Making the move to co2

[dmroberts1000]

Several failed attempts at a 'decent' planted tank. This is the set up as of now, I want to make the jump to co2 as well as the ferts/root tabs I am using. It's a 55g, I've done diy before, too much hassle, I just want a simple, not to expensive set up. Can't seem to find complete 'plug & go' systems online, any suggestions?


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[tiger terror]

Hey bud,doesn't look as if you've failed at all..what lighting are you using&how long do you run them?

sit in silence

 

[NigelK8485]

It'll be cheaper to just piece it together.

Find a local brewery shop, welders supply, airgas, etc. to price out co2 tanks and what the refills would be. I'd go with a 5lbs cylinder at least just to give you a lot of time between having to refill.

A reliable cheaper regulator/solenoid is an Aquatek premium or you can just look around at reviews for others. I use the Aquatek. I think it was like $90 or $100 on Amazon.

Other than that you'll need a drop checker, I use the cal aqua pearl drop checker which was expensive. You can find different glass ones or plastic ones for under $10 on Amazon or eBay, most come with the indicator solution you need but if they don't you'll need to get the 4dkh solution.

Get a bubble counter, again, depending on the regulator/solenoid you go with it should come with one but you may want to get a more reliable one.

You'll need a diffuser or reactor or however you want to disperse the co2 into the tank.

Get the co2 tubing and some check valves and you should be all set.

I think when I put mine together it cost probably $350-$400, but I went with a 10lbs tank and some more expensive pieces such as my bubble counter and drop checker. You could probably get away with about a $200-$250 complete setup.


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[ImACoolguy]

I have an Aquatek paintball system.

Got everything on Amazon and filled the tanks locally.

Spent around $150 minus the co2 tanks.

-co2 tanks
-diffuser
-regulator
-airline hosing
-bubble counter
-drop checker

Not hard to set up at all. Unlike Nigel I have plastic bubble counter and stuff so it was cheaper.


Caleb

 

[dmroberts1000]

Hey bud,doesn't look as if you've failed at all..what lighting are you using&how long do you run them?

sit in silence

2 x 38w 8-9 hours a day


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[dmroberts1000]

I have an Aquatek paintball system.

Got everything on Amazon and filled the tanks locally.

Spent around $150 minus the co2 tanks.

-co2 tanks
-diffuser
-regulator
-airline hosing
-bubble counter
-drop checker

Not hard to set up at all. Unlike Nigel I have plastic bubble counter and stuff so it was cheaper.


Caleb

Thanks for the suggestions


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[dmroberts1000]

It'll be cheaper to just piece it together.

Find a local brewery shop, welders supply, airgas, etc. to price out co2 tanks and what the refills would be. I'd go with a 5lbs cylinder at least just to give you a lot of time between having to refill.

A reliable cheaper regulator/solenoid is an Aquatek premium or you can just look around at reviews for others. I use the Aquatek. I think it was like $90 or $100 on Amazon.

Other than that you'll need a drop checker, I use the cal aqua pearl drop checker which was expensive. You can find different glass ones or plastic ones for under $10 on Amazon or eBay, most come with the indicator solution you need but if they don't you'll need to get the 4dkh solution.

Get a bubble counter, again, depending on the regulator/solenoid you go with it should come with one but you may want to get a more reliable one.

You'll need a diffuser or reactor or however you want to disperse the co2 into the tank.

Get the co2 tubing and some check valves and you should be all set.

I think when I put mine together it cost probably $350-$400, but I went with a 10lbs tank and some more expensive pieces such as my bubble counter and drop checker. You could probably get away with about a $200-$250 complete setup.


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Thanks!


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[tiger terror]

2 x 38w 8-9 hours a day


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T8, T5 or LED? 55g's are deep&can be challenging to provide ample light at that depth..6500k or close to that?

sit in silence

 

[dmroberts1000]

T8, T5 or LED? 55g's are deep&can be challenging to provide ample light at that depth..6500k or close to that?

sit in silence

I believe they are t8 (interpret 42" 38w)


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[tiger terror]

Have you considered upgrading your lighting? T8's over your 55g are gonna be able to grow low light plants at best..the addition of pressurized co2 in this case would be almost completely unnecessary...not saying it wouldn't be beneficial but there's definitely room for improvement equipment wise....

sit in silence

 

[dmroberts1000]

Have you considered upgrading your lighting? T8's over your 55g are gonna be able to grow low light plants at best..the addition of pressurized co2 in this case would be almost completely unnecessary...not saying it wouldn't be beneficial but there's definitely room for improvement equipment wise....


Upgrade to t5? I would prefer that than investing in a co2 set up, slow growth rate isn't a problem just want them looking lush & green and to be fair the last time I tried planted I had the lights on for 12 hours, major algae issues, now I have a 10 hour regime which so far seems to be working


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[ImACoolguy]

Have you considered upgrading your lighting? T8's over your 55g are gonna be able to grow low light plants at best..the addition of pressurized co2 in this case would be almost completely unnecessary...not saying it wouldn't be beneficial but there's definitely room for improvement equipment wise....


Upgrade to t5? I would prefer that than investing in a co2 set up, slow growth rate isn't a problem just want them looking lush & green and to be fair the last time I tried planted I had the lights on for 12 hours, major algae issues, now I have a 10 hour regime which so far seems to be working


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8 Hours a day is really best. Divided 4-break-4 so it's not a constant thing for 8 hours. Most plants do not even require co2. You are much better off upgrading your bulb first then looking at ferts/co2.


Caleb

 

[dmroberts1000]

8 Hours a day is really best. Divided 4-break-4 so it's not a constant thing for 8 hours. Most plants do not even require co2. You are much better off upgrading your bulb first then looking at ferts/co2.


Caleb

I'm trying to work out what bulbs I have, is this a t8 or 5? It's quite thin


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[ImACoolguy]

It's usually written on the bulb. If not I'm assuming a T8. Going to try and look up the bulb specs from what ican see.


Caleb

 

[ImACoolguy]

By the brand/name of the bulb and the wattage I'm pretty sure it's a T5



If this is not enough light is recommend a second bulb.


Caleb

 

[dmroberts1000]

By the brand/name of the bulb and the wattage I'm pretty sure it's a T5

View attachment 272195

If this is not enough light is recommend a second bulb.


Caleb

Brilliant cheers, I have another at the back!


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[dmroberts1000]

Don't think the co2 was needed


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[zer0signal]

Very nice, did you just upgrade the lighting then?

 

[dmroberts1000]

Very nice, did you just upgrade the lighting then?

No not at all, was planning too but plant growth is great with the T8's so will stick with them


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