Carbo-Plus Question

[talenzmeier]

Greetings Fellow Aquarists,

I recently acquiried a Carbo-Plus system for me 58 gallon planted tank. I am wondering if anyone has any experience with this system, whether it be good, bad, or otherwise. I'm wondering if it's as good as buying a regulator and a CO2 cylinder and a diffuser. Thanks.

 

[Guest]

You asked for my opinion and you will receive it. Get rid of the Carbo-Plus. Get a pressurized system. The long term running costs of the Carbo-Plus are much higher than those of a pressurized system. Also the CP will strip your water of kH. This is not a problem if you have a kH of around 5+ and do water changes, but if you have a lower kH it will strip it out of the water and cause pH swings.

 

[betowess]

I've heard they work great as long as you have enough KH. But a Carbo Plus does cost more in the long haul compared to the $10.00 per year for a tank refill. I took Rex's advice and got a Milwaukee all in one Regulator with a solenoid and needle-valve/bubble counter from Aquabotanics for $100.00. The tank set me back another $80 (w/CO2) and a mini vortex reactor was $50.00... Ouch. But it works great and was easy to set up. Betowess