Advice on CO2 cylinder for 30cm by 20cm by 20cm tank

[byronshoh]

Hi,

Would appreciate advice on whether I should get a CO2 clylinder for my 30cm tank?

I am currently using the Nutrafin CO2 DIY. Doen't seem to be that effective

Many thanks!

[TanVincent]

it all depends on budget

Cheers
vincent

[blurrblurr]

I try before on such small tank. no need a cylinder co2 or can say No need CO2 at all. Unless your plant need high co2 and good lighting but simple DIY CO2 will do. Make sure u trap your CO2 dun let them escape.
BTW you check your PH and KH against the chart? how u know not effective?

[Aeon]

kH and pH and CO2 are pretty closely related. so the volume of water should not be much problem. Just monitor the CO2 concentration so it don't overshot.

I suggest using a pressurized system, which is the next step after DIY. use a reactor, if you use a atomizer, your small aquarium will be filled with tiny bubbles, not very nice.

[byronshoh]

Thanks guys for the replies.

No budget I guess....will get what's most effective.

KH is around 9-11, PH 6-7.

Don't see plants really bubbling....

[Aeon]

Which test kit u using, kH 9-11 is pretty high, do u have coral chips or anything of that origin??

[byronshoh]

Hi Aeon

Its the Tetra test kit.

No coral chips.

Must be due to the sand I'am using...fine sand...slightly grainer than the sand you find at the beach.

[Aeon]

So desu... might be of marine origin.
How many watts/gallon in your tank?
What plants you have?

[byronshoh]

I have a 9W PL light.

Should be about 6 gallons?

[sotong80]

You might want to try florish excel for such a small tank. More economical in the long run.

[byronshoh]

Thanks Sotong80,

Florish Excel instead of pumping in CO2?

[vinz]

Yes, Flourish Excel can replace your CO2. However, do not expect pearling. Flourish can be used together with CO2 too. Go to www.seachem.com to find out more.

If you have budget restrictions for a CO2 cylinder, then just get a 2 or 3 litre one, but make sure you got place to hide it. It'll probably last you for ages. If you ever upgrade to a larger tank, you can still use it.

If you really, really got $$$ to burn, get the ADA mini CO2 cylinder. But as I understand it, the replacement cylinders are not available in Sg. If you want to see one, you can try Far East Aquatics. You can ask them about the info regarding replacement cylinders. I think you can't fit solenoids on this guys.

[Aeon]

ADA has an el-valve regulator, their own version solenoid I think...