Co2 Overkill?

[SvenBoogie]

Considering running TWO DIY 2 liters on my 10g planted at work, wondering if this would be too much for any reason, heres my specs to keep in mind:

2 x 26w spiral cf
2x weekly flourish comprehensive dosing
Flourite black substrate

and, importantly NO FISH for a while

Since I have no fish in this tank and don't intend to until the aquascape is well established, any reason I should avoid this?

[redfalconf35]

I question whether your ferts regimen would be enough to support the explosive growth you're trying to achieve

[SvenBoogie]

Originally Posted by redfalconf35

I question whether your ferts regimen would be enough to support the explosive growth you're trying to achieve

A fair point, I do plan to add additional ferts soon, the only reason I'm thinking of running two DIY canisters at once is that its so incredibly cheap and I already have all the pieces I need to connect it anyway.

[Darkblade48]

I would get a drop checker to check your CO2 levels. DIY CO2 is hard to control, so two bottles might be too much, while 1 bottle might not be enough.

I also echo redfalconf35's concern. A 2x weekly dosing of micronutrients only (no macronutrients) will soon give you an algae farm.

By the way, DIY CO2 seems cheap at first, but when you're replacing the bottles on a weekly/biweekly basis, you'll wish you had pressurized

[daverockssocks]

I run two bottles on my 10g with no issues. I do keep tabs on the fert schedule though.

[SvenBoogie]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

By the way, DIY CO2 seems cheap at first, but when you're replacing the bottles on a weekly/biweekly basis, you'll wish you had pressurized

Oh, trust me, I already wish I had pressurized, I'm just not sure I could get away with it at work.

I'm all for dosing macros, I guess I'll step up my research and do that sooner rather than later.

Incidentally, this may be a moot point, as I've had 3 batches of diy fail to start completely... I'm now on my 4th mix struggling to figure out what the issue is...

[bsmith]

I used to run 2 2l bottles on my mini-m (5.5g tank) diffused through my canister filter with pretty good results. Its all in the journal in my sig.

[Left C]

I've used two 2L DIY CO2 bottles on a 10g as well without any problems. I had two separate diffusers on each end.

If you can go pressurized, do it.

I have a 10g with a 28w 6700K Aqualight and pressurized CO2. The plants grow very well and look healthy w/o any algae. I have another 10g with a 2x28w fixture. It works really well with pressurized CO2.

You can go with lower light set-ups with pressurized CO2 and have great results.

[daverockssocks]

I need to get a new manifold for my regulator so I can get rid of DIY Co2 entirely. Sure I'll have a Co2 lines running around the room, but it will be worth it to not have the hassle.

[SvenBoogie]

Update, just ordered dry ferts, will be using the following method:

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by SvenBoogie

Incidentally, this may be a moot point, as I've had 3 batches of diy fail to start completely... I'm now on my 4th mix struggling to figure out what the issue is...

It's a sign telling you to get pressurized

Originally Posted by SvenBoogie

Update, just ordered dry ferts, will be using the following method:

Looks like the standard EI regimen.

[rrrrramos]

You can never have too much DIY Co2! I was once running a 3L jug on a 2.5g, dosing EI as well and it worked well. I ran 2x2L on my 12 before going to pressurized and that coupled with EI dosing made my tank explode!
And a suggestion on getting the DIY to work. Activate the yeast in a separate source than the bottle beforehand. Personally I poured added 1/4 tsp of yeast to into a shot glass filled with sugar-water and waited till it foamed up really good before adding it to the bottle. Mixes lasted about 3 weeks, and I think that played a big part in it.