[summerboy1958]

I sitting here, staring at the latest deliveries from PetSmart and That Fish Place. Goodies for my next tank, a 20H (filter, substrate, light, heater, etc). I'm still sorting through the issues with my SA 30 long, so I decided (after much internal debate) to skip any "soft water" fish (badis, licorice gouramis, etc) and try something that better matches my tap water. So, I'm headed towards Threadfin Rainbows,with shrimp and snails. I currently use Excel in my 30, but am reading more and more that this chemical may not be such a good idea with some plants and invertebrates (as well as humans :confused1: ).

I would also like to try CO2 in this tank and this is my dilemma. A look at my blackberry (from work) shows no time (other than water changes). A peek in the check book shows I still have some money left. That doesn't happen often. I don't really have time right now for DIY CO2 or to try to piece together every thing I need for a small pressurized system (I'm supposed to be working on goals and objectives for my Team as I type this).

I'm looking for input on some sort of reliable packaged CO2 systems that don't cost a ton of $'s. I have seen a few different kinds at That Pet Place, Drs Foster & Smith, etc, that can be used with refillable cylinders or with the little CO2 cartridges. Has anyone used these with success?

Examples:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9935&pcatid=9935

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=23680

http://www.aquacave.com/Pierce-CO2-System-Complete-Planted-Tank-Package-P2782.aspx

http://www.thatpetplace.com/co2-system-500_2

http://www.thatpetplace.com/fluval-mini-pressurized-co2-20g-kit (says it for up to 15 gal, probably the amount of water in my 20 after gravel, etc)

http://www.wcf.com/co2iron/

http://www.marineandreef.com/Fluval_Pressurized_CO2_Kit_s/727.htm

etc, etc, etc. Makes my head spin.... :icon_eek:

Or is there a thread about a "standard" set up that is documented that some folks on this forum use? Any and all comments would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[Bettatail]

You are on TPT now,more and better choices, lol.

 

[keithy]

I think the most reliable system would be one that is assembled by using quality parts. You can talk to ppl here and they will refer you to members like bettatail, oldpunk78 kevmo, darkblade and etc.

I put together my system through the help of those members. Believe me, there's nothing more satisfying putting a quality system together and knowing it works. Best of all, the ppl mentioned do sell parts at a very reasonable price. Your best place to start is to read up on regulators and know what you want and what you can afford. Good luck.

 

[Darkblade48]

If you are interested in the DIY route, take a look at my pressurized CO2 primer (linked in my signature below).

 

[FlyingHellFish]

I think the most reliable system would be one that is assembled by using quality parts. You can talk to ppl here and they will refer you to members like bettatail, oldpunk78 kevmo, darkblade and etc.

I put together my system through the help of those members. Believe me, there's nothing more satisfying putting a quality system together and knowing it works. Best of all, the ppl mentioned do sell parts at a very reasonable price. Your best place to start is to read up on regulators and know what you want and what you can afford. Good luck.

Or you could, you know, just buy a retail kit and get the warranty. I'm not sure if the original poster would want to find several items, and put it together himself. If he knew how to, he wouldn't be asking.

Listen, don't get those kits made for the disposable cans because it cost you more in the long run. Get a regulator, search on Google, ask around. A normal retail one (but I guess totally inferior :icon_roll) will be around 100 - 150.

Aquatek
Aquatic Life (I got this, and it's been over a year with no issues)
Milwaukee

Even that Azoo regulator looks decent, just makes sure it's CGA320 connections.

 

[summerboy1958]

Bettatail, PM sent

 

[sumer]

I sitting here, staring at the latest deliveries from PetSmart and That Fish Place. Goodies for my next tank, a 20H (filter, substrate, light, heater, etc). I'm still sorting through the issues with my SA 30 long, so I decided (after much internal debate) to skip any "soft water" fish (badis, licorice gouramis, etc) and try something that better matches my tap water. So, I'm headed towards Threadfin Rainbows,with shrimp and snails. I currently use Excel in my 30, but am reading more and more that this chemical may not be such a good idea with some plants and invertebrates (as well as humans :confused1: ).

I would also like to try CO2 in this tank and this is my dilemma. A look at my blackberry (from work) shows no time (other than water changes). A peek in the check book shows I still have some money left. That doesn't happen often. I don't really have time right now for DIY CO2 or to try to piece together every thing I need for a small pressurized system (I'm supposed to be working on goals and objectives for my Team as I type this).

I'm looking for input on some sort of reliable packaged CO2 systems that don't cost a ton of $'s. I have seen a few different kinds at That Pet Place, Drs Foster & Smith, etc, that can be used with refillable cylinders or with the little CO2 cartridges. Has anyone used these with success?

Examples:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9935&pcatid=9935

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=23680

http://www.aquacave.com/Pierce-CO2-System-Complete-Planted-Tank-Package-P2782.aspx

http://www.thatpetplace.com/co2-system-500_2

http://www.thatpetplace.com/fluval-mini-pressurized-co2-20g-kit (says it for up to 15 gal, probably the amount of water in my 20 after gravel, etc)

http://www.wcf.com/co2iron/

http://www.marineandreef.com/Fluval_Pressurized_CO2_Kit_s/727.htm

etc, etc, etc. Makes my head spin.... :icon_eek:

Or is there a thread about a "standard" set up that is documented that some folks on this forum use? Any and all comments would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

That is so "ME". haha. I was under the same, exactly same situation some weeks ago.
See, I'll explain- I've tried and used many CO2 regs. Right from the china made regs to paintball ones. But the only thing they'll give you is trouble. You'll set the BPS and after an hour it will automatically decrease to half rate.You'll again increase it and again the same thing will happen. And suddenly your BPS will be so high that it'll be enough to gas your fish. They ARE a solution but not a reliable one. Without going into the technical details, just think of it as a daily used machine. If you buy a cheapo one, it'll trouble you whole life. It's a one time investment and if you buy a customized reg from any reputed seller here, I can assure you, even your grandchildren would be able to play with that regulator. LOL.
It's our hobby and a hobby is meant to pacify us, sooth us. Not to make us worried all the time. Think about it.
I'd suggest you to go with a dual stage regulator (Its the best for our hobby) with a precise needle valve (Sellers can guide you on this). You wont regret the investment. Other supplies are also can be found with the sellers who have Regs for sale. To name some reputed sellers- Neilshieh and Bettatail. And the cylinder can be bought from Greenleafaquariums or aquariumplants or from your local welding gas supply.

All the Best,
Sumer.

 

[keithy]

It's our hobby and a hobby is meant to pacify us, sooth us. Not to make us worried all the time.

well said. Very well said indeed.