Shopping List: Co2 For 400 Litre Tank

[jmkgreen]

The tank is 4x2x2 foot tropical with 2x 54w lamps (one skywhite one daylight) with reflectors.

We've seen the plants we initially put in all but die off and the glass now has plenty of algae all over it darkening the tank. Time to do something about it.

Looked at the rather excellent guides in the resources section and I'm hoping some kind soul will be able to tick the items in my shopping basket or provide better solutions!

Firstly an option for a complete solution from Germany - only 500g and does not state whether it is refillable, does it look like a decent option?

Alternatively a proper DIY solution from eBay/etc:

1. Co2 Fire Extinguisher
2. CO2 Regulator Dual Gauged + Solenoid Magnetic Valve R2
3. Bubble Counter
4. Aqua Medic Reactor 500 from Swell UK
5. Drop Checker
6. CO2 Tubing

Am I missing anything? I figure I need some suction cups at least? If any of the above seems inadequate or known to be surpassed by an alternative please shout now!

James

 

[Nick16]

DO NOT GO DIY !!!!

DIY co2 is very unstable as you get large fluctuations in the amount of co2 being pumped in and it can lead to even worse problems. (not to mention its on 24/7)

you will need to go down the pressuised route, but get yourself a reg and soleniod so you can put the co2 on a timer. the plants dont use co2 when the lights go off so its a waste pumping it in.
The cheapest method and the one many people use is to get a Co2 fire extinguisher and use that.

LINK 1

LINK 2

Lastly, check out my 4x2x2 journal in the journal section of the planted aquarium section.


I suggest you do alot of reading up beofre you do anything.

 

[Fats]

I use a 3.5kg co2 from the local pub gas supplier cost £8.50 no bottle deposit and when its running low ring them and they deliver another one and swap it over,i was going to use the fire extinguisher method but this way seems cheaper. So mine just cost me £8.50 everytime it runs out ive no idea how much a fire extinguisher costs to refill or how easy they are to find some one who will refill them. They also do a 14lb bottle for £12.50 which would last longer on your 400 litre tank.

Good luck with whatever you decide to go with but i wouldnt bother with diy co2 especially on a tank that size.

Ian

 

[jmkgreen]

By DIY I mean fire extinguisher NOT yeast + other nonsense. That bit I already understand.

I'm more concerned that I don't pick up a rubbish component or that they won't work together or that I've missed something from the list.

 

[Nick16]

get rid of that aquamedic reactor

either diffuse your co2 internally (through a rhinox diffuser) or do it externally with the diffser inline with your filter outlet. i use this Click here

 

[jmkgreen]

Just wondering if this from AquaticMagic is worth the price?

Nick16: The guide indicated that for large tanks (mine's 100G) diffusers would be stretched to the limit - a reactor would be far more effective?

 

[Nick16]

just stick with a standard dual reg and soleniod.

yup reactors are fine. my inline diffuser is being used on a 450L and it copes alright.
you can either spend that tiny amount on one of them, or go and spend £50+ on an aquamedic 1000.

your choice.
as long as you have good flow in the tank from powerheads, like i do, the co2 will be spread around fine.

 

[lljdma06]

By DIY I mean fire extinguisher NOT yeast + other nonsense. That bit I already understand.

I knew what you meant. Don't knock yeast, though. Works well for me. Granted, I have a teeny, teeny, teeny tank next to yours. It would be rubbish in your system, or you'd have enough yeast alcohol to start your own brewery!

Mmmmmm 400l. Nice.

 

[jmkgreen]

Mmmmmm 400l. Nice.

Mmmmm expensive to run!

I just ordered a JBL e1500 last night off zooplus to work alongside my Eheim 2075. That'll take me to a theoretical 2750 LPH and I'll probably need a Koralia 3 to meet 10x turnover recommended for plants with heavy stocking.

I ordered a £0.99 + £8 p&p inline reactor from the Far East which I'll put on the e1500 outlet near the filter. Need the Co2 system itself next. Oh and I'm getting married next year so there are a few other things to consider...

 

[lljdma06]

Mmmmmm 400l. Nice.

Mmmmm expensive to run!

Yes, I agree. For me...

400l = low-tech. Save me some money.