joeysgreen Posted November 22, 2014 Report Share Posted November 22, 2014 Hello everyone, I am looking to add CO2 to my planted tank as I'm adding more vegetation. Originally I was going to go low-tech and use yeast cultures but via our distributor I can get UP-Aqua pierce CO2 systems (7pc) for a very reasonable price. Does anyone have any experience with this brand? It seems rather small and cheap compared to the fancy systems I was looking at before ($200+ price range), but perhaps it's good enough for our single tank; dimensions approx. 48 x 12 x 18tall. Thank you, Ian Kanda AHT Park Veterinary Centre 780-417-1119 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted November 22, 2014 Report Share Posted November 22, 2014 Don't waste your time with that. I've heard too many people complain and kick themselves after the purchase. Grab a proper co2 setup...if your going to spend $...spend it the right way. 10lb tank http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/cr-p10lbc/Aluminum+CO2+Cylinder+-+10+Pound.html 5lb tank http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/cr-p05lbc/Aluminum+CO2+Cylinder+-+5+Pound.html regulator http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/cr-ppmilreg/Milwaukee+CO2+Regulator+with+Needle+Valve+%26+Solenoid.html grab some tubing http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/pl-neo01/1+8+Inch+Neoprene+Tubing+%28Per+Foot%29.html and then get some sort of diffuser/reactor. Too bad your up in Edm. Free shipping from that place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
armybubbles Posted November 25, 2014 Report Share Posted November 25, 2014 I buy my tanks and regulators from ontario beer kegs. There a beer carbonation site but there prices beat pretty much every aquatic site I looked at. As for needle valves I go to swagelock here in Edmonton. Most of the time industrial valves are cheaper and better made I've found. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeysgreen Posted November 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2014 It just hit me that we already use Vitalaire for our medical oxygen so I'm going to see if they can hook me up with a CO2 setup. Once the air is down to I/v tubing sized supply what do you guys use to add it to the water? Is it fine to just use an airstone? I've heard about bubblecounter's and upside down cups etc... Is it better to have it running 24/7 or just during the day? Ian Kanda AHT Park Veterinary Centre (780) 417-1119 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted November 27, 2014 Report Share Posted November 27, 2014 I pump CO2 into a Powerhead intake (not the venturi), which chops the bubbles up into a fine mist, but really, there are thousands of ways to dissolve CO2 into the water. If you think a solenoid on your CO2 tank is not worth the cost, plug the powerhead into a timer and let the CO2 bubble 24/7 (it doesn't dissolve intot he water when it's just bubbling off). Plants will only use CO2 when the lights are on, and start producing it when lights are off, hence the desire to only have it dissolving into the tank when the lights are on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted November 27, 2014 Report Share Posted November 27, 2014 Run the co2 24/7 to avoid ph swings. The amount of o2 used by plants during the night is minimal. I use a wooden diffuser which gives micro bubbles and then I have a hydor which creates nice water flow to take the co2 to all parts of the tank. Use a drop checker to measure co2...it's the best way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeysgreen Posted November 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2014 I think in this tank I have enough buffering capacity that pH swings won't be a concern, but I have a pH meter to monitor it closely and adjust my CO2 if necessary. My filter is placed well enough where I think there is enough water flow to distribute the dissolved gasses. Jason, I had to google solenoid to see what you're talking about; it's simply an electronic timer for turning the gas supply on/off, is that correct? Ian Kanda AHT Park Veterinary Centre (780) 417-1119 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted November 27, 2014 Report Share Posted November 27, 2014 Not him but yes that is correct. It isn't 100% needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted November 27, 2014 Report Share Posted November 27, 2014 Jason, I had to google solenoid to see what you're talking about; it's simply an electronic timer for turning the gas supply on/off, is that correct? It's a switch/valve that you plug into a timer - just allows you a bit more control of CO2. But, like Ckmullin said, it's not 100% needed. There are quite a few CO2 Reg kits that come with a solenoid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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