"Evergreen" wrote in message
...
I am looking for advice on setting up a CO2 system for my 46 gallon
freshwater tank.

Does anyone have any recommendations on good websites that describe how
the whole process actually works, as far as what equipment is needed and
how it interconnects?

Here's a good CO2 reference:

http://members.cox.net/tulsaalstons/...Pressure%20CO2

Am I okay just setting the CO2 tank underneath the tank, in the aquarium
stand?

As long as you're reasonably certain the tank won't fall over.

Does anyone have recommendations on a brand of equipment to buy and where
from? I have seen some kits for sale on Thatfishplace from Red Sea, but
am wondering if anyone has any opinions on those.

I'm not familiar with the Red Sea kit, but I do know they have a bad name in
the test kit business. I bought a JBJ regulator combo
(regulator/solenoid/bubble counter/needle valve) and Milwaukee PH
controller. I picked up a 20# CO2 tank from the local fire extinguisher
refill place for about $85 CDN. Beverage gas places will also sell new/used
tanks much cheaper than the shiny mail order tanks.

The needle valve that came with the JBJ regulator could be better, as it's
difficult to keep the bubble count constant. But it doesn't really matter
since I added the PH controller. I don't know if the Milwaukee regulator
combo is any better. The nice thing about the combo is that you don't have
to worry about what goes where and it's pretty much ready to go out of the
box. You'll also need a CO2 diffuser or reactor too of course. Swee****er
diffusers are the latest rage.


I have kept fish and plants for a few years now, fairly successfully, but
am new to CO2 implementation.

Any input would be appreciated for this CO2 beginner.