the difference. Loads of science that is way over my head. I cant afford to spend loads of cash on one and I dont fancy a DIY job.

Thanks a lot, ben

c02 system on ebay

 

[George Farmer]

I know Jeremy Gay (technical writer and product reviewer for Practical Fishkeeping) likes the Hydor units.

The Nutrafin units are also very good and the pinned recipe at the top of this forum works well and is great value.

 

[Themuleous]

Looks to me like Hydor have brought out a rival to the Hagen nutrafin system! Basically that system works using yeast to generate the CO2. Ok on smaller tanks but not so good for bigger tanks. How big is your tank?

I would add that I imagine the supplied ingredients are much like the nutrafin system so prob pretty crap. If you do get one swap it for the mix in the pinned article.

The set up does 'look' a bit nicer than the nutrafin thou, but more expensive by quite a bit. Diffuser looks better too, well from the pics anyway. But what on earth is the point of the guages!

Sam

 

[methodmza_uk]

My tank is 14 UK Gal. So only small, this is apparently good enough for upto 120L, so Hydor say. Might get one then.

Which is the nutrafin kit? Does anyone have a link, cant find them on ebay.

Thanks again, you guys are really helpful with this planting stuff.

EDIT: Cancel that, found some on ebay, £5 cheaper too and if I use the recipe from pinned, then this should be fine right?

 

[MoreCoffee]

For a 14 Gal tank a yeast CO2 system (Nutrafin or Hydor) should be fine. I've used the Nutrafin system before and still run it on my temporary plant holding tank, without any problems.

The only thing I would say about that ebay advert (although it doesn't affect your tank) is that is says "Hydor Green CO2 Plant Fertiliser Kit for 300lt".

I think 300ltrs sounds a bit big to be running a yeast based system and still expect to get CO2 levels up to about 30ppm. The nutrafin system states that each canister is good for 70ltrs .... that sounds far more reasonable. Presurised would be far better on larger tanks.

It also looks like Hydor have brought out a couple of variations on this system ( see here ). There seems to be the yeast based system (NRG Basic), a small 74gram pressurised system (NRG exclusive) using disposable bottles and a larger pressurise system (NRG advanced).
All based on the same diffuser, the packaging all looks very similar, could be confusing !

 

[methodmza_uk]

Maybe I will go with the Nutrafin kit. Seems a lot easier to understand, as you say it is a bit confusing. I have seen this same Hydor kit on another aquatics website and it said good for upto 120L.

All very random. Will keep looking around I guess.

 

[MoreCoffee]

Dont get me wrong ...... for a 14Gal tank either the Hydor basic or the Nutrafin system should work fine.
I doubt there is much between both 'yeast based' systems to be honest !

I cant comment on the diffuser for the Hydor kit, but I know the Nutrafin 'bubble ladder' is pretty goodl, although the tank looks better if you can hide it a little.