Hagen Nutrafin Co2 System

[2day]

Hey all

Just wanted to know whether buying a Hagen Nutrafin CO2 System would be worth it. I have three main plants, but tried to do it myself, but it never really works out for me.

What's it like having one of these things?
How long does it last?
Would you reccommend it?
Does it really make the plants grow that much?

Thinking of buying one tomorrow...

Any help appreciated!

 

[Bloo]

Best check over in the planted section. There's a pinned topic on it too

 

[rdd1952]

It really depends on your tank size. I think one unit is supposed to support something like 20 gallons. I have used one before on my 29 gallon but couldn't really tell that it ever made a difference. How often you have to redo it depends on how much yeast you put in. If you use the packages that come with it (they're nothing but baking soda and yeast) it will last between 1 and 2 weeks. Naturally, the number of bubbles decreases as the mixture gets used up. If you buy your own soda and yeast (a lot cheaper) and mix it, you can get more bubbles by adding more yeast but it won't last as long.

 

[modaz]

i started using mine when i kept on killing plants on a daily basis, they work amazing, things grow like crazy and look great, i used my own mix of yeast and sugar now and find it works better than before and lasts for 2 weeks

 

[Amunet]

We had one, but I never saw any difference in our plants.
Plus changing out the contents was so gross. BOY does that yeast/sugar etc crap STINK to high heaven and stinks up your house pretty good as well.

I'm not an expert on planted tanks and all, but I wouldn't recommend getting one.
I think with some plant substrate (you can put it under the sand if the tank in your av is the one you want to get it for) and liquid ferts, your plants should do just fine imo.

 

[rdd1952]

I think with some plant substrate (you can put it under the sand if the tank in your av is the one you want to get it for) and liquid ferts, your plants should do just fine imo.

The only problem with putting plant substrate like Eco Complete or laterite under sand is that the sand will filter through the larger, more coarse substrate and they will eventually reverse places. I did that with my 75 gallon with Eco Complete on the bottom and an inch of Tahitian Moon Sand on top. It took less than 6 months and I could see the EC on top.

 

[Amunet]

I think with some plant substrate (you can put it under the sand if the tank in your av is the one you want to get it for) and liquid ferts, your plants should do just fine imo.

The only problem with putting plant substrate like Eco Complete or laterite under sand is that the sand will filter through the larger, more coarse substrate and they will eventually reverse places. I did that with my 75 gallon with Eco Complete on the bottom and an inch of Tahitian Moon Sand on top. It took less than 6 months and I could see the EC on top.

Yeah that is true, didn't think about that.
Eco Complete looks nice though at least hehe

I wouldn't recommend laterite either.
I have some in my 10gal and it hasn't improved the plants in it any. I've had to put root tablets back into the tank just so the plants will get what they need. And I think the laterite is the reason the water is starting to get a tinge to it.

 

[Bozza]

I dont find the yeast/sugar stuff to stink that much But thats just me hehe

 

[Amunet]

I dont find the yeast/sugar stuff to stink that much But thats just me hehe

Lol it didn't stink all the time, but a few times when I went to change it. I opened up the canister and WHOOSH.. nose full of ripe juicy FUNK lol

 

[Bozza]

It smells kinda nice hehe