Hagen CO2 Natural Plant System

[Moe]

Hi I'm getting this co2 system. http/www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/addinfo/c.../co2system.html
It is very low tech, almost like a DIY co2 system. Does anyone use it? I'd like to know if you like it. I also have one question. This unit does not shut off at night do you think this will be a problem. I'm a little scared to add co2 to my tank. I've read that if you don't do it right there could be swings in ph or not enough oxygen for your fish. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[odjbo]

I have heard that they are more expensive than a CO2 tank system to run !

D.

 

[Alien Anna]

I have heard that they are more expensive than a CO2 tank system to run !

D.

That's just silly! It's only yeast (which you buy in little sachets for a couple of quid) and sugar.

I use Nutrifin CO2 system on one tank already and plan to add some to my other tank because I've found it so good. Because it only produces a small amount of CO2 slowly there is little risk of causing dangerous pH swings (check your KH is reasonable before adding, however, as a KH over 3 should be fine). The CO2 levels tend to fluctuate every time you have to recharge the unit, but that's fine - the plants just slow down their growth for a week and then catch up again.

Most importantly for me, its safe and doesn't involve gas canisters that could be risky with small kids in the house.

My only problem is that now light is the limiting factor and I'm having to rig-up more lights on my Juwel tanks.

 

[Moe]

Anna - I got the hagen co2 thing today at LFS. It was easy to set up. Now I just have to wait. Do you always use their replacement packets or do you do a DYI thing in their canister. If you do it yourself would you tell me how. Thanks - Moe

 

[Lithril]

I've just installed a hagon too into my 30 gal, as soon as I've uprated the lights (thinking about 150-200W should be enough) I'll let you know how it goes

 

[graemesmith]

My CO2 injector is a length of tube with an airstone on the end of it. The airstone is dropped into the dirty water side of the filter so the gas diffuses onto the filter where it has a better chance of getting absorbed in filtration.

The other end is in a plastic water bottle mixed with yeast, water and sugar (from my beer brewing). Tape in place and change mix once a week.

Cost to run - negligible

Effectiveness - each week at filter clean/change there is a large green blob of growth arond the filter where the airstone sits. The plants are all alive. I guess it works.....

 

[Alien Anna]

Anna - I got the hagen co2 thing today at LFS. It was easy to set up. Now I just have to wait. Do you always use their replacement packets or do you do a DYI thing in their canister. If you do it yourself would you tell me how. Thanks - Moe

I use the sachets - I got them on special offer from an online aquatics shop so they weren't expensive and they last at least a month.

 

[Moe]

It's day 2 with the hagen co2 thing set up and I can see the co2 bubbles dissipating in the ladder counter thing. It is all very cool. 8)