Co2 Systems

[DiscusKeeper403]

Hey,

I'm going to Canada in a little and need to pick up a Co2 system along with some other things. I would really like a top notch well working Co2 system. I am having some what of an algae problem and I know Co2 helps with that but what about a UV sterilizer? Do they help with plant growth also? I havn't got a clue on what these things do, so if someone could help me that would be great!

 

[Musho3210]

i dont see any benefit to the plants with a UVS. A UVS is just a pump that pumps water through this contained area, in that area a very strong ultra violet light kills ALL living things in it, it cant tell from the good or bad. This is why i dont like them too much, they kill beneficial stuff like copepods, bacteria, and other micro organisms. Although i have no proof i think it is always good to have a little bit of bad stuff in tanks to keep the fishes immune system in work, same way with humans (it has been proven with humans says an 8th grade biology video)

I am sounding bias so i will put down some good points:

Kills free floating algae spores, (great for getting rid of green water)
Kills harmful diseases in the water column (ich, this is why lots of people get these UVS, to get rid of their ich, especially in their marine tanks.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Okay so sort of like a Deionizing filter or RO unit in a way? I don't like the sound of it as I hate RO/Deionizing units. I think I will only be picking up a Co2 system this time around...

 

[SuperColey1]

No

A UV will kill anything that is floating in the water as said in the above post. So it kills free floating algae (green water) and any waterborne parasites etc.

It doesn't affect fertilisers
It will not kill any algae that is attached to plants or bogwood
It will only kill beneficial bacteria if it is free floating, so any in your substrate or filter will not be harmed.

The only things it will kill are things that can pass through the light so if it is attached to something it cannot pass through the light unit and therefore other solutions are required.

I use one on my planted tank even though I have never experienced diseases.

Most algae problems are CO2 related, meaning that the CO2 supply and circulation is inconsistent. This is commonly found with yeast based CO2 because the fermentation takes time to get going then it takes time to hit a peak then it starts to drop off, even when using 2 seperate bottles changed at different times the CO2 level will never be the same every day.

Also if your water circulation is not very good (some areas not moving) then algae can grow as the CO2 is not circulating to these areas as well as others.

Andy

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

No

A UV will kill anything that is floating in the water as said in the above post. So it kills free floating algae (green water) and any waterborne parasites etc.

It doesn't affect fertilisers
It will not kill any algae that is attached to plants or bogwood
It will only kill beneficial bacteria if it is free floating, so any in your substrate or filter will not be harmed.

The only things it will kill are things that can pass through the light so if it is attached to something it cannot pass through the light unit and therefore other solutions are required.

I use one on my planted tank even though I have never experienced diseases.

Most algae problems are CO2 related, meaning that the CO2 supply and circulation is inconsistent. This is commonly found with yeast based CO2 because the fermentation takes time to get going then it takes time to hit a peak then it starts to drop off, even when using 2 seperate bottles changed at different times the CO2 level will never be the same every day.

Also if your water circulation is not very good (some areas not moving) then algae can grow as the CO2 is not circulating to these areas as well as others.

Andy

Alright. So, you got any favorite Co2 systems?

 

[SuperColey1]

I'm afraid I can't say from experience which is good or bad because my setup is a bits from here and bits from there setup.

I use:
2 gauge welders regulator for disposable bottles
690G disposable welding cannisters
Aquarianversand Needle Valve
Aquarianversand Solenoid Valve
Aquarianversand Hosing
Gamba XII glass bubble counter and Non Return Valve
Rhinox 2000 glass / ceramic diffusor.

I guess if you are after the best you should really look for a milwaulkee, Dennerle or AquaMedic setup but these do cost real money.

The ADA one is expensive too but comes with tiny little bottles that you have to replace and this will get very costly on anything but a Nano Tank.

Andy

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

I'm afraid I can't say from experience which is good or bad because my setup is a bits from here and bits from there setup.

I use:
2 gauge welders regulator for disposable bottles
690G disposable welding cannisters
Aquarianversand Needle Valve
Aquarianversand Solenoid Valve
Aquarianversand Hosing
Gamba XII glass bubble counter and Non Return Valve
Rhinox 2000 glass / ceramic diffusor.

I guess if you are after the best you should really look for a milwaulkee, Dennerle or AquaMedic setup but these do cost real money.

The ADA one is expensive too but comes with tiny little bottles that you have to replace and this will get very costly on anything but a Nano Tank.

Andy

Okay thank you, I can't really buy any replacement stuff as they don't sell it where I live.

 

[Musho3210]

Okay so sort of like a Deionizing filter or RO unit in a way? I don't like the sound of it as I hate RO/Deionizing units. I think I will only be picking up a Co2 system this time around...

Cant say that if you ever go on the salty side of the hobby, youd be crazy not to love RO on the salty side.


This seems like a nice deal... i think....

http/www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1364


Comes with 5 pound canister (can upgrade but costs more) and a diffuser and a ph regulator and a needle valve and a bubble counter and check valve.

Milwaukee insturments.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Okay so sort of like a Deionizing filter or RO unit in a way? I don't like the sound of it as I hate RO/Deionizing units. I think I will only be picking up a Co2 system this time around...

Cant say that if you ever go on the salty side of the hobby, youd be crazy not to love RO on the salty side.


This seems like a nice deal... i think....

http/www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=1364


Comes with 5 pound canister (can upgrade but costs more) and a diffuser and a ph regulator and a needle valve and a bubble counter and check valve.

Milwaukee insturments.

Thank you,

I will take a look at the store i'm going to, it is the biggest in the city, and keep a look out for the Milwaukee insturment stuff! Thanks agian!