Paul's Plan

[Ebbo]

Hello,

I have kept fish for decades now, in various different setups. I have always gone for the low-tech planting option, believing that real plants do make the necessary difference, but never parting with enough cash or effort to realise the actual high-tech planted aquarium dream.

Here is a picture of my current setup:

As you can plainly see I have opted for the easy, low maintainence approach to a planted tank; anubias, vallis, & a bit of moss. Despite the small growth, this is a mature setup - this one has been running for about 6 years now. The anubias you see now, started life as a mere 1 inch long rhizome with a few leaves attached when I initially set the tank up - and has now eaten up almost all available space on the bogwood.

But it's time for a change, after constant algae fighting & numerous failed attempts at creating my ideal planted tank with a low-tech approach (& a tiny bit of pursuading with the wife), I have decided to invest the funds required.

I have done some research on Co2 setups and suitability for my tank, and had a look at which equipment is going to enable me to build the perfect planted aquascape - but what I really want is advice from people that know.

All I have so far is an AquaGro glass/ceramic Co2 diffuser & Co2 resiliant airline tubing - not much, I know! I have been looking at the difference between using a pre-built Co2 setup & building one from a fire extinguisher - the pinned topics on this are great by the way! The build-your-own version looks good for my pocket & longevity too - but the no-fuss & expensive alternatives are tempting me..

Any suggestions & help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Ebbo]

I have now purchased a 2kg co2 cylinder, as thought the cost difference between this and buying a pre-built system was silly. I have been looking around for the best regulator, and research suggests some may be useless. Can anyone recommend one that works well with a 2kg bottle, I can post pics of the cylinder if this helps?

Cheers,
Paul

 

[L_Plates]

Reg - http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CO2-Doppelmanometer-Druckminderer-Feinnadelventil-/200339728503?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DDLSL%252BSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BIEW%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D8%26pmod%3D140546110652%252B140546110652%26po%3D%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D2913627228701095610#ht_2272wt_1139

Solenoid Valve - http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-magnetic-valve-solenoid-valve-night-time-cut-off-/140549133486?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item20b96194ae#ht_2647wt_1139

Many people use the ones linked.

LP

 

[kyleb2003]

I sourced a reg/solenoid from HK on eBay as was cheaper than the one LP has linked above. I was on a budget though, the German one may be better, I don't know.

Your anubias is amazing, by the way. Can't believe that started as a single 1 inch rhizome, really impressive.

 

[Ebbo]

Thank you for the links, however after much more deliberation and research on DIY pressurised co2, I have decided to opt for the D-D setup that you can buy all in one. I feel that I should maybe use this for a while before undertaking a DIY system. Yes, you may call me chicken!

Thanks, the anubias has done amazingly well, hopefuly with the addition of nutrients and co2 it will do even better!

 

[Ebbo]

the FE arrived today, and on 2nd thoughts I am going to DIY it. It can't be too difficult! I will be buying the rest of the equipment on tuesday.

 

[kyleb2003]

the FE arrived today, and on 2nd thoughts I am going to DIY it. It can't be too difficult! I will be buying the rest of the equipment on tuesday.

Go for it, I was surprised by how quickly I had mine set up and running it's pretty simple and straightforward. Just take care with it.

 

[Ebbo]

would you recommend a solenoid valve?

 

[kyleb2003]

would you recommend a solenoid valve?

I use one, I only have the Co2 on for about 7 or 8 hours a day while the lights are on.

 

[Ebbo]

Thanks, I have ordered the same reg as posted above from a German site on Ebay.

Seeing as using an FE will mean much cheaper Co2 refills, will leaving the Co2 on all night really cause all that many problems?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[kyleb2003]

Well I know that some people do it (i.e. don't use a solenoid so it's running 24/7), I don't know if it can cause harm but only that the plants aren't using it while the lights are off so it's wasted. You'd have to replace your Co2 about a third of the time if it's only running 8 hours a day. Not sure if you would have a dangerous build up of Co2 overnight, someone else may be able to help with that.

 

[DrRob]

I've got a FE setup with a reg from Lunapet, a German company, might even be the one you have. Have had no trouble with it at all.

 

[Ebbo]

It would probably make sense to get one, will order that tommorow.

I have been looking at bubble and drop counters, quite like the look of the glass bubble counters but would rather go for tried and tested redommendations?

It would probably make sense to get one, will order that tommorow.

I have been looking at bubble and drop counters, quite like the look of the glass bubble counters but would rather go for tried and tested redommendations?

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Your Anubias is absolutely stunning, my next scape will now be named Mount Anubias and feature loads of it.

 

[Ebbo]

Thank you. Eventually I will actually get around to confirming 'my plan' - hence the name of this topic.

It includes the use of this anubias + other varieties, ferns & mosses with a lot of mangrove & bog wood to create a swampy style look. I have a plan drawn out and will post it on here once I have sorted the Co2 out - this is my first step.

Cheers,
Paul