Needle valve is one of the most important parts. Check valve is a necessity. I don't personally use a bubble counter.
CO2 newb - what "bits" do I actually need?
considering a pressurized CO2 system.
so far i've read as much as i can about it and i'm still a bit confused. i'd like to keep it simple, so as far as i understand these are the things i need:
-tank (want 5lb tank)
-regulator (considering this one http://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Gr...&qid=1346458055&sr=8-2&keywords=co2+regulator)
-tubing
-bubble counter/diffuser
i'm confused by these "bubble counters"; i understand that the purpose of them is so you know how many bubbles per second are entering the aquarium. however, it also appears that they can double as a "diffuser" if you use the correct type of "bubble counter", is this correct? if i used one of the "ladder" type counters then i wouldn't have to get a diffuser, is that correct?
i'm looking for the simplest pressurized set up. i know i have to be aware of ph, i know i should only run the CO2 during the day then shut it off at night. can this be hooked up to a timer to achieve this and if so, what exactly is hooked up to the timer, the regulator?
most of the information i'm finding seems to assume a basic level of knowledge about this stuff which i don't have.
are there any other pieces of must have equipment i would need to get?
i've read about "check valves" but it seems you only need them if you're using an inline bubble counter and then a diffuser, is that correct?
i've also seen talk of a needle valve, is this necessary?
thank you for your help and patience.
so far i've read as much as i can about it and i'm still a bit confused. i'd like to keep it simple, so as far as i understand these are the things i need:
-tank (want 5lb tank)
-regulator (considering this one http://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Gr...&qid=1346458055&sr=8-2&keywords=co2+regulator)
-tubing
-bubble counter/diffuser
i'm confused by these "bubble counters"; i understand that the purpose of them is so you know how many bubbles per second are entering the aquarium. however, it also appears that they can double as a "diffuser" if you use the correct type of "bubble counter", is this correct? if i used one of the "ladder" type counters then i wouldn't have to get a diffuser, is that correct?
i'm looking for the simplest pressurized set up. i know i have to be aware of ph, i know i should only run the CO2 during the day then shut it off at night. can this be hooked up to a timer to achieve this and if so, what exactly is hooked up to the timer, the regulator?
most of the information i'm finding seems to assume a basic level of knowledge about this stuff which i don't have.
are there any other pieces of must have equipment i would need to get?
i've read about "check valves" but it seems you only need them if you're using an inline bubble counter and then a diffuser, is that correct?
i've also seen talk of a needle valve, is this necessary?
thank you for your help and patience.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
There is a great sticky on this forum the URL is
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=107312
The guide covers all the pieces that are commonly used in Co2 systems. It tells you what each part does, I found this helpful so after you get your system you know what each piece is used for so if you have a problem it'll help you troubleshoot. It also covers the pieces you have to have, the pieces you should get, and the extra pieces you can get if you've the extra cash. The guide also has suggestions on manufactures of each item.
I am trying to learn about Co2 injection and it taught me a lot about the parts used. I hope this helps you as much as it helped me.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=107312
The guide covers all the pieces that are commonly used in Co2 systems. It tells you what each part does, I found this helpful so after you get your system you know what each piece is used for so if you have a problem it'll help you troubleshoot. It also covers the pieces you have to have, the pieces you should get, and the extra pieces you can get if you've the extra cash. The guide also has suggestions on manufactures of each item.
I am trying to learn about Co2 injection and it taught me a lot about the parts used. I hope this helps you as much as it helped me.
Bubble counters are very useful to gain an estimation as to how much Co2 you're pumping into your tank.
Personally I wouldn't get that regulator, looks too cheap.
You'll also need a solenoid (the device that allows Co2 to pass when plugged in) so you can hook it up to a timer as you only need to run Co2 during the day and not the night as you will gas your fish.
You don't need to worry too much about ph drops. The max ph can drop is maybe +/- 0.4
Correct if you have a ladder you don't need a diffuser.
Check valves are useful as they protect your regulator from the water that could potentially back flow down the tubing, ruining it.
Needle valves are completely necessary as they control the amount of the Co2 you're pumping into your tank.
Personally I have this regulator. Completely satisfied, couldn't ask for more, awesome customer service as well. It may seem a little expensive upfront but it is worth it. Trust me.
IMO I wouldn't use a ladder as a lot of Co2 is gassed off and wasted. I would use an Atomic CO2 Diffuser be it inline or in-tank.
Personally I wouldn't get that regulator, looks too cheap.
You'll also need a solenoid (the device that allows Co2 to pass when plugged in) so you can hook it up to a timer as you only need to run Co2 during the day and not the night as you will gas your fish.
You don't need to worry too much about ph drops. The max ph can drop is maybe +/- 0.4
Correct if you have a ladder you don't need a diffuser.
