CO2 recommendations please

[NuggetChops]

Hi wanting to introduce a co2 diffuser/pump to my tank. I’m clueless as to what would be best. wanting better plant growth. I did look at the Tropica CO2 System Bio as a starting point due to being a complete novice but mixed review and don’t think it’d work for my tank.

Money is tight so wanting some
Reasonably priced ideally around £40-50 mark if this is even possible.

Tank is 120litre

Any recommendations welcome TIA

 

[podsville]

I'm happy to offer some recommendations. However, since I'm in the US, I don't know if the identical products are available to you or their current prices.

I've been using this chemical CO2 generator for about 16 months:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9XZMX8L?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1
and it works amazingly well. You simply add the prescribed amounts of baking soda, citric acid and water and CO2 generation begins almost immediately. I find I get about 90 days per refill. The solenoid and needle valve which come with the unit function as they should, but you will need a timer to start and stop the flow of CO2 at the desired times. Usually, you only inject CO2 when the lights are on.

For effective diffusion of the gas, I can't recommend the ceramic diffuser which is supplied with the unit, or any similar ones. I've tried several and they either stop working in a short time or don't work to begin with. Cleaning them with bleach, hydrogen peroxide, etc. doesn't help. Instead, I highly recommend the Dennerle CO2 Flipper:
https://dennerle.com/en/products/co2-flipper
which, as you can see, is a German product. It dissolves the CO2 bubbles in the aquarium water almost completely, and it's soothing to watch.

Hope this helps. If you like, you can see a one-minute video of my 20gal/75l tank here:

 

[podsville]

I don't know why the link to my aquarium video turned into a black square, I'll try again:

Planted tank

 

[BigDog]

If you want a real true Co2 system that will last you a lifetime

Check out Green leaf aquarium

They have the best of the best stuff you want

They build each regulator by hand and have a a warranty to back there stuff up

 

[MattW]

You might not find much for that price range.

Best I could find. This place is based in Blackpool. Also, look at local stores there are some good ones in Merseyside who might have deals on.

https://www.uk-aquatics.com/product/fluval-co2-kit/

I used this in the past as a cheap alternative. Results were nothing amazing.

Colombo CO2 Basic Set | from Aquacadabra

Colombo CO2 Basic Sets provides a simple way to supply CO2 to your planted aquarium.

aquacadabra.com

My best results with C02 were with DIY. I used this method. - Youtube. With a cheaper diffuser, the total cost is probably around the £20 mark. The only issue is that there is no form of regulation, but I found high agitation, and an airstone helped reduce issues.