New Co2 Setup Advice/recommendations

HI all,

Recently moved house and relocated my 40gal breeder - a way bigger job than first expected!

I had my tank pretty well planted although have been battling with algae despite experimenting with ferts, lighting levels and DIY CO2 for some time.

During the move I got rid of quite a few plants that were algae ridden and am now left with about 20-25 italian vals, 2 amazon swords, a few crypts, dwarf lillies, java ferns and anubias. The tank isn't super heavily planted but still has quite a few plants in there.

I've decided to take the plunge and get a proper CO2 system to begin taking my planted tank more seriously. I appreciate this will come with another steep learning curve in terms of having an extra thing to balance but am committed to getting this right.

Can anyone recommend any decent CO2 systems? Obviously value for money is always great but I'm open minded and not looking to get the cheapest setup.

Also any advice on what dosing/lighting/co2 balances I should start with would be appreciated although I'll probably start a new thread for that. FYI I have Finnex planted+247 on a timer on max setting for 6 hrs a day and was dosing with most of the seachem ferts as per their dosing schedule.

 

I dose using barr's eI schedule and run co2 24/7. Dry dosing gives me more control and is cheaper then liquids.

 

I run a paintball setup on my 20 gallon and it works great, I use an aquatek minI and replace the tank about every 3 months. Really easy to setup too.

For a bigger tank like yours I would recommend a 5lb tank setup.

 

I'm looking at possibly running C02 in my 29 in the future. It's not a topic I'm particularly knowledgable about yet; more research required...Would the aquatek regulator work for me?

Also how/where do you source CO2 canisters?
(Sorry not trying to hijack the thread)

 

I dose using barr's eI schedule and run co2 24/7. Dry dosing gives me more control and is cheaper then liquids.

Hi, thanks for the note. Which CO2 system do you use and how do you find it?

I run a paintball setup on my 20 gallon and it works great, I use an aquatek minI and replace the tank about every 3 months. Really easy to setup too.

For a bigger tank like yours I would recommend a 5lb tank setup.

Thanks!
Any advise on brand/kit?

I'm looking at possibly running C02 in my 29 in the future. It's not a topic I'm particularly knowledgable about yet; more research required...Would the aquatek regulator work for me?

Also how/where do you source CO2 canisters?
(Sorry not trying to hijack the thread)

No problem!
I've been researching a lot into regulators and there seems to be so much choice. It's a minefield for folks who haven't used them before!

 

It definitely is overwhelming at first, the canisters are easy to find on amazon and welding places can fill 5lb canisters, one of the reasons I went with paintball is because Dick’s Sporting Goods can fill paintball tanks. You can call and ask if they fill 5lb if that’s more convenient than a welding place.

As for regulators, this is where it gets confusing. I would suggest aquatek as a good starting brand, it’s kind of like a middle ground between cheaper unreliable eBay regulators and more expensive GLA (green leaf aquariums) regulators. GLAs are thought of as some of the most expensive and reliable regulators. The Aquatek minI cost me about $80.

Many people also build their own regulators but I’ve always found this too complicated. Make sure you get co2 proof tubing as well. For a diffuser I use a little 12 buck eBay atomizer and it works well. Some people will suggest reactors but as long as it’s a good diffuser it works fine. Bubble counters don’t really matter about which type you get, mine cost $3, just get backup in case the first one breaks.

 

CO2 will also giv you many more options for plants to grow in your tank.

 

CO2 will also giv you many more options for plants to grow in your tank.

That's the plan! Bit of a boring/standard selection right now.

I think I may need to upgrade my lighting too. Although I've been told the Finnex Plated+ 247 should be enough on Max setting, it doesn't seem to be getting the results I want!

 

You may may not need to upgrade it and instead get another to have more spread on a deep tank like your 40gal breeder, because it should be able to reach the bottom strong, but it’s only right under the light in a deep tank.

Edit: I use a planted+ 24/7 as well and it’s working really well for my tank, my avatar is a recent photo of you want to see, it’s not on max on my tank either.

 

You may may not need to upgrade it and instead get another to have more spread on a deep tank like your 40gal breeder, because it should be able to reach the bottom strong, but it’s only right under the light in a deep tank.

That's a good point, if I was to buy another Finnex which are pretty pricey, I may just upgrade to a different light setup - I'm not planning on using the 247 mode I originally bought it for!! Oops.

 

That’s a good idea, they are expensive. For lighting I’m not the guy to go to. There are a lot of people here though with more knowledge and also on theplantedtank.

 

Most any fire extinguisher, welding, gas stores ect will fill a tank. I use a fire extinguisher company. I got this, you get 2 extra pounds for like $20 cheaper (incuding shipping) then a 5 lb tank, works great, then I got a used quality regulator solenoid off of ebay.

 

That’s a great deal, just gotta find a place to put it

 

Do you have HOB or Cannister filter? If cannister, go the reactor route. More efficient, dissolves co2 right into the water.

 

On a tank that size my recommendation would be a reactor. It wastes less gas and can distribute CO2 more evenly in a larger tank. A canister filter is not necessary, you can use a water pump with an inlet strainer.