Is the FZone CO2 regulator worth it?

MoeTetrasMoeProblemz
  • #1
Hello I need to purchase a CO2 pressurized system because I have more black beard algae in my tank that I can deal with right now. I saw a cheap CO2 devices for $60.00-$70.00 advertised as Aquarium CO2 pressurized systems.

FZONE Aquarium Co2 Regulator DC Solenoid with Big Dual Gauge Display and Bubble Counter and Check Valve Plant Grow DIY CO2 System CGA320 Side Open Cylinder Amazon.com : FZONE Aquarium Co2 Regulator DC Solenoid with Big Dual Gauge Display and Bubble Counter and Check Valve Plant Grow DIY CO2 System CGA320 Side Open Cylinder : Pet Supplies

My question is are these okay and safe to use?
I read the reviews it has about 4.2 out of 5 stars with 45 customer reviews. They say it basically gets the job done.
I’m scared for a mishap to take place with a CO2 system and a tank. I am new to CO2 and fear a tragic mistake handling this tank at home.

My second question is what volume of tank do I purchase for a 75 gallon tank? , I know the tanks come empty when ordering online, but I want to know how long a 10lb or a 5lb tank would last for my 75 gallon planted tank.

I also wonder where would I get a refill on CO2 when it runs out can I just visit Dicks Sporting goods?

Please let me know what you all think about the CO2 system and if it is safe enough to buy that is most important! Thanks!!
 

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KinderScout
  • #2
Not sure about FZone but get the best you can afford - make sure its two stage an preferably three. All I can say about tank size is that a 2Kg (4.4lb) fire extinguisher lasts us 5 months in a 120litre (30 of your US gallons) heavily planted setup. Fire extinguishers are pretty cheap to swap out in the UK - I found a place that will swap mine for 10 quid a pop (about 12 dollars) and the initial cost per extinguisher was only about 20 quid. Keep at least two so you can swap out quickly and not be rushed for getting a refill.
I'm sure you know already but, just in case, make sure you get CO2 graded polyeurethane tubing not airline tubing - same for the non return valve. Good Luck!
 

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MoeTetrasMoeProblemz
  • Thread Starter
  • #3
Wow I had no idea you could use a fire extinguisher tank?!?? That’s great, I should use that idea for my 30 gallon tank soon. I want to get a 5lb tank for my 75 gallon so that should last me about 2-3 months which is good. That’s a good idea I will get another tank to fill up so I won’t have to hassle myself.
I will also look for one with 3 stages, so thAt it will give me the best I can pay for. And thanks a lot for the tip with the CO2 tubing I didn’t really think about thAt lol. Thanks!!!

Not sure about FZone but get the best you can afford - make sure its two stage an preferably three. All I can say about tank size is that a 2Kg (4.4lb) fire extinguisher lasts us 5 months in a 120litre (30 of your US gallons) heavily planted setup. Fire extinguishers are pretty cheap to swap out in the UK - I found a place that will swap mine for 10 quid a pop (about 12 dollars) and the initial cost per extinguisher was only about 20 quid. Keep at least two so you can swap out quickly and not be rushed for getting a refill.
I'm sure you know already but, just in case, make sure you get CO2 graded polyeurethane tubing not airline tubing - same for the non return valve. Good Luck!

What kind of CO2 regulator brand do you have?
 
KinderScout
  • #4
It's from Germany
PRO-SE Series - Aquarium CO2 Dual Stage Regulator with Integrated Solenoid
been running 2 years now. At first we had a cheap Chinese import - the solenoid failed (luckily shut) after only three months. Not everyone is a fan of extinguishers but I've had no problems.


15788383585603353570953489721797.jpg

One more thing make sure the tank is supported so it doesn't fall over - I made this out of a wite coat hanger and airline tubing screwed to the back of the TV stand!


15788386184855887435385870218887.jpg
 
EdWiser
  • #5
I also wonder where would I get a refill on CO2 when it runs out can I just visit Dicks Sporting goods?

Please let me know what you all think about the CO2 system and if it is safe enough to buy that is most important! Thanks!!

Dick’s only refills Paintball tanks they don’t have the fitting to handle this size fitting. That’s why I use paintball tanks on my small tanks.

The needle value is very important to the operation of the Co2 delivery. You want a very slow needle valve so you can turn it an 1/8 of a turn if need be.

GLA GRO Paintball Aquarium CO2 Regulator

Use mineral oil to fill the bubble counter So you don’t have the water evaporate.
 
KinderScout
  • #6
Dick’s only refills Paintball tanks they don’t have the fitting to handle this size fitting. That’s why I use paintball tanks on my small tanks.

How long will a paintball tank last on a 75USg and how much?

The needle value is very important to the operation of the Co2 delivery. You want a very slow needle valve so you can turn it an 1/8 of a turn if need be.

Yep - the CO2Art regulator has both a needle valve and a fine tune input valve (the big knob on the front).

Use mineral oil to fill the bubble counter So you don’t have the water evaporate.

We used water at first but it's a long way from our CO2 to the aquarium (about 3metres of tubing) and we were topping up the bubble counter every week which is a real pain. We switched to food grade mineral oil and it lasts forever. You can use it to keep your wooden chopping boards in good nick too
 

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