Pressurized CO2 System for 55 Gal. Freshwater Tank

[CherokeeNative]

Hi all. Okay, I've got my tank up and cylcing and searching for the best deal to install a pressurized CO2 system. I've read and read as many articles on the internet as I can find - and I pretty much think I have it figured out. Now, I am trying to squeeze a buck. I've found this: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9935 which looks like a pretty good deal, although some of the comments mention that the bubble counter is cheap and/or leaks - plus, I don't like the type of defusor that comes with it. It doesn't appear to be the optimum. I went for this package deal because by the time I piecemealed ordering the pieces separately, the cost of postage pretty much eats up any savings that I can find. So I am coming to those of you who are using pressurized CO2 in their freshwater to help me figure out what bubble counter I should get and what defusor I should get. If you know of a better deal on the regulator, etc. that I have picked out above, let me know. Also, I've located a welding company here in Olympia that will sell a 5lb aluminum tank filled for 79$ - is that reasonable? They replace it when empty with another for something like 20$. Any advice you can give me would be appreciated. The plants are ordered and I want to be ready when they arrive.

 

[Anonymous]

This seems like an okay setup . As for better deals? I always search my local Craigslist for good deals. In my 55 gallon planted tank I once had I used a simple bubble ladder. A bubble ladder can be doubled as a bubble counter. You can count the bubbles as it comes out of the air tube and count them going up the ladder.

 

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi CherokeeNative,

I am not impressed with that system. I am tied up with club stuff for the next couple of days but remind me on Wednesday and I will help you track down decent, reliable system.

 

[hobbyorobsession]

I have that exact set up. For my first co2 set up it is ok for the price. I also do not like the bubble counter or diffuser. The bubble counter can pop open under pressure if the diffuser becomes clogged. For me it also didn't seal well. I had to re-teflon tape the elbow going into there to make it air tight. It feels and looks cheap but does the job. In the future when more funds are available i will replace it with an inline diffuser to get it out of my tank all together.

The regulator works its just not the easiest to adjust. I have no issues with the Solenoid yet.

A word of warning the glass on that diffusor is very fragile, my first unit was broken in shipping and the second snapped in my hand when fitting the air tubing to it.

Also I don't belive that the airline tubing in that unit is for co2 so you will lose some of the gas before it reaches your tank.

always a little easier to justify spending more on something that you will use for a longer time frame than replacing something over and over.

 

[BillHN]

Fluval has an 88gram setup for sale or you can do a DIY Co2 setup I made a post via Plants and Planted Fish Tanks.

 

[Gizmo]

Check your local home-brewing store as well, I bought a CO2 tank and single-stage dual-gauge brass regulator for $120, then spend another ~$100 on the solenoid, tubing, drop checker, and bubble counter/diffuser/check valve combo.

I would highly recommend the Red Sea 200 ceramic plate diffuser, bubble counter & check valve combo unit, as it's the one I'm using and I really like it. It's only effective up to 50 gallons, and it sells for abour $25 online.

 

[asuran]

Usually you can buy two stage regulator under $100 on ebay.

Check your local home-brewing store as well, I bought a CO2 tank and single-stage dual-gauge brass regulator for $120, then spend another ~$100 on the solenoid, tubing, drop checker, and bubble counter/diffuser/check valve combo.

I would highly recommend the Red Sea 200 ceramic plate diffuser, bubble counter & check valve combo unit, as it's the one I'm using and I really like it.  It's only effective up to 50 gallons, and it sells for abour $25 online.

 

[Anonymous]

Usually you can buy two stage regulator under $100 on ebay.

Check your local home-brewing store as well, I bought a CO2 tank and single-stage dual-gauge brass regulator for $120, then spend another ~$100 on the solenoid, tubing, drop checker, and bubble counter/diffuser/check valve combo.

I would highly recommend the Red Sea 200 ceramic plate diffuser, bubble counter & check valve combo unit, as it's the one I'm using and I really like it.  It's only effective up to 50 gallons, and it sells for abour $25 online.

The original post is pretty old , but- I did find local horticulture stores have regs with solenoids, and needle valves all built in for anywhere from $90-$180. This includes about 10 feet of tubing that's used to plumb to the tank! That with a 2.5 lb CO2 tank purchase of $55 (employee discount) @ a local Airgas  brings a total of about $150 for a complete system with a cylinder that lasts months & can be easily exchanged.