Question about DIY CO2

RonB · 12-03-2011, 07:56 PM

I have been watching some YouTube videos. Seems very easy to do. The last video I watched the guy recomened a CO2 test kit. I never thought about that. Is it necessay? If so I guess I can find one at the LFS? Or if I do the mix with the with the minimum yeast should I be OK?

jrman83 · 12-03-2011, 09:29 PM

Test kit? What test kit?

RonB · 12-04-2011, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrman83

Test kit? What test kit?

They recomened a CO2 test kit to test how much CO2 was in the water? Said to muck could kill fish?

FishFlow · 12-04-2011, 03:06 AM

How many 2 liter bottles are you using on what size tank? While too much co2 can kill fish, what i've read on the web, a diy co2 will be hard pressed to do it. I've run 2 2 liter bottles on a 29gal tank for 5+ months and no signs of too much co2. 1 bottle for over a year.

My *tester* is a drop checker. There is another way by using a chart and referencing 2 test kit readings (ph and kh?? ).

RonB · 12-04-2011, 03:25 AM

I was going to use 1 2 liter an a 29 gal. So I guess I may need to go to 2?

jrman83 · 12-04-2011, 08:56 AM

I only use a drop checker but don't consider it a tester, but it is an indicator I guess.

SevenNoOni · 12-04-2011, 10:30 AM

i also used 2 on my 29G you'll be fine... However i just bought a Co2 Defuser (looks like a small glass crack Pipe) got it for 3 bucks shipped so im hoping i can get more out of my Co2.

MarcGh · 12-04-2011, 01:40 PM

I was, till recently using 1 2L. bottle with a 'spiral' diffuser in a 22 Gal. tank.
In nearly 10 months of use I never reached 10 ppm and only occasionaly 5 ppm.
I was using this Ph / Kh chart :
CO2 Chart

RonB · 12-04-2011, 02:41 PM

I was going to use the little filter like in the end of this video for a diffuser. looks good to me but I just learning about this. Any thoughts?

The best DIY Aquarium Co2 System with bubble counter and recipe - YouTube

jrman83 · 12-04-2011, 04:02 PM

The kh/ph chart is not good for much of anything.

joevw007 · 12-04-2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonB

I was going to use the little filter like in the end of this video for a diffuser. looks good to me but I just learning about this. Any thoughts?

The best DIY Aquarium Co2 System with bubble counter and recipe - YouTube

its called a Powerhead and they are amazing for getting the most out of your CO2. IMO much better than a diffuser head.

RonB · 12-04-2011, 06:56 PM

Been out of this hobby for a wile. But from what I remember of powerheads they sat on the tubes of undergravel filters? But like I said I have been out of this hobby for a long time.

FishFlow · 12-04-2011, 11:54 PM

That is a powerhead. google it or utube it. People use them as difusers as well. The are waterpumps and can be used for may purposes.

James0816 · 12-05-2011, 07:14 AM

Glass nano diffusers work very well. Of course powerheads do as well. But for me...it's just another thing that you need to plug in. Ughhh. I hate cables.

I always advise using a drop checker with injecting CO2.

SevenNoOni · 12-05-2011, 09:36 AM

that Elite Mini ac130 in that video i have two of them. i Also seen that video and bought that filter from Petco it was 2 dollars on clearance.. anyway they work well for the co2 for a few weeks the filter inside them clog up any chance they get. Also when they clog up they scream they will clog with a stray leaf that gets sucked onto it. anyway Long story short its woken me and my wife up several times and it sounds like a baby screaming to death. its NOT pleasant and scary as hell at 3in the morning lol so be warned LMAO

Gizmo · 12-05-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James0816

Glass nano diffusers work very well. Of course powerheads do as well. But for me...it's just another thing that you need to plug in. Ughhh. I hate cables.

I always advise using a drop checker with injecting CO2.

+1 on the drop checker. They're super cheap (mine was $20 at an overpriced LFS), and they are THE best way to indicate CO2 concentrations.

However, I've found from experience that a DIY CO2 system does not build up enough pressure to work with a ceramic plate diffuser. Many powerheads come with an eductor nozzle that you can hook some airline tubing up to to aerate your water, and you can just hook up your CO2 line to it instead and use it as a diffuser. I use a Red Sea Max 500 reactor, and I like them, but they are a tad expensive and not many others like them. They are basically a powerhead with a whirlpool thingy attached on the end.

beaslbob · 12-05-2011, 10:48 AM

Sorry I can't help.

