Fermentation C02 For 180 Litres

[Callum]

I am thinking of getting co2 when i get my new tank in october. It will be 180 litres. and heavily planted i want to add co2 but i only want the fermentation stuff. Pressurized to expensive and i dont like gas bottles . However i do not want to have like 3 hagen nutrafin units running at the same time i want to have one unit becasuse its easier to control / maintain. i have seen this one http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...products_id=422

but its only suitable for a maximum of 160 litres. Would this be suitable? i dont want tons of co2 in my tank just a bit anyway are there any other fermentation units suitable for 180 litres? Btw im in the UK.

 

[Callum]

Also i have an airpump can i switch it on at night to help oxegenate the water when all the plants are giving off co2? i know i cant have it on in the day though

 

[Themuleous]

Ive not really heard much about that kit, but as far as I know its a yeast based system like the nutrafin ones, so not sure how good it will be, the nutrafin sachets are crap. Also the refills for this kit are really expensive at 7quid a month.

If necessary you could just do a DIY kit with a 2lt coke bottle and have double the yeast mix. Not sure how safe it is pressure wise but I'm sure Ive heard of people increasing CO2 production by adding more yeast and sugar, although I think it can be more unstable if you add to much.

Also pressurized kits don't cost to much if you are willing to shop around, ebay is always selling kits, just be a bit patient. I got a complete kit with 12lb (yes 12 pound!) cylinder for around 85quid. I think you'll find yeast kits are to much hassle for a 180lt tank and will be wanting a pressurized kit in a few months anyway. Might as well save yourself the money and get pressurised straight away. Refills on a 500g cylinder even on a 180lt tank will probably only be necessary every few months.

Sam

 

[Callum]

i cant afford pressurised maybe as a christmas present but i was just wondering if this would be suitavle for a 180 lire tank or would i have to have a nutrafin unit as well i want the co2 to be between 15-25ppm though also at night can i switch my airpump on to get rid off co2

 

[George Farmer]

2 Nutrafin kits would provide ample CO2. Use 3/4 to 1 teaspoon dried yeast instead of the supplied "Activator" sachets. You don't need "Stabiliser" which is bi-carb of soda unless you have v. soft water.

Change the mixtures alternately i.e. every 7 to 10 days. This should give you a relatively constant CO2 output at around 20ppm, ideal for most setups. Chaning the mixture when you do your weekly water change/maintenance makes it seem less hassle.

If you intend running high lighting (>2 watts per gallon decent fluorescent with reflectors) then pressurized is considered essential for the long-term, and is a very worthwhile investment. Bargains can be found on e-bay and the like.

 

[Ginge]

Talking pressurised i have 2kg cylinder + reg + soleniod + tubing + glass diffuser all for £110 all from ebay.

 

[Callum]

2 Nutrafin kits would provide ample CO2. Use 3/4 to 1 teaspoon dried yeast instead of the supplied "Activator" sachets. You don't need "Stabiliser" which is bi-carb of soda unless you have v. soft water.

Change the mixtures alternately i.e. every 7 to 10 days. This should give you a relatively constant CO2 output at around 20ppm, ideal for most setups. Chaning the mixture when you do your weekly water change/maintenance makes it seem less hassle.

If you intend running high lighting (>2 watts per gallon decent fluorescent with reflectors) then pressurized is considered essential for the long-term, and is a very worthwhile investment. Bargains can be found on e-bay and the like.

i will have a WPG of 2.4 i will prob get a pressurized cylinder for christmas but which would be better 2 nutrafin kits or 1 red sea turbo co2 thingy also can u switch the nutrafins off at night if not would turning the airpump on max get rid of all that co2. and what does ample mean ? adequate? also would the red sea looks better to me because it adjusts itself at night ?

 

[George Farmer]

I've no experience of the Red Sea kit although I'd guess that 2 Nutrafin systems setup like I mention would provide more CO2 than the Red Sea. In 180 l. you should be aiming for around 1 bubble per second (generally). This is acheivable with 2 Nutrafins using enough yeast. I doubt 1 x Red Sea kit would give 1 BPS.

Injecting CO2 24/7 shouldn't be a problem, especially with yeast-based systems.

"Ample" in terms of CO2 quantity is >20ppm.