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Old 06-07-2006, 12:08 AM posted to rec.aquaria.freshwater.plants
Jolly Fisherman
 
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Default Looking for advice on CO2 setup

On Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:39:12 -0400, "Evergreen"
wrote:

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?


http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/
http://www.hallman.org/plant/booth1.html
http://www.wcf.com/co2iron/
http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html

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


Yes but if you're nervous about pressurized gas there's the "carbo
plus" system. AFAIK you need very hard water for it to work well.

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.


Plantguild power reactor is quite efficient.
http://www.plantguild.com/html/co2.html

If you order elsewhere it is shipped from the manufacturer anyway
http://www.floridadriftwood.com/product.asp?3=147
http://www.azgardens.com/newCO22.php

A LFS owner claims the Milwaukee brand name carries little weight as
they do not actually manufacturer all components; there are other
brands that rebadge the same products.

That being said you can get Milwaukee at very good prices he
http://www.Aquatic-store.com/
or the related stores:
http://www.aquarium-plant-store.com/
http://www.co2-canisters.com/index.h...d=38670.291956
http://www.co2-cylinder.com/index.html?lmd=38670.291956

I don't know about their reputability.

You can try welding supply or large beer/beverage distributors for
cylinders & refills. Some of them will loan it to you for the price
of a fill up + refundable deposit. This is good because you won't
need to re certify the cylinder later on. For me, locally, this is a
very expensive deposit.

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.


know and possibly adjust your hardness esp KH before starting.

A pH controller, meter, or tester like "Live pH" makes some sense to
me. Unfortunately I find "Live pH" difficult to read and its not
supposed to be hung under strong light. You have to replace it every
month so before you know it an actual meter is economical.

Also, IMHO, automated pressurized CO2 is a very expensive way to go
for a mere 46 gal tank- unless this is just a "learning tank".