CO2 Systems

[red dawg]

Have been using CO2 in my tanks for years. I am tired of refilling the 2 litre bottle monthly. Can anyone point me in the direction of a system that is reasonably priced and where i dont have to worry about it for 2 or more months.

[werner]

Well, I'm not sure if you'd say that pressurized CO₂ is "reasonably priced". But then you have to weigh the $$ against the PITA factor of the DIY.

The Milwaukee regulator, etc. is about the cheapest out there, but some people find that they have problems holding a consistent bubble rate. There are other brands out there too, but more expensive.

You will have to find a cylinder separately. Price depends on what size you want. Larger ones are a better value (refills too), but if you have to hide it under a tank, the you're probably stuck with about a 5lb. Used tanks are cheaper, but you may have to get them re-certified. Welding gas suppliers (Praxair, Air Liquide) should be able to sell or rent cylinders. I got a used 5lb from Sprouse Fire and Safety, which is where I get my refills- I think it was about $80 (newly re-certified and filled).

[red dawg]

Well, I'm not sure if you'd say that pressurized CO₂ is "reasonably priced". But then you have to weigh the $$ against the PITA factor of the DIY.

The Milwaukee regulator, etc. is about the cheapest out there, but some people find that they have problems holding a consistent bubble rate. There are other brands out there too, but more expensive.

You will have to find a cylinder separately. Price depends on what size you want. Larger ones are a better value (refills too), but if you have to hide it under a tank, the you're probably stuck with about a 5lb. Used tanks are cheaper, but you may have to get them re-certified. Welding gas suppliers (Praxair, Air Liquide) should be able to sell or rent cylinders. I got a used 5lb from Sprouse Fire and Safety, which is where I get my refills- I think it was about $80 (newly re-certified and filled).

Thank you Werner, Besides the pet retailers can I pick this up Praxair or Air Liquide?

[werner]

You could get a regulator from the gas places, but you would still need a needle valve to fine tune the CO₂ down to where you can count the bubbles per second. AFAIK, only the pet places carry something like this.

Here's a Pressurized CO₂ Primer.

[red dawg]

You could get a regulator from the gas places, but you would still need a needle valve to fine tune the CO₂ down to where you can count the bubbles per second. AFAIK, only the pet places carry something like this.

Here's a Pressurized CO₂ Primer.

Thank You, Werner!! See that you also live in Calgary if you so desire maybe we can meet up and talk fish?

John

[werner]

Fish? I only talk plants.

If you want to chat, come check out the next Calgary Aquarium Society meeting (there's a big auction coming up too.) I'm the chick with the library books.

[red dawg]

Fish? I only talk plants.

If you want to chat, come check out the next Calgary Aquarium Society meeting (there's a big auction coming up too.) I'm the chick with the library books.

Sorry already going to a water symposium that night. Will try for October!!