Co2 Function,Cost

[chumzhujun]

Hi, its me again...

I am considering putting Co2 in my Shrimp tank to make it a planted tank.I have a few question...

1)What equipment to get to make a Co2 functions in a tank?
2)how much does it cost for a first handed Co2 tank and all its equipment,etc(Roughly,estimation)
3) Can i use Co2 in a shrimp(Sakura,cherry,firered) tank?


Thanks alot.

[ZackZhou]

1) a co2 tank, a solenoid, co2 tube(different from air tube, it's harder) and a diffuser/atomizer/inline.

2) 2l tank $55, 3l tank $80~90.
Solenoid: jbj brand $170, ans and up $90, taiwan brand $80.
Co2 tube $4 for 2m
Diffuser around $6

3) can be done cheers

[chumzhujun]

So it is the solenoid that cost the most... thanks:-D

[stormhawk]

If you're on a tight budget, a manual regulator should be enough, but it prevents you from fine tuning the bubble rate. Also, you will have to consider the need to manually turn on the CO2 system daily. These should cost around $50 or so I think, but cheap for a starter kit.

[jialuvqr]

Also on the same topic, if I am getting a 2nd hand set. What should I look out for?

are there any differences between the different brand of solenoid?

[stormhawk]

The cylinder should not have any signs of rust. There should be a "due date" on the body of the cylinder, usually etched in or on a piece of metal that has the details on it. The solenoid regulator's head should be able to fix to the output of the gas cylinder without any problems. Occasionally, the thread size is different so it is best to buy the entire set at once. I believe the JBJ?JBL? regulator uses a Size 32 wrench to lock in place, not sure for the other brands.

The solenoid should be in working order and there ought to be no leaks along the CO2 tubes or from the regulator itself.

[redsuns]

If you're on a tight budget, a manual regulator should be enough, but it prevents you from fine tuning the bubble rate. Also, you will have to consider the need to manually turn on the CO2 system daily. These should cost around $50 or so I think, but cheap for a starter kit.

Hi stormhawk, I am looking to get started with a manual regulator as well and for the manual turning on and off of CO2 at irregular hours(returning home later than usual and etc), I am just worried about the inconsistent CO2 causing algae problems and if its on 24/7 would it bring down the PH too much(am keeping CRS). Thanks in advance!