co2 system

[Reygan2]

I'm researching pressurized co2 systems, and I found a complete system with a 5lb tank and everything including timer, brand new for 325. I think I can do better buying individual parts, but I'm not sure exactly what I need. Should I get a solenoid with ph checker? Please keep in mind that I am so new to this, but I'm also very determined to do it.

 

[CorallineAlgae]

Does that system include the solenoid and pH controller? If it does then that's still less than what I paid for my complete system (and mine may not be as nice). You can probably get a cheaper system but depending on the kind of regulator it has that may be a fine setup. Do you have a link for it?

 

[blert]

$325? Guess that would depend on how "complete" it is and who manufactured it.

 

[Reygan2]

Does that system include the solenoid and pH controller? If it does then that's still less than what I paid for my complete system (and mine may not be as nice). You can probably get a cheaper system but depending on the kind of regulator it has that may be a fine setup. Do you have a link for it?

I regret that I haven't learned how to post links on this forum yet, but I found it at greenleafaquariums.com. It's the "Primo" setup.
It looks like a nice setup, but I don't think it includes a ph contoller. I would really appreciate some opinions.
http://greenleafaquariums.com/complete-co2-systems/primo-co2-system.html
I think I just figured out how to post links.

 

[CorallineAlgae]

I regret that I haven't learned how to post links on this forum yet, but I found it at greenleafaquariums.com. It's the "Primo" setup.
It looks like a nice setup, but I don't think it includes a ph contoller. I would really appreciate some opinions.
http://greenleafaquariums.com/complete-co2-systems/primo-co2-system.html
I think I just figured out how to post links.

They seem to be very expensive for what you actually get. I would probably look around first or ask for opinions. You can get complete co2 systems in the sale threads on ThePlantedTank forums (minus the pH controller which you do not have to have) and probably in the sale threads here. Amazon and eBay have good prices, too. If you like the idea of a pH controller the Milwaukee one on Amazon is the model everybody, including me, uses. I'd post a link but I'm on an iPod. Want a few links? I can get on my PC in a bit. Although, other guys here are more familiar with all the places to get good kits than I am.

 

[Reygan2]

They seem to be very expensive for what you actually get. I would probably look around first or ask for opinions. You can get complete co2 systems in the sale threads on ThePlantedTank forums (minus the pH controller which you do not have to have) and probably in the sale threads here. Amazon and eBay have good prices, too. If you like the idea of a pH controller the Milwaukee one on Amazon is the model everybody, including me, uses. I'd post a link but I'm on an iPod. Want a few links? I can get on my PC in a bit. Although, other guys here are more familiar with all the places to get good kits than I am.

That's exactly what I wanted to know..thanks! Any links you can post about the best system for the least cost will be appreciated. You mentioned that I don't need a ph controller, but do you recommend using one?

 

[fishfanatic]

I would recommend this regulator.
http://www.eseasongear.com/milwaukeema957.html
It is the same one I have and the same one that many have on this website. All you would need is a co2 tank with this set up. And of course a diffusion method of your choice.

 

[blert]

You can't go wrong with a Milwaukee regulator. You can get them for about $90 (plus the cost of the cylinder, drop checker and diffusion method) just about everywhere. If you want a bit better quality, for a bit more money, check out AquariumPlants.com systems, they have many models and options to choose from (from inexpensive to "my spouse will kill me when the credit card bill arrives").

 

[CorallineAlgae]

I wholeheartedly agree with the two guys above about the Milwaukee regulator. Can't beat it for the price and to get anything better you'd have to spend a whole lot more money IMO. Actually, you can easily spend a lot more cash on an inferior product. People usually don't even hesitate about buying them used. There that reliable.

pH controllers are great if you use an inline co2 reactor on a canister filter because you can set a very fast bubble rate in order to get your co2 level high quickly and never have to worry about adding more than the tank can handle. It can also help stop an "end of tank dump" dead in it's tracks, so it's kind of like insurance. Not to mention you get to know exactly what your pH is at any given time at a glance. Most people never bother using one so it's totally optional. Basically, if you don't mind spending the money to get it there's no reason not to have one. But, if you'd rather save the money for something else that's entirely sensible, too.

 

[Reygan2]

I would recommend this regulator.
$89 - Milwaukee MA957 CO2 Regulator, Free Priority Shipping!
It is the same one I have and the same one that many have on this website. All you would need is a co2 tank with this set up. And of course a diffusion method of your choice.

I really like the idea of buying one that is tried and true. Thanks for the link. I just hope that prices lasts a couple more weeks til payday.
Any recommendations on a particular diffuser?

 

[fishfanatic]

I really like the idea of buying one that is tried and true. Thanks for the link. I just hope that prices lasts a couple more weeks til payday.
Any recommendations on a particular diffuser?

The "sale" price has been that way for about a year, so I don't think it is going to change.
Hands down I would say an inline diffuser if you have a canister filter.

 

[CorallineAlgae]

Any recommendations on a particular diffuser?

You can either make your own inline reactor (very effective) or go with a pre-made one. An ISTA MixMax is super cheap and it works but might need some modifications depending on your canister filter. An inline atomizer or a standard in tank diffuser also work fine.

It first depends on weather you want your diffuser to be in the tank or not. Then it's a question of are you cool with a mist of co2 (7 UP) or you want to avoid co2 mist in your system. My opinion is that DIY reactors are hard to beat. There cheap, easy to make, and work well. I use the large ISTA MixMax but I had to T off my return line to 2 returns in order to keep fine bubbles out of the tank. One line has a quick disconnect to the reactor that let's me control the flow through it. The other goes to an inline heater with a flow control valve on that return. If I had simply made a DIY reactor it probably wouldn't be necessary but in the end it's a superb setup. Just took some work and thought to get it the way I wanted it. If you don't want a project we can recommend other specific diffusers depending on how you would like your tank to work and look. Just let us know.

