Co2 Equipment Question

[sm1ke]

This is my first foray into pressurized CO2. I'm looking for a system for my five gallon office tank (currently in the DSM stage). I was looking at ordering the GLA GRO or PRO regulator and diffuser and then sourcing a 5-10 pound tank locally. Is this overkill for a five gallon planted tank? I'm looking to maintain some carpeting plants like micranthemum, HC and e. parvula.

I don't really want to piece together and build a regulator, so my other option would be the Fluval 88g kit at one of the local stores.

What do you guys think? Also, can any sponsors here bring in GLA equipment?

[nicr]

Check out CO2 Art out of the Uk, if you haven't already found them.

I can't really comment on the smaller co2 systems from lfs, although if you ever go to a bigger aquarium the costs might start adding up. A 5 pound cylinder will probably last at least a year on a five gallon tank. Last time I got a 5 pound cylinder filled it was $30. Better value but your C02 system will take up almost as much space as your 5gal aquarium.

[SKAshrimps]

Both CO2 Art and GLA make quality units I have a 5-manifold GLA Pro-SS unit and couldn't be more happy with it.

I also run several smaller units using 20 oz paintball canisters so that is also an option if space is an issue as they and sit on the desk

This is the unit i would get if i was to so another paintball setup
http://greenleafaquariums.com/products/gla-mini-ss-paintball-co2-regulator.html

If you the space underneath the tank, a 5lb tank will last you a very long time

Have you decided on a light yet for that Mini-M?

I might have some extra used regulators & paintball canisters lying around as well if you are the market for a used setup

[sm1ke]

Thanks Nicolas and Hung, I appreciate the quick replies. I do have some space underneath the desk, so I may end up going the 5-10 pound tank route. I'll check out CO2 Art before I make any decisions.

Hung, I went with the Azoo Flexi M. Not as fancy as some of the other units, but I was drawn to the minimalist design and the fact that it swivels out of the way. I would probably be interested in the used setup route.. could you PM me the details/pricing?

Here's a pic of where I'm planning to put the tank:

The CO2 setup would probably go right beside the gray cabinet, or next to the black cabinet in this pic:

[Iceturf]

You may as well go with a larger 5 - 10 pound setup if you have the space. Putting cost aside, your time to refill the Co2 is worth something too.

[sm1ke]

So I ended up going for this regulator from CO2Art:

http://www.co2art.co.uk/collections/regulators-solenoids/products/professional-aquarium-co2-dual-stage-regulator-with-advance-swiss-solenoid-and-smc-valve

Total price including taxes and 5-15 day shipping was $160 CAD, compared to the $205 USD for the GLA GRO-1.

Something to note if you're buying from CO2Art.. I put the regulator in my cart and decided to hold off until I had more time to think about it. I browsed reviews for about an hour and decided to go for it. By chance, I checked my email first, and there was a 15% off coupon code from CO2Art just begging to be used

Also I may have access to cheap (possibly free) CO2 refills because one of the training sessions my coworker leads is Fire Extinguisher training.

I'll post again when I get it. Thanks for your help everyone.

Edited July 25, 2016 by sm1ke

[sm1ke]

Here's the coupon code. Good until July 29, 2016.

6BBBIFTHQY