How To Make A Diy Co2 Kit

[nry]

Nutrafin suggest 3-weeks to see results on their bumf, I would say 2-3 weeks is about right, it takes ~2 weeks (in my opinion) for new plants to settle in and start to grow well, so adding CO2 is possibly going to take a similar length of time for the plants to start taking advantage of well.

 

[aaronc]

My kit has been in there a week but I also upgraded my lighting at the same time. I am noticing improvements and the plants look alot greener.

 

[DevUK]

Cool. Ok, I'll keep checking. One final quesiton, will a water change affect the CO2 greatly? ie, if I did a water change tonight will it matter? I suspect not but wanted to check

 

[aaronc]

Depends on how much you are changing I guess.

But those that dose EI are changing 50% and dont seem to have any issues, I certainly dont lol

 

[SuperColey1]

As the posters above say. You will see much improved results within weeks.

They will be allied to how much light you have though, but even with low light CO2 will show improvements (and you don't need as much then either)

Obviously in high light tanks the CO2 will be consumed by the plants quicker as it is after all a nutrient.

Andy

 

[DevUK]

As the posters above say. You will see much improved results within weeks.

They will be allied to how much light you have though, but even with low light CO2 will show improvements (and you don't need as much then either)

Obviously in high light tanks the CO2 will be consumed by the plants quicker as it is after all a nutrient.

Andy

Cool

Well, this is purely experimental at the moment. I'm doing this ona tank which will be dissmantled in the next month to create a proper planted scape. It literally has 2 java ferns and some elodea densa. It has a meagre 15w lighting and is 15 US gallons. Unsure on the amount of nutrients though, it has my CAEin there alone. I might consider some liquid ferts and experiment with those too. Might also add a couple more plants (and move them onto my new tank if/when I get it).

 

[Neo8223]

In my tank, somehow even with low lighting, it is crucial to add CO2 as otherwise i get algae problems. If i stop CO2, within 5 days, algae is growing on all plants. Its sooo tough to control without the CO2.

 

[R1ch13]

Just curious guys ....

When your using a 2 litre bottle ...

How much sugar, water and yeast do you use ?

I havent really found a good mix yet ?

Right now i have just Started using 2x 750ml bubble bath bottles .... linked to the one ladder !

All i use in each is around 400ml of water half a tea cup of sugar in each and around 3/4 of a tea spoon of yeast in each!

Does this sound ok-ish ...

IT seems to work ok just wondering if anyone has any better mixes

Thanks alot

Richie!

 

[aaronc]

Hi Rich

How big is the tank?

Water and sugar volumes sound ok, might be too much yeast though. I have a 30 gallon and use 1/2 tsp in each

 

[DevUK]

Might be a little too much yeast, but it depends on how long you want them to last. I'm using 3/4 in a 2ltr which has been going for 2 days now (and going like mad!) Waiting to see how long it lasts

According to George's sticky post he advises 1/2 tsp of yeast, and the normal levels of sugar and water for the nutrafin kits. Not sure how the size of the nutrafin canister compares to your 750ml bottles, might be a good comparison size wise?

 

[aaronc]

I measured that the nutrafin holds 400ml of water, not sure on the sugar through, I just filled my nutrafin to the right level and then emptied it into a 1l bottle and marked it. Next time I do a refil (saturday) I will make a note

Aaron

 

[GUB]

What kind of diffuser should be best for a 2 bottle set-up in a 190l tank? I was looking at a Rhinox 5000, but I wonder whether thats mainly for the high pressure setups and if people use a different size of diffuser for DIY? Frankly these seem to be such a wide variety of diffuser types that any pointers on which one might suit me would be great - thank!

 

[scouse_andy]

Hi GUB,

I asked a similar question on here the other day. I have a 240 litre and am setting up 2 DIY 2 litre kits. I was recommended the Rhinox 2000. It says up to 40 gallons but people said it would do the job OK. I saw the 5000 too but was advised that this was only suitable for pressurised CO2 and not DIY.

Mine is on the way from Malaysia from a company on ebay, which has been recommended on here, Aquamagic I think. They do a good price and you can pick up CO2 tubing, bubble counters etc too.

Hope this helps

 

[Neo8223]

Ebay is really good for the planted tank accessories. I bought a ceramic C2 diffuser and a CO2 drop checker for £14 total and combined shipping. I really reccommend buying off toponebrian He/she replies to messages really quickly and gave me instant feedback once i bought the item. Also they gave me a super deal on the shipping. $5 and £6.50 for each of the items if i was to buy seperatly. $5 for both shipped....which is a lot cheaper than £6.50 anyway! (I love US currency atm ) Its still in the post now but it should take 7-10 business days from Hong Kong airmail.

Well that was my experience shared . Hope this helps anyone looking for the diffusers

 

[nry]

Can you please suggest the need to seal the airline tubing into the pop-bottle lid with aquarium sealant? It is not needed if you use a Nutrafin ladder, but if you then add a diffuser instead the pressure build-up can cause leaks. Doesn't help if the yeast/sugar/water froths either, this seems to depend on your water hardness and also the type of yeast used (some products have loads of additives and others don't).