First Time Co2 User

[mwood2]

Ok so I am setting up my new 20 long tank and for this one I plan to do it right. So far I have the substance (thin layer of florite type susbtance then 1-2 in layer of flora sand). next I placed a large piece of decor inside (looks like a large peice of driftwood but plastic. Realistic though). I ordered a T5 Light fixture for a total of over 2WPG (48watts in total) and plan to get a 200 watt heater. I am using a old Fluval +2 internal as the filter. With this the tank will be fully set up and I can get it running buuut I have no idea how to do CO2.

I have 2 cheap options I am looking at: Nutrafin or Turbo CO2. Both are yeast based (I think). I dont have the money for a proper CO2 cylinder setup. Would these be enough or do I need to go for a differnt setup?

 

[Mr Bliss]

The Nutrafin will probably be good enough, as long as you change the mixture religiously every week. You'll be better off making your own sugar/yeast mixtures than using the manufacturer's products. Check out this thread.

Maintaining stable CO2 with a yeast based system can be tricky, and is often a matter of trial and error, but it can be done without insane amounts of trouble as long as you have an efficient diffusion system (no idea how the Nutrafin diffuser works; I just direct my CO2 into an Eheim Classic powerhead that shreds them into a fine mist, and this works well enough). Whenever you change the mixture, it's a good idea to leave 1/4 or 1/3 of the old mixture in the bottle; that way the new mixture "starts up" much faster.

And if you ever neglect replenishing the mixture in time, I hope you have an army of otos, SAEs, bristlenoses and snails to deal with the results.

edit: of course, if you're going with Nutrafin, you might as well make a DIY bottle system and save even more money. It'll be as good or better, but uglier.

 

[mwood2]

what steps do I need to do if I use a compressed? What equipment is needed?

 

[baron von bubba]

what steps do I need to do if I use a compressed? What equipment is needed?

this may help a bit.

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