Pressurized Co2 Setup

[GrayScale]

I've been wanting to setup a diy pressurized co2 setup and I've got a few questions.

From my understanding I will need:

1co2 bottle (I'm thinking a 5 or 10lbs bottle)
1 regulator
1 bubble counter
1 drop checker

not sure what else I would need except for the minor check valve or something of that nature but not sure.

I have 2 tanks I want to co2 and was wondering if I could use an airline splitter and use my sponge filters as the diffuser in both tanks from 1 bottle?

The second question is a little more important as I'm just being lazy and I'm at work atthe moment so I can't fully research or watch videos on supplies needed. But any input and answers is greatly appreciated. I've read some of the pinned topics and a few others on the subject just a little confused. During my adventures of setting it up once I get everything ill make a log and post it on here with problems that I run into that someone else may run into etc for a complete setup diy type guide.

 

[aaronnorth]

The splitter is a good idea, but using the filters won't be very efficient, you would be better with a ceramic diffuser.

This post tells you everything you need: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=254568&st=0&p=2104940&#entry2104940

Thanks, Aaron

 

[GrayScale]

I was reading through that article and it was great help and I had read it once before a few months ago. Kind of forgot about it though. Still unsure if the splitter would work possibly foot supplying co2 to both tanks. I'm wondering if there could potentially be a loss of pressure from one side to another? It seems like cinsistancy is key to injecting co2. I'm sure with some extra tuning I could eventually get it but I was wondering what some of you more experienced co2 users might think about this?

 

[aaronnorth]

I have never used a splitter before, I don't think the pressure would drop significantly enough to cause problems, certainly not at a foot's length. I have known people to use them to feed CO2 to separate rooms.
You would just need a needle valve on each line, and providing you don't need the NV fully open and there still is not enough CO2 being injected then you will be fine.

Thanks, Aaron

 

[GrayScale]

I know this has been sitting far down but i thought i would ask this in here since ive already created the topic.

Milwaukee Regulator

I was wondering if anyone had any experience or if this is a good regulator? diffuser and reactor are basically the same thing correct?

Also, if i were to buy that regulator the only other thing i would need to get would be a check valve, diffuser and co2 bottle?

 

[aaronnorth]

Never seen it used before but it will do the job

Basically yes, they diffuse CO2 - Reactors are better though, hence the bigger price tag.

And yes that is all you will need - and some CO2 airline.

Thanks Aaron

 

[GrayScale]

Thanks again. I ordered everything except for the co2 airline and the drop checker. I figure i can find the co2 airline at my lfs and i'm not quite sure what to do about the drop checker. It all seems to be sold out so i may have to diy it. We shall see. Would it be okay to run the co2 for a bit until i get a drop checker or wait to hook it up until i can make/get a drop checker?

 

[ian]

I would wait til you get the drop checker, then you know whether your running to little or to much. As we all know to little can lead to algae problems, to much C02 and you'll have dead fish but really nice plants!

They arn't that expensive on ebay, http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Co2-Drop-Checker-Aquarium-Tank-/370460366551?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56412896d7
^^ a fiver, you might have to wait a week for it.

if you don't want to use fleabay, then Maidenhead stock JBL, and they do a drop checker, they aren't as attractive as the glass one though.

 

[GrayScale]

i was looking at the red sea ones but i'm not sure how well they work.Found here For the ebay ones i'd have to wait 2 weeks after i get everything else before it arrives so i was hoping i would get something that would arrive at the same time.

 

[GrayScale]

Alright, everything is ordered and I suspect it should all be here no later than Friday.

For the bubble counter, is there a specific fluid that should go in it or will tap water be fine?

 

[aaronnorth]

water is fine.

 

[GrayScale]

Diffuser and regulator have arrived. Just waiting on the drop checker and 5lb tank and I will be good to go. I'm thinking they should arrive tomorrow or Friday.

 

[GrayScale]

Reguator, diffuser, and co2 tank are here! I cancelledthe order on the drop checker since they were on back order and didn't want to wait forever. I still have to wait for the plants which I'll hopefully have ordered this week so I've got some time to think about it and research it.

Is it necessary to use co2 hoses or will regular airline work?

 

[aaronnorth]

Regular airline will harden over time and crack, therefore leaking.

You can use it but just replace it every year or so.

 

[GrayScale]

Sweet thanks again. Might just use regular airline then upgrade to co2 line eventually.