I've had a planted tank (65 gallon) for some time but have never gotten a co2 generator. I'm ready to get involved with one. Can anyone recommend a good one for a rookie? Or at least advise me as to what to look for in a good one? thanks
I would go directly to pressurized CO2, rather than a generator. You have a fairly large tank, and it's asking a lot of a CO2 generator to supply the amount of CO2 you really would like to have.
Yes, the initial investment in pressurized CO2 is quite a bit, but once you have it, it's very inexpensive to run.
If you are going the DIY route, Victor, Harris, Concoa and Matheson are some good brands that make solid regulators.
If you are going the pre-assembled route, there are various users (on these forums) as well as some companies that make them (such as GLA). Of course, this route, while offering convenience, will be more expensive.
To be clear on the full sized pressurized system; the tank holds the pressurized CO2. The regulator lets the CO2 flow through at a useable, adjustable, consistent pressure. The solenoid is just an electrically controlled valve to turn the CO2 flow on or off. The needle valve precisely controls the amount of CO2 flowing at a given pressure. The Co2 is typically dispersed into the tank with a diffuser or reactor that help dissolve the CO2 in water.
The entire assembly of regulator, solenoid and needle valve is often referred to as the regulator or regulator assembly.
This common practice, as you are aware, is incorrect, and often leads to the confusion that is often seen on the forums.
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