I Think I’m Ready To Try Co2! Any Advice?

hey all!!! I’ve been contemplating about using co2 and was completely afraid and hesitant to use it in fear of killing off my fish until I saw the Fluval co2 kit at my local pet store. This made me want to research it some more and it looks like it would be a good option for co2 beginners.

I have a 6 gallon tank with about 13 varieties of plants combined that include buce, Anubias, ferns, and my newest plant laganandra meeboldiI red... which I just found that it should be planted and not tied to rock like I have now. - I’m doing more research to see if I can plant it in my sand substrate and just insert a root tab right next to it. However, this plant literally has no roots as they died off... most likely because they were right underneath my lighting so I need to figure that out and maybe co2 would help it.

I’ve been dosing 1.5ml of NilocG Thrive c twice a week and they were doing good but I feel like my plants can do a bit better as some of them have formed tiny holes in their leaves and aren’t growing as much as they used to.

Has anyone ever tried the Fluval co2 kit? Is there anything better out there for a 6 gallon Fluval edge?

If anyone can give any advice on how to use, when to use, what else I’d need, etc please let me know. I’m a complete newbie when it comes to co2 and know absolutely nothing about it in terms on how to go about using it.

If it matters, I’m housing a betta (which I am completely attached to) and a Nerite snail.

 

if you mean the little disposable co2 kits at petco/petsmart, I wouldn't even bother. you'd probaby want to go with a small paintball co2 kit or something bigger.

Vishaquatics (Koiman) Fahn

 

if you mean the little disposable co2 kits at petco/petsmart, I wouldn't even bother. you'd probaby want to go with a small paintball co2 kit or something bigger.

Vishaquatics (Koiman) Fahn

Really? I’ve heard that they’re pretty good for a tank my size. Then again, this is all resourced from the internet/YouTube. I know the refills are pricey and it was suggested that I buy them in bulk from another manufacturer. Is there anything else you’d suggest? If you can link the product, that would help me figure out which one to go with.

The more info I get from those who use co2, the better!

 

Don't bother with disposable kits, they're expensive and don't last very long. On smaller tanks a 24oz paintball tank is plenty and you can get it refilled at sporting goods stores that carry paintball supplies. I get my tanks filled at Dick's Sporting Goods for $5 and after 4 refills you get a free one. Depending on the rate you run CO2 you'd only have to do this once every few months. It's a good idea to keep a spare full tank so you can swap them out without panicking and having to rush to the store!

With the paintball tank, adapter (very important for paintball tanks), regulator (preferably one with a solenoid and integrated bubble counter), tubing, diffuser, drop checker, and check valve, you'll barely break over $100. This sounds like a lot but in the long run it is much, much cheaper than buying disposable cartridges every couple of weeks.

I highly recommend getting a timer for your CO2. Set it so it comes on an hour before your lights turn on, and turns off an hour before they shut off (getting a timer for your lights is just as important). Start off at a very slow rate, one bubble every few seconds, and work your way up until your drop checker is a nice bright lime green, verging on yellow. Keep in mind it takes roughly 2-4 hours to see a noticeable change in your drop checker.

 

Don't bother with disposable kits, they're expensive and don't last very long. On smaller tanks a 24oz paintball tank is plenty and you can get it refilled at sporting goods stores that carry paintball supplies. I get my tanks filled at Dick's Sporting Goods for $5 and after 4 refills you get a free one. Depending on the rate you run CO2 you'd only have to do this once every few months. It's a good idea to keep a spare full tank so you can swap them out without panicking and having to rush to the store!

With the paintball tank, adapter (very important for paintball tanks), regulator (preferably one with a solenoid and integrated bubble counter), tubing, diffuser, drop checker, and check valve, you'll barely break over $100. This sounds like a lot but in the long run it is much, much cheaper than buying disposable cartridges every couple of weeks.

I highly recommend getting a timer for your CO2. Set it so it comes on an hour before your lights turn on, and turns off an hour before they shut off (getting a timer for your lights is just as important). Start off at a very slow rate, one bubble every few seconds, and work your way up until your drop checker is a nice bright lime green, verging on yellow. Keep in mind it takes roughly 2-4 hours to see a noticeable change in your drop checker.

Awesome thanks! I don’t mind the cost as I’ve spent way over that for the tank/plants/etc throughout the years.

