Your Opinions On This Please.....c02 Device On Ebay

[doresy]

Hi, having a planted tank or two I have been looking into C02 and the different methods of getting it into the water.

The thought of fermenting bottles and pressurized tanks don't really appeal

Then I came accross this on Ebay

Take a look and let me know your views. It sounds like a effort free way of doing it so i'm guessing it's c**p

Check back later.....thanks in advance

Oh, and on the off chance that this IS a good gadget then does anyone know of a supplier in Hampshire?

 

[xxBarneyxx]

I know this method does produce CO2. You need to replace the metal plates in them fairly often and I'm sure there is a major draw back to using these things (Cant remeber what it is but I'm sure somene here will know).

 

[Rooster]

Mmmmmmmmm, I wouldnt charge an open battery in MY tanks ! Which is what is happening.... Science sounds, errr sound - but theres something nagging at the back of my mind.

 

[doresy]

Ok, thanks. Decided to err on the side of caution

Too good to be true?........usually is! But more comments welcomed

 

[Dave Spencer]

It looks as if controlling CO2 levels could be awkward. It is recommended to keep the output dialled in low on the controller when the carbon block is new, and increase it over time. Stability is the key to adding CO2 to your tank, otherwise you are inviting algae problems.

Whether it works or not, I wouldn`t want that monstrosity in my tank, and I am not aware of anyone of any repute in planted tanks that uses one. For the cost of it, you could get a decent pressurised system.

If you are still interested, here is a link. Scroll down the page to the Carbo Plus.

http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue/co2-systems.asp

Dave.

 

[backtotropical]

I bought a Carbo Plus system last week. Obviously i've not had it long enough to review it for you but it seems fine so far.

My LFS recommended it to me, he uses it in his tanks in the shop and they look great.

Obviously it will have advantages and disadvantages over other methods, but i wanted to try it. I just don't fancy having pressurised gas canisters about the house if i don't have to.

I'll let you know how i get on with it.

 

[Lateral Line]

The science sounds bogus to me.

Water is converted into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis.

Whenever I've operated electrolysis cells, the water to be split had to be dosed with a high concentration of H+ ions, normally acheived by adding something like Sulphuric Acid.

Try it for yourself, stick a couple of wires on a 9V battery and stick the wires into a glass of tank water. See if you can see the gases bubbling off the elctrodes - my bet is the effect would be negligable. No bubbling, no electrolysis, no Oxygen production, so nothing to react with the Carbon substrate.

 

[doresy]

It looks as if controlling CO2 levels could be awkward. It is recommended to keep the output dialled in low on the controller when the carbon block is new, and increase it over time. Stability is the key to adding CO2 to your tank, otherwise you are inviting algae problems.Whether it works or not, I wouldn`t want that monstrosity in my tank, and I am not aware of anyone of any repute in planted tanks that uses one. For the cost of it, you could get a decent pressurised system.If you are still interested, here is a link. Scroll down the page to the Carbo Plus.http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue/co2-systems.aspDave.

Hi, thanks for your imput and no it wont be going in my tank! That link is very good (thanks) and I will be researching fully

The science sounds bogus to me.

Water is converted into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis.

Whenever I've operated electrolysis cells, the water to be split had to be dosed with a high concentration of H+ ions, normally acheived by adding something like Sulphuric Acid. Try it for yourself, stick a couple of wires on a 9V battery and stick the wires into a glass of tank water. See if you can see the gases bubbling off the elctrodes - my bet is the effect would be negligable. No bubbling, no electrolysis, no Oxygen production, so nothing to react with the Carbon substrate.

Thank you for the science ......I wont be going there, will look in to the more traditional methods

 

[Murphys-Law]

They work by electrolysis as stated above - They strip out the KH in your water and deposit it on the metal anode?? that wraps around the carbon block - Sooo they are messy and expensive to keep running - The was some interesting pictures on The Planted Tank

HTH