I just use the fish to provide the co2.

my tanks have a kH of 4 degrees and a pH of 8.4-8.8 (api high range ph kit).

All fish live and thrive even fish that are supposed to "require" a pH of 7 or lower. (hachetfish, neons).

so sorry I can't help.

(or did I

)

James0816 · 12-05-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmo

However, I've found from experience that a DIY CO2 system does not build up enough pressure to work with a ceramic plate diffuser.

This is where proper material and construction come in handy. Use and Ocean Spray bottle instead of a 2l soda bottle and silicone both top and bottom sides of the cap.

Gizmo · 12-05-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James0816

This is where proper material and construction come in handy. Use and Ocean Spray bottle instead of a 2l soda bottle and silicone both top and bottom sides of the cap.

I use a Red Sea BioMax CO2 system, which consists of a 2L reaction chamber specifically for CO2 yeast fermentation, with a rubber gasket and nipple for CO2 line, a bubble counter and check valve from here (C02 Aquarium Systems Aqualine Bubble Counter), and a reactor. I haven't soap-bubble tested anything, but I might be suffering from crappy CO2 tubing (should buy some from Home Despot).

MarcGh · 12-05-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James0816

This is where proper material and construction come in handy. Use and Ocean Spray bottle instead of a 2l soda bottle and silicone both top and bottom sides of the cap.

Hi James,
Had a peek at your tank pictures and I loved your plants!
Just a quick question (still about CO2): Why is your CO2 generator blue in colour? Do you add anything to the yeast/sugar/baking soda mixture?
Marc

12-03-2011, 07:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
RonB Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 131 Name: Ron Location: Florida Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 105 Times Said "Thanks" 30 Times Was Thanked 36 Times in 36 Posts	Question about DIY CO2 I have been watching some YouTube videos. Seems very easy to do. The last video I watched the guy recomened a CO2 test kit. I never thought about that. Is it necessay? If so I guess I can find one at the LFS? Or if I do the mix with the with the minimum yeast should I be OK? __________________ 29 gal planted,7 Harlequin Rasbora, 8 Neon Tetra,3 Bolivian Rams,3 Albino Cory,2 Emerald Green Cory 55 gal Lake Malawi 15 gal betta tank Last edited by RonB : 12-04-2011 at 12:30 AM.

12-03-2011, 09:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
jrman83 ....has no life.... jrman83's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9,463 Name: Ben Location: White Plains, MD My location Feedback: 16 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 3,382 Times Said "Thanks" 478 Times Was Thanked 2,431 Times in 2,286 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 Test kit? What test kit?

12-04-2011, 03:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
FishFlow FishFlow's Photo Gallery Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 371 Location: California Feedback: 4 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 14 Times Said "Thanks" 5 Times Was Thanked 57 Times in 55 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 How many 2 liter bottles are you using on what size tank? While too much co2 can kill fish, what i've read on the web, a diy co2 will be hard pressed to do it. I've run 2 2 liter bottles on a 29gal tank for 5+ months and no signs of too much co2. 1 bottle for over a year. My tester is a drop checker. There is another way by using a chart and referencing 2 test kit readings (ph and kh?? ). __________________ 100 Dirt + Stuff. To be Angel baby tank. 37 Planted. http://www.aquariumforum.com/f45/pla...nal-20774.html 29 Tall community tank. 5+ Years up and running. 15 Soon to be RCS tank.

12-04-2011, 03:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
RonB Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 131 Name: Ron Location: Florida Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 105 Times Said "Thanks" 30 Times Was Thanked 36 Times in 36 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 I was going to use 1 2 liter an a 29 gal. So I guess I may need to go to 2? __________________ 29 gal planted,7 Harlequin Rasbora, 8 Neon Tetra,3 Bolivian Rams,3 Albino Cory,2 Emerald Green Cory 55 gal Lake Malawi 15 gal betta tank

12-04-2011, 08:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
jrman83 ....has no life.... jrman83's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9,463 Name: Ben Location: White Plains, MD My location Feedback: 16 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 3,382 Times Said "Thanks" 478 Times Was Thanked 2,431 Times in 2,286 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 I only use a drop checker but don't consider it a tester, but it is an indicator I guess.

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12-04-2011, 10:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
SevenNoOni SevenNoOni's Photo Gallery Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 158 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 2 Times Said "Thanks" 24 Times Was Thanked 27 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 i also used 2 on my 29G you'll be fine... However i just bought a Co2 Defuser (looks like a small glass crack Pipe) got it for 3 bucks shipped so im hoping i can get more out of my Co2.

