Co2 System For Beginners?

I would like to slowly get into higher tech tanks, is there an inexpensive beginner style set up DIY or store bought that is shrimp/fish safe, I really like the carpeting plants and others that thrive in CO2 but am apprehensive because of the stories of people overdosing and killing all their livestock

 

Recently I made my own CO2. It involves adding either yeast and sugar or citric acid and baking soda to a bottle, then shaking it up and leaving it to gas off for 2-12 hours with the cap off.

Next, drill a hole in the cap that can hold the tap snugly You'll want to glue gun around the edges to create a seal. Once the bottle bottle element is complete, chop some airline tubing into 2 pieces and connect them with a check valve. This will stop water siphoning into the bottle when there is little pressure.

Finally, attach a diffuser to the end and throw it in the tank. If you're worried about overproduction just leave taps a small bit open.

 

I have a pressurized system that I built which is not very hard to do.I think a pressurize system is the best way to go about this because you can deliver CO2 in a very controlled manor.Once you get set up than start injecting CO2 very slowly while keeping a eye on your fish and plants.It took me over a month to get to a point where I was satisfied. Lighting and fertilizers are the other 2 legs on the stool so you will have to play around with all 3 to get the best results

 

Recently I made my own CO2. It involves adding either yeast and sugar or citric acid and baking soda to a bottle, then shaking it up and leaving it to gas off for 2-12 hours with the cap off.

Next, drill a hole in the cap that can hold the tap snugly You'll want to glue gun around the edges to create a seal. Once the bottle bottle element is complete, chop some airline tubing into 2 pieces and connect them with a check valve. This will stop water siphoning into the bottle when there is little pressure.

Finally, attach a diffuser to the end and throw it in the tank. If you're worried about overproduction just leave taps a small bit open.

Wow! That takes some ingenuity!! Could you make a video and post it of YouTube and give us the link here? It sounds so nice!!

 

Wow! That takes some ingenuity!! Could you make a video and post it of YouTube and give us the link here? It sounds so nice!!

Not my idea. Aquariuminfo.com I think.

 

DIY CO2 is pretty common. There are probably tons of videos on YouTube.

I did DIY CO2 for a bit. I got annoyed at changing out bottles and fiddling with it. 6 weeks ago, I switched over to a high pressure system. I wish I did it earlier. I just set it and forget it. I bought a CO2 Art regulator and a 5lb co2 tank from Amazon.

 

DIY CO2 is pretty common. There are probably tons of videos on YouTube.

I did DIY CO2 for a bit. I got annoyed at changing out bottles and fiddling with it. 6 weeks ago, I switched over to a high pressure system. I wish I did it earlier. I just set it and forget it. I bought a CO2 Art regulator and a 5lb co2 tank from Amazon.

Thank you I'm going to look into that immediately

 

It is not hard to assemble a pressurized CO2 system you will need a few wrenches some thread sealer or pipe dope
CO2 tank
Regulator
A post body kit with fittings ,solenoid
Needle valve
Bubble counter,co2 tubing and diffuser
A timer plugged into a power source for the Co2 schedule
Once you get the system assembled close the needle valve than open the valve on the regulator to about 50#`s and check all your connections for leaks.If there are any leaks turn the reg valve off then tighten the connection where it appears

 

It is not hard to assemble a pressurized CO2 system you will need a few wrenches some thread sealer or pipe dope
CO2 tank
Regulator
A post body kit with fittings ,solenoid
Needle valve
Bubble counter,co2 tubing and diffuser
A timer plugged into a power source for the Co2 schedule
Once you get the system assembled close the needle valve than open the valve on the regulator to about 50#`s and check all your connections for leaks.If there are any leaks turn the reg valve off then tighten the connection where it appears View attachment 473718 View attachment 473712

Thank you, do you have suggestions for getting a hold of a CO2 tank, or should I just search through eBay? if I'm only using it on my 29 gallon is a 20 oz paintball canister enough?

 

Myself I would get a 5 or 10# tank because you may want to expand like suggested above. In fact I added a tee fitting to my solenoid which enables me to run 2 tanks off of the same tank. In the first photo it shows both needle valves that goes to a 29 gallon and a 55 gallon.