Co2 Advice

[reeshee]

Hi guys,

Im seriously thinking of getting a Co2 system for my new tank that im setting up this weekend. I was using Co2 tablets but I realise its nonsense... This hobby is super poisonous la...

Can you advice me as to which type to buy? Im so confused about the various types available. I want something clean looking, less clutter as I have a canister and chiller inlets and outlets now! At the same time something that is efficient that I wont have to touch after setting up.

Questions:
How big of a cylinder should I get for a low profile 2 feet tank? (60cmx20cmx25cm tank)
How long can it last before I must go for a refill?
What system should I get?

Any other advice on Co2 will be appreciated. If there is an existing thread on this topic, please point me that way as well

Cheers!

Have a great weekend ahead guys.

[Urban Aquaria]

The most automated "hands-off" system to run for Co2 injection is a Co2 tank with solenoid regulator setup... you just set the bubbles per second (BPS) and the plug timer, then it can be left to automatically operate on its own without requiring further intervention.

Here are the common items in a Co2 system running on solenoid regulator:

1) Co2 tank (you can choose the size)
2) Solenoid Regulator (2 gauge version, one for total tank pressure, one for output working pressure)
3) Needle Value (usually already comes attached to the solenoid regulator)
4) Bubble Counter
5) High pressure Co2 resistant tubing
6) Check-valve
7) Diffuser or Atomizer or Reactor (your choice of Co2 distribution method)

Additional separate item = Plug Timer to schedule the solenoid on/off timing

Most LFS sell full complete set packages which includes everything mentioned above, here is an example package from East Ocean:

http://www.eastoceansg.com/ans-2l-professional-co2-system-p-1006.html

They usually allow you to mix and match other items (ie. change from normal diffuser to atomizer or reactor) to customize the package too.

The LFS will assemble all the parts together, test to make sure everything is working, then all you need to do is bring the whole setup home, hook it up to your tank, start it up, tune the BPS and set the timer, its done.

[Urban Aquaria]

Questions:
How big of a cylinder should I get for a low profile 2 feet tank? (60cmx20cmx25cm tank)
How long can it last before I must go for a refill?

A 2 liter Co2 tank would be sufficient for a low profile 2ft tank (which in your case works out to only 30 liters in volume).

Just for reference, for my normal 2ft tanks (ie. 60cmx30cmx36cm, 64 liters in volume), my 2 Liter Co2 tanks running at 1 BPS for 8 hours a day (using reactor, light green on drop checker), lasts for around 11+ months before requiring a refill.

I guess for your tank with less than half the volume, it'll probably require less BPS to achieve the optimal Co2 levels, so the Co2 tank would also last alot longer between refills.

[reeshee]

I can always count on UA to answer my questions thank you bro.. very detailed and informative. I shall go shopping soon! Pocket burn again

[tureblue82]

remember to check your timer to ensure its not spoiled from time to time.

[reeshee]

The most automated "hands-off" system to run for Co2 injection is a Co2 tank with solenoid regulator setup... you just set the bubbles per second (BPS) and the plug timer, then it can be left to automatically operate on its own without requiring further intervention.

Here are the common items in a Co2 system running on solenoid regulator:

1) Co2 tank (you can choose the size)
2) Solenoid Regulator (2 gauge version, one for total tank pressure, one for output working pressure)
3) Needle Value (usually already comes attached to the solenoid regulator)
4) Bubble Counter
5) High pressure Co2 resistant tubing
6) Check-valve
7) Diffuser or Atomizer or Reactor (your choice of Co2 distribution method)

Additional separate item = Plug Timer to schedule the solenoid on/off timing

Most LFS sell full complete set packages which includes everything mentioned above, here is an example package from East Ocean:

http://www.eastoceansg.com/ans-2l-professional-co2-system-p-1006.html

They usually allow you to mix and match other items (ie. change from normal diffuser to atomizer or reactor) to customize the package too.

The LFS will assemble all the parts together, test to make sure everything is working, then all you need to do is bring the whole setup home, hook it up to your tank, start it up, tune the BPS and set the timer, its done.

I went there yesterday. Guy named Lawrence helped me set up the co2 system. Nice chap.

Btw, do I need to put a special liquid for the bubble counter? Or will water suffice?

Now I am trying to find nice dwarf hair grass to carpet. He was sold out. C328 also didn't have.

remember to check your timer to ensure its not spoiled from time to time.

As for timer, same concept as lights ya? No need to close the valves/knobs every night? Just let the timer cut power to solenoid and leave the system be?

[Shadow]

bubble counter no need special liquid, water will do. Unless you are injecting very high bps 8bps or more which in this case you wont be able to count unless you slow it down by using glycerin.

If you are using solenoid regulator, you no need to close the valve each day, the timer and solenoid will cut the CO2 flow automatically based on your setting.

[Urban Aquaria]

Yeah, just normal water will do for the bubble counter... best to use distilled water so that the water is confirmed clean.

Don't use aquarium water though, might get algae growing inside the bubble counter chamber.

[reeshee]

bubble counter no need special liquid, water will do. Unless you are injecting very high bps 8bps or more which in this case you wont be able to count unless you slow it down by using glycerin.

If you are using solenoid regulator, you no need to close the valve each day, the timer and solenoid will cut the CO2 flow automatically based on your setting.

