CO2 Systems? Help me choose?

CO2 cylinders can be found here: http://www.aquariumplants.com/Aluminum_CO2_Cylinders_Tanks_p/t.htm

or here: http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-cylinders.html

I use the Milwaukee regulator and my only complaint is the needle valve is terrible. It requires constant fiddling to get the right BPS. I have a pH controller(entirely optional equipment) so I have resorted to just bumping up the BPS really high to make sure it always flow. This is impossible without a pH controller so I would consider the Milwaukee kit only if you purchase another needle valve. Everything else works great.

Tubing can be had for about $5 at any pet store. Diffuser and bubble counter can be found for cheap online as well.

I have no experience with the Dr. FS kit so I cant comment on it but it looks to be a good deal.

So bottom line I should not go the milwaukee way unless I'm willing to replace some parts and will likely want to replace the whole thing together later on... steered clear from that one. o.o If I got the choice CO2 regulator, what else do I need to buy? Sounds to me like it also has everything but the cyclinder, diffuser but i'm still clueless... sorry

As far as a diffuser I'm not sure a single ceramic diffuser will deliver enough CO2.

Click to expand...

So that's not enough for the 55gal? If I get a second diffuser will I still be able to use it with what I get or should I get something extra for it like to hook it up?

And as far as the cylinders, if there's no difference between the stuff we use on aquariums to what people use in welding/beer companies/ect can we just pick up a cylinder from there? I remember reading something about industrial or food grade, which makes me think the industrial type of CO2 cylinders might be toxic or something but i probably twisted it up since i read it a while ago. ;x dunno

CO2 is CO2 IMO. CO2 used by beer and soda companies is for human consumption so I'd have to say that's ok for my tank.

As far as diffusion goes, I know on my 90g CO2 was impossible to deliver tank wide from a single diffuser. Most of the bubbles just end up at the top of the tank. I tried a powerhead over it and that helped some but I don't like powerheads in the tank. I know some people say you can just split the CO2 after the valve but I find diffusers even if the same brand don't deliver equally. It takes some pressure to force the air through.

If you have a canister filter you can build a DIY CO2 reactor from PVC. DIY is not my thing at all and even I made one. lol

Call your welding supply place and ask for a tank price and a refill price. I have a 5g and a 10g tank, both aluminum. IIRC the new 10g was like $90 shipped. They cost $15 and $16 to refill.

SteveU

I just got done building my Co2 system and was at where you are now, very confused.

I ended up getting my regulator from Rexgrigg.com which from what people here told me was one of the best quality regulators you can buy. I got a reasonable price too! I got the regulator with electronic selonoid, dual gauges, a bubble counter, C02 resistant tubing, a perma seal (goes right on the nozzle of your co2 tank to be totally leak free) a quality fabco needle valve (which is very precise!!), and quality check valves for 164 shipped. I then got a Red Sea reactor from Dr fosters for 30 bucks. I bought my 10 lb Co2 tank from aquariumplants.com...100 bucks filled and a great deal IMO. System works great, it's high quality and will last for a long time and it didn't break my bank compared to other options out there!

One thing thats missing which I would kind of like is a PH controller maybe. I'd like to keep the Co2 levels at the same level through out the day. I do have a drop checker that arrived today that'll help me view how much Co2 is in the tank. But right now having the Co2 on all day when I"m not home makes me nervous in thinking I'll find dead fish when I get home. It'd just be nice to have a controller that turns the Co2 on and off during the day when it reaches a certain level.