Would you mind linking me all the products you mentioned so I can gather everything together and see exactly what it is I need. As I mentioned, I have no idea on how to start this... kind of taking a risk here but I need to start somewhere and figured this small tank will be perfect to experiment with because it’s the only tank I have lol. That way I’ll be educated enough to know how to use co2 when it comes time to upgrade my tank (hopefully by the end of this year).

 

Paintball Tank



Paintball Adapter



Regulator



CO2 Proof Tubing



Drop Checker with 4.2 dKH Solution



Stainless CO2 Proof Check Valves



Diffuser Kit for Nano Tanks



Digital Outlet Timers

 

I did all my CO2 systems on a budget and they work quite well.

$30 7lb New CO2 tank- https://beveragelements.com/beverag...ylinders/7-lb-co2-cylinder-steel-recertified/
It's not amazon, but I've purchased 4 cylinders from these guys and their product is really good!

$52 regulator (I use this one)-

$10 CO2 diffuser:

$10 CO2 tubing:

There, a fully equipped, brand new, and pressurized CO2 system for $102. It's quite a deal for a fully pressurized system.

You could probably lower the price if you're able to find used regulators, tubing, diffusers, or a used tank.

I also agree with Fahn that you absolutely need a timer for CO2 to work properly. It is important as well to put the lights on a timer as well. CO2 should start an hour before lights turn on and should turn off an hour before the lights turn on.

 

Thank you Fahn and Vishaquatics (Koiman) for all of the links! It’s extremely helpful! I’ll be looking into all of these and hopefully have something setup before this month is over.

One more question... when I do upgrade to a 44 gal, do I need to upgrade any of the equipment that I’ll be using now for the 6 gal tank?

 

Thank you Fahn and Vishaquatics (Koiman) for all of the links! It’s extremely helpful! I’ll be looking into all of these and hopefully have something setup before this month is over.

One more question... when I do upgrade to a 44 gal, do I need to upgrade any of the equipment that I’ll be using now for the 6 gal tank?

On a tank that size, it's honestly a lot more efficient to run an in-line reactor diffuser on a canister filter. This creates a more even distribution in a larger tank and wastes less CO2 as a reactor diffuser is highly efficient compared to a ceramic disc. You'll also need more CO2 to reach the ideal concentration, so a larger tank (5 pounds or more) is a good idea.

 

Thank you Fahn and Vishaquatics (Koiman) for all of the links! It’s extremely helpful! I’ll be looking into all of these and hopefully have something setup before this month is over.

One more question... when I do upgrade to a 44 gal, do I need to upgrade any of the equipment that I’ll be using now for the 6 gal tank?

You might want to consider getting a circulation pump and then feeding the bubbles from the ceramic disc into the intake of the pump which would then disperse micro bubbles around the entire tank. That's also why I recommend a larger tank (the 7lb one I linked or a 15lb one sold by the same company) since the CO2 will last a lot longer.

 

On a tank that size, it's honestly a lot more efficient to run an in-line reactor diffuser on a canister filter. This creates a more even distribution in a larger tank and wastes less CO2 as a reactor diffuser is highly efficient compared to a ceramic disc. You'll also need more CO2 to reach the ideal concentration, so a larger tank (5 pounds or more) is a good idea.

I plan on getting a canister when the 44 comes in. I’ll most likely have to revisit this when I set up the bigger tank. Thank you.

You might want to consider getting a circulation pump and then feeding the bubbles from the ceramic disc into the intake of the pump which would then disperse micro bubbles around the entire tank. That's also why I recommend a larger tank (the 7lb one I linked or a 15lb one sold by the same company) since the CO2 will last a lot longer.

You’re referring to when I get the 44 gal, correct? So I’d just have to add to what I already would have set up with the 6 gallon.

Just making sure I understand it all.

I think I found one...

I did some more research and found this



Looks like it comes with everything (almost).

Is this good?

 

I did some more research and found this



Looks like it comes with everything (almost).

Is this good?

Looks like it doesn't come with a drop checker or stainless check valve. Those would be the only other bits of hardware you'd need.

Also it is 33oz (1 liter). This limits where you can get it refilled, as I have been told by Dick's that they only refill up to 24oz maximum; not sure what other sporting goods stores rules are. For safety reasons, tanks are shipped empty, so before purchasing I would make sure that you have a means of filling it within a reasonable distance to your house. Check for paintball shops, welding supply shops, gas companies, and beverage/brewing equipment suppliers. Make sure they have CO2 and not just compressed air.

