DIY sounds tempting...(CO2 & Spray Bar)

[UGA_Grad_Student]

So my 55 gallon was just set up this past weekend. It shall be going through its cycle in the weeks to come....leaving me plenty of time to scheme up what I shall attempt next. From looking around I believe I want to attempt doing DIY for CO2 and spray bar for my Fluval Fx5. Just very basic simple questions for now shouldn't be hard to answer.

What level difficulty am I looking at and cost for each??

I am relatively new to the hobby at least in the 55 gallon size. I have also never messed with CO2 b4 but I do love plants and want to make them happy so they can make me happy. Hit me up with your thoughts!! Thanks everyone.

[GeToChKn]

I don't think DIY CO2 is feasible with a 55gal. It doesn't make enough unless you want to go with like 4 or 5 bottles and then it's a lot of work and mess all the time to keep the bottles going. With a tank that size, you're better off going low light and no CO2, or investing in pressurized CO2.

[Kevyg]

I recently found out really quick that non pressurized co2 in a 55 gal is very inconsistent and inconsistent co2 makes your tank grow pubes (ie. BBA)

[denboka]

I would agree with the others. I have a 65 and run a 5 bottle DIY co2. While I do get great co2. It is a pain in the #^$. I have to change a bottle about every 5 days to try and stay consistent...but I am failing at that. I have BBA and it is getting to the point I can not keep it cleaned up. My pressurized system is on it way...sometime next week.

While it can be done, in the long run, it is a whole lot of work and cost will be more per year than pressurized co2.

I am even having problem with my 10g tank co2. The room it is in gets pretty chilly at night and it takes a few hours for the yeast bottle to warm back up. So I have inconsistent co2 there as well...not sure how to fix that.

Just my 2 cents...Good luck!

[EnigmaticGuppy92]

i use diy co2 on my 37 gallon and it works ok but wouldnt attempt it on a larger tank

[DiabloCanine]

Originally Posted by UGA_Grad_Student

So my 55 gallon was just set up this past weekend. It shall be going through its cycle in the weeks to come....leaving me plenty of time to scheme up what I shall attempt next. From looking around I believe I want to attempt doing DIY for CO2 and spray bar for my Fluval Fx5. Just very basic simple questions for now shouldn't be hard to answer.

What level difficulty am I looking at and cost for each??

I am relatively new to the hobby at least in the 55 gallon size. I have also never messed with CO2 b4 but I do love plants and want to make them happy so they can make me happy. Hit me up with your thoughts!! Thanks everyone.

You will probably be happier in the long run if you have your first experience with CO2 in a smaller tank especially if you are wanting to experiment with DIY CO2. Consider spending at least 2 to 3 times what your 55G tank cost for high tech equipment. Having some experience gained with a smaller tank may prevent catastrophies with a larger one........DC