To Co2 Or To Not Co2?

[DarkSeraph]

I'm in the process of setting up a 60g aquarium, and have spent quite a bit of time today trying to wrap my brain around the concept of CO2 and all of it's intricacies. I want a medium to heavily planted tank, but something that shows off my fish as well, not just my plants.

As of now my lighting is an Odyssea T5 Dual light strip, which has 2 44” 54W bulbs. Both bulbs are 12000K-day bulbs, so that's 1.8wpg. Am I going to wish I had more lighting?

More importantly, to the question at hand: I like hassle-free, and a lot of these CO2 systems seem like a lot of a hassle. I'm just finishing building the aquarium stand and that has been a LOT of an effort. I'd also like to minimize any maintenance, however pressurized CO2 systems seem very expensive, and little overkill for what I need.

So, what is your opinion? Will I need CO2 at all? Should I just use one Nutrafin CO2 system? Should I use soda bottles, piping, and a bubble laddy?

So many options, and I'm so confused!!!

 

[riverman444]

In my opinion, CO2 and good lighting is a must for a lush, aquatic tank. But, the most important step you can take is to lay down a good substrate and foundation for the plants. Without that, all the CO2 and light in the world will not do jack. Trust me, I found out the hard way and I KNOW others have as well.

I would compare it to buying the most expensive set of cold weather gear and the most expensive and high-tech mountain climbing gear and heading up Mt. Everest.......only to forget your boots. Know what I mean?

 

[Alex_]

Really, Co2 will be good for any planted tank and will only help it in the long run

 

[Peaches]

I plan on using Eco-Complete, which I heard is supposed to be a very good substrate for plants.

No comments on what type of CO2 you suggest?

edit: This is DarkSeraph on my fiance's account.

 

[Discomafia]

One Nutrafin system just isn't enough, you'd need at least two. Here's a link to a thread that shows you how to get enough CO2 for a 55 gallon using a DIY system.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...17501&hl=gallon

Pressurized CO2 is easy to maintain (beats chainging your CO2 mixture a couple of times a week and worrying about not maintaing proper CO2 amounts) and doesn't cost much in the long run. Although initial startup is a lot, its well worth it. Especially since you want a hassle free tank... And no, it isn't overkill for a 60 gallon. Trust me.

HTH.

 

[George Farmer]

You'll need CO2 with 1.8WPG in a 60G.

Pressurized is expensive but is far the better choice. Acheiving stable CO2 with yeast-based is very tricky, particularly with a 60G. You'll need at least two big DIY bottles or three Nutrafin units.

I recommend reading the algae article before planting up your tank. Stick to the guidelines there and you won't go far wrong.

 

[DarkSeraph]

Well, a pressurized CO2 system does seem to be easier, and I think I can deal with the initial setup cost. I have read a couple horror stories about how the safety valve will burst if the filling station isn't careful which can be very detrimental, however these incidences are rare...

I think I would use an Azoo CO2 Diffuser since it has a ceramic diffusion panel, bubble counter, and a high-pressure non-return check valve, and is only $25. I think that's a reasonably good choice

As for the actual Cylinder and regulator there are a couple options:
I could buy a kit for $120+shipping from HERE

Or I can bid on THIS since it includes Solenoid and needle valve. Then I would go to a local welding supply and try to find a 5lb CO2 cylinder.

So, anyone with any pressurized CO2 want to give me their opinion?

 

[Discomafia]

I'm using the same diffuser. Got it from the same seller on ebay in fact. Highly recommend it. Easy to setup, and if you position it so that the hundreds of micro-bubbles come out near a current or your filter's output, then the CO2 will remain in the water column longer. This means that the bubbles are in the water longer, and has more time to dissolve. A

lso like it because of the bubble counter it comes with. For this diffuser it to be the most effective, you have to tighten the cap. The tighter it is, the more pressure on the ceramic disc, and the bubbles will be smaller. But don't forget to fill the cup part that acts as the bubble counter with water before you put it in your tank, or you won't be able to see how many bubbles you are getting.

 

[DarkSeraph]

Thanks for the help disco!

How much exit pressure do you normally run?

The last thing I haven't figured out is the piping between the end of the regulator and the diffuser. What size piping is normally used? Am I going to need anything else?

 

[Discomafia]

Thanks for the help disco!

How much exit pressure do you normally run?

The last thing I haven't figured out is the piping between the end of the regulator and the diffuser. What size piping is normally used? Am I going to need anything else?

No problem.

I'm using DIY CO2, so no idea on exit pressure. Usually on 1 bubble every 2 seconds. I just used the piping that came with my Nutrafin DIY CO2 unit.

Here are some pics for those who haven't seen a Azoo CO2 before.

 

[DarkSeraph]

So, update for anyone still reading this:

Local welding supply has a 5lb CO2 container for $51.15 Not too bad...

Azoo CO2 Diffuser $25+$8shipping = $34

If I get the used Azoo CO2 regulator it'll be about $60, if not I'll just buy this JBJ one for $80

Total: $145

I'm not sure I can just use normal tubing, or what the deal is, but I guess I'll figure that out when it gets here and just run out to the LFS.