Thanks for the reply Okay will use water. I've read conflicting stuff online about the bubble counter. Some have said to fill it full, some say half. Does it matter? Tho personally I think full looks nicer. Noted on the timer!

Yeah, just normal water will do for the bubble counter... best to use distilled water so that the water is confirmed clean.

Don't use aquarium water though, might get algae growing inside the bubble counter chamber.

Thanks bro.. Can't wait to start my new tank with new the co2! So many plants to decide from. Any advice for carpeting plants? I read that HC is easily "melted". Im thinking japanese hair grass or dwarf hair grass. Are they relatively suitable for a beginner?

[Urban Aquaria]

I usually fill up the bubble counter until 95% full... the water will eventually evaporate over time so might as well prolong the refill intervals.

If you are looking for a low maintenance carpet, then dwarf hairgrass would be a good choice. Hairgrass leaf blades grow in a rosette pattern so each blade always gets some light, they wouldn't get shaded by each other (unlike other carpet plants like HC or monte carlo which tend to quickly grow in layers and you have to regularly trim them to prevent their bottoms getting shaded and melting). I also like the fact that you can easily "comb" hairgrass to dislodge dirt and debris, its like styling hair.

Normal dwarf hairgrass tends to grow abit too tall for a compact carpet though, so you'll need to trim it regularly to keep it low.

If possible, get the Tropica 1-2-Grow Eleocharis sp 'Mini', it creates a nice dense carpet and has a naturally short growth height so you wouldn't need to trim it as often. With Co2 injection, ample lights and nutrients, it'll grow nice and lush very quickly.

[jiajuen900]

Hi, sorry to disturb the thread but is there a difference between Jap Hair Grass & Tropica 1-2-Grow Eleocharis sp 'Mini'?

[Urban Aquaria]

Hi, sorry to disturb the thread but is there a difference between Jap Hair Grass & Tropica 1-2-Grow Eleocharis sp 'Mini'?

Thats a good question, i've also been wondering about that too.

I've previously kept japanese hairgrass before... the ones i bought were from LFS emersed pots labelled as "sp japan". Their overall growth seemed to be taller (their hoops look larger) compared to the Tropica version (which don't hoop as much, mostly just curve 90 degrees and stay short). I'm not sure if the difference in growth size and shape is due to different original source grow-out conditions or they take time to somehow change over time, so its still a puzzle to me.

Although they do indeed look similar, i guess i would still just label them separately... at least the names can help to differentiate their source.

[Phillipians]

The Lfs hair grass sp jap. always seem to have those nasty and irritating 'riccia' like worts growing between which can never be totally removed. I ll rather 1-2grow ones anytime. Done with Lfs sp japan.

[boonware]

Hi guys,

I would like to ask how many check valve we need 1 or 2?
I'm using pressure Co2 with solenoid valve and 1 check valve but there is back flow when it is not on.

[Shadow]

get good quality check valve, and put at least 2, one in between regulator and bubble counter and the other one between bubble counter an diffuser/reactor

[reeshee]

I usually fill up the bubble counter until 95% full... the water will eventually evaporate over time so might as well prolong the refill intervals.

If you are looking for a low maintenance carpet, then dwarf hairgrass would be a good choice. Hairgrass leaf blades grow in a rosette pattern so each blade always gets some light, they wouldn't get shaded by each other (unlike other carpet plants like HC or monte carlo which tend to quickly grow in layers and you have to regularly trim them to prevent their bottoms getting shaded and melting). I also like the fact that you can easily "comb" hairgrass to dislodge dirt and debris, its like styling hair.

Normal dwarf hairgrass tends to grow abit too tall for a compact carpet though, so you'll need to trim it regularly to keep it low.

If possible, get the Tropica 1-2-Grow Eleocharis sp 'Mini', it creates a nice dense carpet and has a naturally short growth height so you wouldn't need to trim it as often. With Co2 injection, ample lights and nutrients, it'll grow nice and lush very quickly.

Yup, ill fill it up almost full too then!

As for the hair grass, I was at Y618 and its not labeled.. I'm not sure if it's elocharis sp mini or other variety. The staff were very busy too so I didn't ask. I'll drop by today and check.

What nutrients are you referring to? I have to buy a fertiliser?

[reeshee]

get good quality check valve, and put at least 2, one in between regulator and bubble counter and the other one between bubble counter an diffuser/reactor

Hi brother, May I enquire about this.. when I purchased the full co2 set-up, I was told that the brass bubble counter attached to the solenoid had a built in check valve. They told me that was sufficient. Was I misinformed? Would I have to get another one?

[bryan]

Hi brother, May I enquire about this.. when I purchased the full co2 set-up, I was told that the brass bubble counter attached to the solenoid had a built in check valve. They told me that was sufficient. Was I misinformed? Would I have to get another one?

It would be a good idea to run another check valve as double protection. I had a check valve fail me once.

[Shadow]

ouch.. you bought this type. I personally don't like this type, if the build in check valve spoiled then will be in trouble because no back up. CO2 top up company normally will reject CO2 tank if they found out there is water inside.

[reeshee]

ouch.. you bought this type. I personally don't like this type, if the build in check valve spoiled then will be in trouble because no back up. CO2 top up company normally will reject CO2 tank if they found out there is water inside.

Thank God I didn't start up my co2 system yet.. Am still finding plants. I shall buy a check valve today when I'm buying my hair grass!

Any recommendations? Glass type looks pretty. And I just connect it to the solenoid yes?