DIY CO2

[houndour]

Hi,

I keep reading about people having diy co2 disasters. And I've read the article
http/www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html#6

And it's panicking me that when I do mine I'll come home and find yeast mix everywhere. If it was my own place I wouldn't worry so much, but I'm renting and can't afford to have leaks in my 2 litre bottle!!

I'm also worried because I'm not a good diy person so I'm probably at risk of doing it wrong

Should I be worried? And buy a kit (the guy in the LSF said you can get a basic one for around £20)?? Or should I stop panicking and use the 2 litre bottle?

Sam

 

[BettasRFriends]

Alright have you read the section "Over Tolerance Pressure Release and Prevention Systems"? That explains about how to prevent the explosion of the bottles. When or if i do build mine, i'll use the 2 liter + 16oz bottle. That seems like a better bet than the nylon T

 

[Terrorbyte]

I wouldn't worry about it too much -- just make sure you use good tubing (preferably silicone tubing) and don't do anything that would obstruct the flow of the CO2 gas to your fish tank. The use of a separate, smaller soda bottle for just the CO2 gas is a good idea and it would prevent a potential disaster.

 

[houndour]

I didn't get as far as Over Tolerance Pressure Release and Prevention Systems. I only have dial up at home and that part didn't load. I've read it now. I don't like the idea of the tee.

The extra bottle does sound better. But it's still not guaranteed. I'll be worried about leaving it running while being at work all day.

Don't know what to do. Thanks for your help guys. I'm just not the luckiest person and if something can go wrong it will.

 

[BigC]

Why not go over to pressurised instead of Diy methods, Is it the cost. If you are going to spend £20 or more on a diy system, then why not spend the extra and get a more trouble free setup.
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...bayphotohosting
This is what I am using at the moment, you can add to the DBL system ( solenoid valve & ph controller) as and when your pocket allows. It's more reliable than Diy and you can get the bottle refilled. Everything is contained in the one box, documentation is excellent, any fool can set it up including myself.

 

[houndour]

Hi Thanks Big C.

£80 is quite a bit more than £20 I think pressurised might be wiser investment when I have a huge tank. I only have a 19 uk gall (22 US gallon) tank.

 

[BigC]

My tanks only 70ltrs see post in picture section, but yes it gives you more scope to expand in the future. I'm not a lover of the diy methods going by various forums that I visit they seem to be a bit of a hit and miss affair. I know it seems alot of money now but I think it would be wise to give it some thought.

 

[houndour]

I know you are right but I have to draw the line somewhere. I've already spent £150 on my tank and I had everything already!!! I upgraded the lighting with the intention that I'll be able to use it for my bigger tank and I bought a new hood (cos my bf was moaning about the state of the metal one).

 

[BigC]

I guess your right, it's hard to know when to stop sometimes but when a thought enters your head what do you do.

 

[sammydee]

Right, use your soda bottle still, DIY CO2 is a perfectly good, cheap alternative to pressurised CO2, but make sure that you have:

1) A separate inline bottle with the CO2 from the reactor at the bottom and the CO2 to the tank at the top, that way if one falls over you have a safeguard.

OR 2) Instead of a cola bottle, find a wide flat container like a tupperware box or something that physically CANNOT tip over

OR 3) Make sure it CAN'T tip over by using zip ties or a stand or similar to hold it up.

If you do one of those you should be fine

 

[houndour]

Thanks sammydee...great tips. But I've already gone and bought the Hagen CO2 system. ) It's seems to be working great though. And I like the bubble counter/diffuser that it comes with.

Sam