How long does a CO2 tank last?

[hulkamaniac]

So I'm in the continuing process of planning an overhaul of my 75g tank. I want to replace the substrate with Eco-complete, put the plants back in there, add some rockwork and wind up with an all natural tank - no fake plants, rocks or wood. I want to add real co2 instead of just the pop bottle solution I'm using now. My question is how long do the bottle of CO2 last and about how much do they cost? I'm trying to figure out how all this will fit into my budget.

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

In my 75Gal, I had a 10# bottle w/ a PH Controller. the bottle would last about 10 months @ a sustained level of 40-50ppm.

10# is about the ideal size, 5# requires fills often and is typically about 10$ to fill, a 10# is 15$..

As for pricing, I got my reg/controller combo off ebay (Aquacave) and it was shipped out very quickly. But others will know more about US pricing (I assume US since you didn't say what country you are in)

 

[hulkamaniac]

Yeah, I'm in the US. The price of the regulators is about $100 from what I've seen. I could be wrong though. Someone please correct me if I am. Also, for a 75 am I better with a paintball tank or a welder sized tank?

 

[dapellegrini]

$79 for a Regulator with Solenoid and Bubble Counter - http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=4

$99 for a pH Meter (not required) - http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=612

$71 for a CO2 Reactor - http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=3 though you could build your own for $5-10.

CO2 tubing for $.79 a foot - http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=235

You will have to shop around for a tank. I got my 5# at a brewer supplies place for around $100. Then I just found a local Welding Supply store that sells a 10# for $75....

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

Oh definately NOT a paintball size, 10# is 10lb, a paintball cylinder is Oz (20Oz being the biggest)

The reg/controller combo I picked up was 177$ (Here)

The parts included can actually be found cheaper @ Aquariumplants.com

Ma957 regulator = 77.28$
SMS122 Controller = 87.73$ (Optional, but generally a good idea to keep levels consistant)

I've had good experiences with both (but AP would allow you to get some plants and such at the same time)

The cylinders should be found locally and run from 50$ and up (depends on Used/new, steel/aluminum etc..)

 

[dapellegrini]

Oh and on my 72g - I get about 4 months out of a 5# CO2 tank maintaining around 40ppm

Those are good prices WoO...

 

[hulkamaniac]

After looking at this, this is looking more and more like a $300-400 makeover. The Eco-complete is going to cost me about $100, another $100 for the co2 tank, another $100 for the regulator. Plus, there's always all the miscellaneous costst that crop up. I'll want to stock some diffferent fish in the tank once it's all said and done. Guess I'll be saving for a few months.

 

[Alshain]

Well I'm glad you asked the question anyway, because I'm looking at a CO2 makeover myself and was curious about the same thing. Specifically whether I would need a 5 or 10 lb bottle.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

When I had my 5lb bottle on my 75G, it lasted 6 months. I now went to a 10lb and a 20lb bottle. I'll be taking my empty 10lb bottle and upgrading to a 20lb very soon. Then I'll have 2 20lb bottles. One running a 75G and 2 10G tanks, and the other running a 29G and a 10G.