12-04-2011, 01:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
MarcGh MarcGh's Photo Gallery Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 25 Name: Marc Location: Ghana My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 97 Times Said "Thanks" 9 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 I was, till recently using 1 2L. bottle with a 'spiral' diffuser in a 22 Gal. tank. In nearly 10 months of use I never reached 10 ppm and only occasionaly 5 ppm. I was using this Ph / Kh chart : CO2 Chart __________________ 100 Gallon tank (work in progress) 2 x Fluval U3 filter + DYI CO2 + 40W 'Grolight' + 2x28W 'warm white' 3 Bala sharks + 2 Angel fish + 2 Black Mollys +1 Orange Platy + Plenty of Molly fry, baby's & teens Egeria Densa, Cryptocoryne petchii "pink", Urticularia Graminifolia and African waterweed

12-04-2011, 04:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
jrman83 ....has no life.... jrman83's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9,463 Name: Ben Location: White Plains, MD My location Feedback: 16 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 3,382 Times Said "Thanks" 478 Times Was Thanked 2,431 Times in 2,286 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 The kh/ph chart is not good for much of anything.

12-04-2011, 06:56 PM	#12 (permalink)
RonB Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 131 Name: Ron Location: Florida Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 105 Times Said "Thanks" 30 Times Was Thanked 36 Times in 36 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 Been out of this hobby for a wile. But from what I remember of powerheads they sat on the tubes of undergravel filters? But like I said I have been out of this hobby for a long time. __________________ 29 gal planted,7 Harlequin Rasbora, 8 Neon Tetra,3 Bolivian Rams,3 Albino Cory,2 Emerald Green Cory 55 gal Lake Malawi 15 gal betta tank

12-04-2011, 11:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
FishFlow FishFlow's Photo Gallery Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 371 Location: California Feedback: 4 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 14 Times Said "Thanks" 5 Times Was Thanked 57 Times in 55 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 That is a powerhead. google it or utube it. People use them as difusers as well. The are waterpumps and can be used for may purposes. __________________ 100 Dirt + Stuff. To be Angel baby tank. 37 Planted. http://www.aquariumforum.com/f45/pla...nal-20774.html 29 Tall community tank. 5+ Years up and running. 15 Soon to be RCS tank.

12-05-2011, 07:14 AM	#14 (permalink)
James0816 James0816's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,455 Feedback: 13 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 34 Times Was Thanked 526 Times in 454 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 Glass nano diffusers work very well. Of course powerheads do as well. But for me...it's just another thing that you need to plug in. Ughhh. I hate cables. I always advise using a drop checker with injecting CO2.

12-05-2011, 09:36 AM	#15 (permalink)
SevenNoOni SevenNoOni's Photo Gallery Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 158 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 2 Times Said "Thanks" 24 Times Was Thanked 27 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 that Elite Mini ac130 in that video i have two of them. i Also seen that video and bought that filter from Petco it was 2 dollars on clearance.. anyway they work well for the co2 for a few weeks the filter inside them clog up any chance they get. Also when they clog up they scream they will clog with a stray leaf that gets sucked onto it. anyway Long story short its woken me and my wife up several times and it sounds like a baby screaming to death. its NOT pleasant and scary as hell at 3in the morning lol so be warned LMAO

12-05-2011, 10:48 AM	#17 (permalink)
beaslbob beaslbob's Photo Gallery Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3,325 My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 339 Times Said "Thanks" 32 Times Was Thanked 835 Times in 761 Posts	Re: Question about DIY CO2 Sorry I can't help. I just use the fish to provide the co2. my tanks have a kH of 4 degrees and a pH of 8.4-8.8 (api high range ph kit). All fish live and thrive even fish that are supposed to "require" a pH of 7 or lower. (hachetfish, neons). so sorry I can't help. (or did I ) __________________ fw leiden since 1979, fo salt since 1979, mixed reef 55g 2002-2009. Strong emphasis on the tank taking care of itself. Balanced with plant life, no water changes, tap water, no filters in FW. Only dosing calcium, alk, mag in marine reef tanks. http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/my-...ods-26410.html recent tanks (till 2009) 7 years- 10g FW leiden 7 yrs, 55g mixed reef 7, 2 yrs, 20g FW leiden, 10 g fw leiden , 29g mixed reef, current tank 55g leiden

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