Fluval 88 Co2 Kit

[Tolan]

Does anyone here use the Fluval 88 CO2 Kit? I want to start a heavily planted tank, and I want to know if anyone here has ever used this CO2 kit before, and, if it works well.

Thanks!

 

[DrRob]

I can't comment specifically on your kit, but I'd say it depends on the size of the tank you're looking at. Economy on CO2 is often dependent on how long the cylinders will last. You may be replacing the cylinder several times a year. My fire extinguisher system has pretty much recouped it's initial outlay against replacement cylinder prices.

 

[Tolan]

I would do a fire extinguisher system, but I'm going to be putting the tank on a counter where space is a factor, so I can't use a huge tank. The Fluval 88 is very small, which is why I would use it. I want to know like, if it's well constructed.

 

[DrRob]

Makes a lot of sense. How limited is your space? You can do 500g welding cylinder sets that are a lot smaller than FE sets.

I'll leave others to comment on the specific kit.

 

[ian]

it depends on how big the tank is??

 

[Tolan]

Like, hardly any extra, have about 4 spare inches on the side and 1 spare inch on the top. It's a 15 Gallon tank.

 

[ian]

you're probably on average going to get about 2 weeks worth of C02 out of that, if that. IMO not worth the money as those little cylinders are expensive.

 

[DrRob]

You should be able to get a welding cylinder into a 4 inch gap, so long as you have the height.

 

[Tolan]

They sell Paint Ball CO2 canisters for very cheap. Could I use one of those with the system?

 

[DrRob]

Not that I'm aware of. I believe that the Fluval system has a unique thread size, although I may be wrong.

 

[rtisor]

I have the fluval 88 on a 36g tank. It has been running for a couple weeks now with no drop in pressure. I turn it off about an hour Before lights out and a couple hours before lights on. I've read it should last over a month easy on this size tank and with good flow, it is only taking me 1.5-2bbs to keep my drop checker nice and light green, so I'd have to imagine it will last much longer on your tank. I've seen the refill packs for as low as $34 online for a 3-pack.

Already sick of turning it off at night though, so looking into a solenoid for it.

Good luck