DIY CO2 with paintball tank.

[pleechford]

Hey guys, so I just realized I have a 20oz CO2 tank from back when I used to paintball. And I thought to myself, " there must be a way to use this for my tank" do I did a little research but since I am so new to this I was overwhelmed and list in the sauce very fast. I know it can be done but I have no clue as to what parts I need for this tank in order to use it for my planted tank. If anyone at all could tell me the parts that I need I would greatly appreciate it!!

 

[fort384]

You will need a regulator that attaches to a paint ball size tank. Honestly, they are about the same price as a regulator for a 5-10lb tank, which lasts a heck of a lot longer than a 20oz paintball tank.

Here is an example of what you need: Red Sea CO2 Pressure Regulator for Paintball CO2 Bottles

You can get a quality regulator for larger CO2 tanks for far less:
$89 - Milwaukee MA957 CO2 Regulator, Free Priority Shipping!

You might find a co2 regulator for paintball tanks for less than the link I posted but not much less...

 

[pleechford]

Okay then if that is the case I might invest in a larger tank! Overall, roughly how much do you think I could set up a 5-10 lbs tank?

 

[fort384]

$110-$150 depending on what deals you can find. It is tough to beat that MA957 regulator I linked. It is reliable and pretty reasonably priced.

 

[aqua_chem]

A pressurize CO2 tank is the best investment you can make for a planted tank. Better than a better light, better than fancy substrate, better than dosing excel for ages.

 

[pleechford]

$110-$150 depending on what deals you can find. It is tough to beat that MA957 regulator I linked. It is reliable and pretty reasonably priced.

So piecing a set together would be cheaper than buying a set? From what little research I have just done it seems like I would have to buy a tank separately. From the hardware.

 

[pleechford]

A pressurize CO2 tank is the best investment you can make for a planted tank. Better than a better light, better than fancy substrate, better than dosing excel for ages.

That's what people are telling me. I have the fever now. Haha

 

[Towminator]

So piecing a set together would be cheaper than buying a set? From what little research I have just done it seems like I would have to buy a tank separately. From the hardware.

Try www.kijiji.ca I've seen the whole setup there for $90

 

[meegosh]

So piecing a set together would be cheaper than buying a set? From what little research I have just done it seems like I would have to buy a tank separately. From the hardware.

If you went with the MA957 that fort linked, you would only need the tank, and a diffuser. Maybe a check valve too. All in all, you'd be looking around $150 everything included.

I got my MA957, needle valve, bubble checker and 10ft of CO2 tubing on eBay for $89 w/ free shipping. I spent (I think) $55 on a 5lb tank filled. Spent another $20 on check valves and diffusers. So... I guess $160 something.