 

[aqua_chem]

The thing about most things in this hobby is that you get what you pay for. The Milwaukee regulator is a great entry point for the world of CO2, but if you have the money to invest in the hobby, much better hardware can be acquired that address some issues with the Milwaukee rig, namely poor needle valve, sketchy solenoid, and end-of-tank-death. I have a Milwaukee regulator and would recommend it, but realize that it is pretty much the bottom of the pile.


As far as diffusion goes, I would recommend either an inline atomizer or Cerges reactor (superior to the Rex Grigg reactor in my book).

 

[blert]

The thing about most things in this hobby is that you get what you pay for. The Milwaukee regulator is a great entry point for the world of CO2, but if you have the money to invest in the hobby, much better hardware can be acquired that address some issues with the Milwaukee rig, namely poor needle valve, sketchy solenoid, and end-of-tank-death. I have a Milwaukee regulator and would recommend it, but realize that it is pretty much the bottom of the pile.
...

+1
If heat and air flow will be an issue where the regulator is located make sure to get a 12volt DC solenoid. The regular 110volt AC solenoids get way too hot IMO. Heat kills solenoids and they are not exactly cheap.

 

[Reygan2]

You can either make your own inline reactor (very effective) or go with a pre-made one. An ISTA MixMax is super cheap and it works but might need some modifications depending on your canister filter. An inline atomizer or a standard in tank diffuser also work fine.


It first depends on weather you want your diffuser to be in the tank or not. Then it's a question of are you cool with a mist of co2 (7 UP) or you want to avoid co2 mist in your system. My opinion is that DIY reactors are hard to beat. There cheap, easy to make, and work well. I use the large ISTA MixMax but I had to T off my return line to 2 returns in order to keep fine bubbles out of the tank. One line has a quick disconnect to the reactor that let's me control the flow through it. The other goes to an inline heater with a flow control valve on that return. If I had simply made a DIY reactor it probably wouldn't be necessary but in the end it's a superb setup. Just took some work and thought to get it the way I wanted it. If you don't want a project we can recommend other specific diffusers depending on how you would like your tank to work and look. Just let us know.

I'm running an AC 70.

Now we're getting to the nitty gritty. I don't think I'd like the look of too many bubbles. First question, what is a ISTA MixMax, second...what is an inline heater?

 

[Reygan2]

+1
If heat and air flow will be an issue where the regulator is located make sure to get a 12volt DC solenoid. The regular 110volt AC solenoids get way too hot IMO. Heat kills solenoids and they are not exactly cheap.

This brings up another concern. This tank is in my bedroom, is that safe and what sort of air flow is recommended? Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Reygan2]

The thing about most things in this hobby is that you get what you pay for. The Milwaukee regulator is a great entry point for the world of CO2, but if you have the money to invest in the hobby, much better hardware can be acquired that address some issues with the Milwaukee rig, namely poor needle valve, sketchy solenoid, and end-of-tank-death. I have a Milwaukee regulator and would recommend it, but realize that it is pretty much the bottom of the pile.

As far as diffusion goes, I would recommend either an inline atomizer or Cerges reactor (superior to the Rex Grigg reactor in my book).

I'd rather get the better equipment, even if it means waiting for more paydays. So is there a particular higher end brand you have experience with?


Thanks.

 

[blert]

This brings up another concern. This tank is in my bedroom, is that safe and what sort of air flow is recommended? Thanks for the heads up.

It won't catastrophically fail and take out half your house or anything if that's what you mean. I would not keep one closed up in a small cramped cabinet though. This is just me though, most people have no issues with them so long as it has some room, and a little air flow, so the heat does not build up too high. As stated, a Milwaukee regulator is a good entry level point, but if you take into consideration the inherent issues with a 110volt solenoid, and that fact that they only come with a six month warranty, then IMO it is better to spend a bit more on a better product. I own two AquariumPlants.com regulators and I would recommend them. They come with 12volt solenoids and one year warranties. The needle is a little touchy but once dialed in mine have stayed consistent.

 

[Reygan2]

It won't catastrophically fail and take out half your house or anything if that's what you mean. I would not keep one closed up in a small cramped cabinet though. This is just me though, most people have no issues with them so long as it has some room, and a little air flow, so the heat does not build up too high. As stated, a Milwaukee regulator is a good entry level point, but if you take into consideration the inherent issues with a 110volt solenoid, and that fact that they only come with a six month warranty, then IMO it is better to spend a bit more on a better product. I own two AquariumPlants.com regulators and I would recommend them. They come with 12volt solenoids and one year warranties. The needle is a little touchy but once dialed in mine have stayed consistent.

Any input on this one?
"CarbonDoser II" Co2 Regulator (2nd best)(best warranty anywhere)

The only issue according to reviews is the needle? But it does have 12 volt solenoid and 1yr warranty.

 

[CorallineAlgae]

I'm running an AC 70.

Now we're getting to the nitty gritty. I don't think I'd like the look of too many bubbles. First question, what is a ISTA MixMax, second...what is an inline heater?

The ISTA MixMax in a super cheap inline co2 reactor. I got the large for about $17. It's cheaply made but does its job well. I get 100% co2 diffusion and no bubbles but I had to turn down the flow from my filter to keep micro bubbles from going into the tank. A Cerges reactor really is a great design so check it out on YouTube to see what it is.
I figured that since my canister had to be dialed down it was worth it to use the extra flow for an additional return line. Then I thought it would look nicer to remove the in tank heater I had and instal an inline heater on the second line from the filter. it's a Hydor heater that replaces part of your return hose. Google it. But if you ever decide to use one make sure you get a model that fits the hose of your filter. They come in two connection sizes.