CO2 system advice

[Edward61]

Looking at CO2 systems online, is this one worthwhile for a 46 gallon tank?

Combo 2 co2 regulator, bubble counter, and automatic ph shutoff sms122 with 2 stage diffusor

which includes

• 1 sms 122 co2 automatic ph shutoff made by milwaukee
• 1 CO2 Regulator with needle valve, solenoid valve, and bubble counter. Dual guage regulator displays output pressure and bottle pressure. Standard American CO2 bottle connection. made by milwaukee<LI type=square>Aqua Medic Membrane Diffuser
• 'Double' passive reactor w/ 2 membrane tubes for up to 50g.

 

[rich311k]

It would more than do the job. Looks like everything but the CO2.

 

[fort384]

I won't try to talk you out of it (I own an SMS122 myself), but the pH controller is certainly not a requirement for an extremely successful pressurized CO2 injection system if you are looking to save money. It is a nice gadget that will very precisely control your CO2 injection, but a simple electric timer while less precise, is just as effective. I run 2 pressurized systems, 1 with the pH controller, and 1 with a timer... both work great.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Not sure how much that is, but you can get a regulator, solenoid, needle valve, bubble counter, and co2 tubing for $89 at eseasongear.com... All you would need is a cylinder ($55 at kegerator.com) and a diffuser.

 

[fort384]

oh... I would also add, I am not a fan of those membrane diffusers. I seem to recall reading a lot of reviews a few years ago where they wear out over time much faster than ceramic/glass diffusers. Maybe they have improved on them since then...

 

[rich311k]

I have never seen the need for PH controller myself. I pipe my CO2 into my canisters.

 

[Edward61]

Thanks for the advice. Those sites to buy from were great, a bit cheaper than the sites I had come across so far.

 

[BigJim]

Powerheads make fantastic CO2 distributors. I've got an old Penguin 660 in my 20H and it puts out a fine mist of bubbles. Ideally you'd use a smaller powerhead. I just had the Penguin sitting around.

 

[fort384]

BigJim is right... misting with a powerhead is probably the best way to dose CO2 to a planted tank if you don't mind the bubbles.

 

[mfdrookie516]

I much prefer my 'bubble-less' DIY reactor plumbed in to my canister. I dont like bubbles..