[AquariumNoob]

I have a 35 or 37 gallon (dont remember) tank and was debating whether to pay the 37$ and get a Red Sea Co2 bio generator kit or just make my own.. Are the red sea kits any good? from what i understand its just a manufactured DYI.. Planning on making a moss wall with some java fern and a moss floor.. Im hoping to have 24 Neon tetras- 12 black 12 normal- with maybe 5 or 6 other fish, and, maybe eventually put 30 or 40 Red cherry shrimp in there too.. So, should i pay the 37$ plus refills? or just get the kit and make my own mixtures instead of refills? or just make it from scratch.. If i make it from scratch, what do i need other than the bottle and tubing, yeast, sugar, etc.. does the hose go strait into the water? do you need some sort of diffuser? Suggestions as to what equipement to put pleaseee.. first time putting plants in my tank.. Ive had tanks for 5 or so years now.. got my 35 or 37 gallon tank around a year and a half ago but i figure its time to upgrade it from plain fake plants to something a little nicer.. I appreciate all input!

 

[xmas_one]

You can do a tank with mosses and Java fern with no co2.

 

[AquariumNoob]

Really? I was certain that i needed co2.. none needed at all? planning on having the whole wall and the majority of the floor covered with mosses, as well as around 7 or 8 bunches of java fern in one of the corners and a bit of philip. fern on some driftwood.. Not that i dont trust you, i just dont want to put it all in and watch everything die haha.. Im cheap (im only 16- money is hard to get at my age ) but dont mind spending the extra money if it means that everything will look nicer and prevent everything form dieing .. lol

 

[jreich]

moss and a java fern should be ok w/o co2, it will just grow slower... But if you insist go DIY. the only thing i noticed you left off the list was a one way check valve, and as you mentioned a difusion method. when i was using DIY i used a powerhead w/venturi valve which worked rather well.

 

[tug]

For the money, your own DIY will be much better.
http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html

 

[AquariumNoob]

Can I get a link as to where I can find the powerhead and valve you suggested? Also wat mixture is best??

 

[jreich]

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10109 <- check valve

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4586+4596&pcatid=4596 <- power head

i'm not saying get this exact product, these are just examples.