 

Looks like it doesn't come with a drop checker or stainless check valve. Those would be the only other bits of hardware you'd need.

Also it is 33oz (1 liter). This limits where you can get it refilled, as I have been told by Dick's that they only refill up to 24oz maximum; not sure what other sporting goods stores rules are. For safety reasons, tanks are shipped empty, so before purchasing I would make sure that you have a means of filling it within a reasonable distance to your house. Check for paintball shops, welding supply shops, gas companies, and beverage/brewing equipment suppliers. Make sure they have CO2 and not just compressed air.

You’re right about dicks... kind of annoying... it’s where I want to refill since it’s abouf 15 miles from my home (closest place to get it filled)... I thought I could get away with buying a complete kit with a bigger cylinder to make it last longer but I guess I’ll just purchase everything separately.

I really liked the fact that the ista regulator was vertical with the solenoid in the back (looks cleaner and doesn’t look as bulky) but I think the ones that have placement for the drop checker would be much better suited for me.

Thank you so much for all of your help. Between the info you all provided here, and how to set it all up on YouTube, I think I got this.

 

You’re right about dicks... kind of annoying... it’s where I want to refill since it’s abouf 15 miles from my home (closest place to get it filled)... I thought I could get away with buying a complete kit with a bigger cylinder to make it last longer but I guess I’ll just purchase everything separately.

I really liked the fact that the ista regulator was vertical with the solenoid in the back (looks cleaner and doesn’t look as bulky) but I think the ones that have placement for the drop checker would be much better suited for me.

Thank you so much for all of your help. Between the info you all provided here, and how to set it all up on YouTube, I think I got this.

The only issue I had with my regulator was on my paintball tank everything is oriented 90 degrees. So, I had to take off the bubble counter with a wrench, wrap a generous amount of Teflon tape around the threads, and screw it back on, reorienting it so it points vertically. The gauges still work oriented facing up, and the bubble counter has no leaks and is screwed in nice and tight.

 

The only issue I had with my regulator was on my paintball tank everything is oriented 90 degrees. So, I had to take off the bubble counter with a wrench, wrap a generous amount of Teflon tape around the threads, and screw it back on, reorienting it so it points vertically. The gauges still work oriented facing up, and the bubble counter has no leaks and is screwed in nice and tight.

Yeah most of the ones I’m finding with vertical gages have the solenoid on the side. Some of the 90 degree ones have it on the back. How do you know which to choose? Should I be looking for anything specific (besides the bubble counter/solenoid)?

 

Yeah most of the ones I’m finding with vertical gages have the solenoid on the side. Some of the 90 degree ones have it on the back. How do you know which to choose? Should I be looking for anything specific (besides the bubble counter/solenoid)?

Solenoid placement doesn't matter, nor is a built-in bubble counter (it's just more convenient). You can get one without a bubble counter and just use a bubble counter of your own choosing.

 

Solenoid placement doesn't matter, nor is a built-in bubble counter (it's just more convenient). You can get one without a bubble counter and just use a bubble counter of your own choosing.

I actually prefer the counter to come with it because I have a Fluval edge. It’s going to be a pain to set up one that attaches to the glass now that I think about it. I don’t want tubes showing because the tank is sitting on a buffet cabinet.

I have one more question... diffuser placement... where should I put it? I ask because I already have a problem with dead spots in the front center and corners as well as the back corners and I’m running a hob (standard Fluval stock which is an aquaclear 20). I’d like to get the co2 to flow through the tank entire tank if possible so I don’t waste or deprive some of the plants. I know people say the plants I have don’t need co2 but I mainly want it to boost my buce plants because NilocG Thrive C alone isn’t working as well as I had hoped.

Another thing is that I have placed a fairly large sunrise fern in the center to decrease the harsh outflow of the hob and have also baffled it some with some plastic mesh so that it alleviates some of the harsh current for the betta.

It was suggested that I put the diffuser under the outflow so not sure if this is correct.

However, the only place I can put it is in the back since I cannot remove the glass top (thanks to the Fluval edge design).

Lastly, lighting preferences... I have a stock light which I can’t remove. It’s a 3.3 watt. As you can see in the photos, it doesn’t help much for the back corners. So I purchased an aquasky and use it on its lowest setting. Should I set it to medium/high when using co2?

Sorry for so many questions... I just want to get it all right the first time around.