How Long Does A Fe (co2) Typically Last?

[yasinullah]

Hi All,

I'm considering switching to pressurised CO2 depending on running costs. How long would a 2kg FE normally last in a 180L mid/high tech tank?

Thanks

 

[Norwich keeper]

Hi,

I'm using a 2kg FE on my planted 350ltr tank. Its been running at 56 bubbles per minute through an UP atomizer, then through spray bar. Works very well.

I started using the FE on 17th November 2011. The FE had 5.4 bar of pressure and its now got 3 bar of pressure.

I didn't expect it to last this long and its still going with what looks like lots left!

I managed to get the FE free so its cost me only the regulator that I bought. I'd say running costs low compared to using my old DIY sugar, yeast and water mix. I dont even have to do any maintenance or changes on it so its one less thing to do.

Hope that helps a bit, I would definately make the switch do pressurised, best thing I ever did !!

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Ages, I have a 2KG running a 60 litre at 1bps and the dial hasn't moved in 6 months.

 

[yasinullah]

wow really, might just have to invest in one,

do you buy your replacements from ebay? or do you refill them somewhere?

thanks

 

[Ps3Steveo]

I refill mine at a FE seller in Gravesend Kent but there's plenty around, they usually take mine and give me a full one for 10-20quid depending on size.

 

[Norwich keeper]

Hi again,

I've not had to refill mine up yet - it seems to be ever lasting! plus I've got another one in the garage for when/if this one runs out.

Just worked out, I have mine on for 8hrs a day. From when I first installed it, its been running for 2888 hours! WOW!

Just to give you an idea. Be interesting to see how long other peoples FE's have lasted for.

Maybe a little expensive at first to set up, with FE, regulator, bubble counter, Co2 tubing, atomiser etc but well worth it I reckon.

Hope all goes well for you.

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Mines running 24/7 too btw. You'll see mine Thursday anyway mate.

 

[coolie]

. I'd say running costs low compared to using my old DIY sugar, yeast and water mix. I dont even have to do any maintenance or changes on it so its one less thing to do.

Wouldn't you say that the drop checking adds to the things to do? I've just started yeast and sugar and it doesn't take that much maintenance and doesn't need testing.

 

[Livewire88]

Well I have mine running 8 hours a day @ 1.5bps and the 2kg lasts around 5 months.

The 5kg I have is yet to run out but should last over a year, if you have the space it is well worth going as big as possible IMO.

Re filling wise a local FE company charges me £15 to re fill 2kg.

 

[Norwich keeper]

. I'd say running costs low compared to using my old DIY sugar, yeast and water mix. I dont even have to do any maintenance or changes on it so its one less thing to do.

Wouldn't you say that the drop checking adds to the things to do? I've just started yeast and sugar and it doesn't take that much maintenance and doesn't need testing.

Changing the drop checker solution is no where near as much as changing all the DIY sugar, yeast solution. Cleaning everything etc.

You have to do the drop checker thing anyway, whatever method you use, just now I don't have to worry about doing anything with the Co2, just leave it until it runs out, which in my case seems to be well over a year!!

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Tbh that's never a good idea as the fluctuation when it runs out can cause algae so drop checkers are the best idea with any CO2.

 

[JenCliBee]

I used to have one on a 180l and it averagely lasted 6 months but it will all depend on bbs, plant mass and the surface agitation..... no 2 tanks are a like so the time it last can differ quite abit.

I agree with steveo though, drop checkers are the best way of checking co2 levels, without... it can be a haven for algae if you don't get things right.

 

[yasinullah]

Had no could last this long, good news. My nutrafin ladder clogs up at the bottom where the bubble is released every few days since I connected it to two bottles. Though this week it's taking longer to clog up.

I'm also getting white growth in my tetratec ex1200 only had it 3 weeks I think now wonder if its to do with the yeast co2
Going to post in another subforum see if anyone knows what it might be

Thanks for the replies

 

[Ps3Steveo]

It is more than likely the same stuff you get in the bottles when the yeast and sugar reacts.