Check valves are useful as they protect your regulator from the water that could potentially back flow down the tubing, ruining it.
Needle valves are completely necessary as they control the amount of the Co2 you're pumping into your tank.
Personally I have this regulator. Completely satisfied, couldn't ask for more, awesome customer service as well. It may seem a little expensive upfront but it is worth it. Trust me.
IMO I wouldn't use a ladder as a lot of Co2 is gassed off and wasted. I would use an Atomic CO2 Diffuser be it inline or in-tank.
Thank you! that is a great write up about all the parts and what they do and was very helpful!There is a great sticky on this forum the URL is
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=107312
The guide covers all the pieces that are commonly used in Co2 systems. It tells you what each part does, I found this helpful so after you get your system you know what each piece is used for so if you have a problem it'll help you troubleshoot. It also covers the pieces you have to have, the pieces you should get, and the extra pieces you can get if you've the extra cash. The guide also has suggestions on manufactures of each item.
I am trying to learn about Co2 injection and it taught me a lot about the parts used. I hope this helps you as much as it helped me.
Bubble counters are very useful to gain an estimation as to how much Co2 you're pumping into your tank.
Personally I wouldn't get that regulator, looks too cheap.
You'll also need a solenoid (the device that allows Co2 to pass when plugged in) so you can hook it up to a timer as you only need to run Co2 during the day and not the night as you will gas your fish.
You don't need to worry too much about ph drops. The max ph can drop is maybe +/- 0.4
Correct if you have a ladder you don't need a diffuser.
Check valves are useful as they protect your regulator from the water that could potentially back flow down the tubing, ruining it.
Needle valves are completely necessary as they control the amount of the Co2 you're pumping into your tank.
Personally I have this regulator. Completely satisfied, couldn't ask for more, awesome customer service as well. It may seem a little expensive upfront but it is worth it. Trust me.
IMO I wouldn't use a ladder as a lot of Co2 is gassed off and wasted. I would use an Atomic CO2 Diffuser be it inline or in-tank.
that's a very nice regulator but a bit out of my price range. i will try to find something that's higher quality than the one i listed and includes the solenoid and needle valve.
the more i read about the ladders the less i'm liking them and i see why people use diffusers instead. i think i will go with one of the Atomic diffusers, thank you!
i see that you're in beaverton, OR; i'm just down the road from beaverton, do you have any suggestions on local stores that sell CO2 tanks?
The closest one that I go to is AirGas but you can you can go to the intersection of Farmington and 185th Ave. Its called Indoor Hydroponics Gardens and Lights. I used to exchange my 10lb tank there before I moved.
I either go there or AirGas off I-5
LMK if you need anything else.
http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-regulators/atomic-co2-regulator-v3.html
A little lower in price
I either go there or AirGas off I-5
LMK if you need anything else.
http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-regulators/atomic-co2-regulator-v3.html
A little lower in price
thank you for the info regarding the CO2 in/around Beaverton!The closest one that I go to is AirGas but you can you can go to the intersection of Farmington and 185th Ave. Its called Indoor Hydroponics Gardens and Lights. I used to exchange my 10lb tank there before I moved.
I either go there or AirGas off I-5
LMK if you need anything else.
http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-regulators/atomic-co2-regulator-v3.html
A little lower in price
that regulator is more within my price range and i think i will be getting that one.
question, we're starting to see staghorn algae (tank is fishless cycling, waiting for the nitrites to drop).
i've read this type of algae can indicate low CO2 - i won't be able to get all the equipment for the CO2 system for another 2-3 weeks. would it be acceptable to dose with Flourish Excel until i can get the CO2 up and running? or would that just be a waste of effort?
You can try and add a Powerhead to create more flow. When I did that with my tank it went away by itself.
You can spot treat with excel. Use a syringe and inject some excel onto the algae when you've unplugged the filter and anything else that creates flow. It should go away after a few days.
Generally yes. You get staghorn with lower and inconsistent co2 levels
You can spot treat with excel. Use a syringe and inject some excel onto the algae when you've unplugged the filter and anything else that creates flow. It should go away after a few days.
Generally yes. You get staghorn with lower and inconsistent co2 levels
If you want a good micro CO2 system, try going to the Terra greenhouse in Milton, Ontario.
In the aquatics section there you can find an 88g CO2 cartridge, tubing, a regulator, a diffuser and a bubble counter, plus all kinds of clips necessary for all of this, all for $99. Not sure if they will ship though.
In the aquatics section there you can find an 88g CO2 cartridge, tubing, a regulator, a diffuser and a bubble counter, plus all kinds of clips necessary for all of this, all for $99. Not sure if they will ship though.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
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