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Hi

I'm currently trying to run a DIY C02 system in my 43.5G planted tank - but not having too much success. My test results for C02 levels in the tank continue to be dismal. Not sure if the fault is in the way I brew the C02, but I'll have another try.

In the meantime, started thinking about buying one of the real systems - they seem so pricey - I probably can't afford it. Does anyone know a source in Sydney Australia, or one that supplies to Sydney Australia, where the prices are reasonable?

Also wondering if the prices are low enough in the US, would it be worth consider buying on line from there and getting it shipped to Australia (if there are any US firms that would ship to Aust)?

Does anyone have experience with any of this? Thanks in advance.

Cheers
TW

Hi Robyn,

Sorry to hear you're not having much luck with the DIY brew. I personally wouldn't do DIY on a tank larger than 30g. Hence the non-tech setup on my 42g.

As far as the real deal (pressurized CO2), you'll basically need 4 things: (a) a CO2 bottle (and a place that will refill it for you), (b) a regulator, (c) a bubble counter, and (d) a diffuser. Some places sells the whole shebang under one of the brands (Sera, Dupla, etc.), but you'll be looking at a cool $400 at the very least.

A cheaper alternative is to rent a CO2 bottle from your local BOC or Supagas - call them up and find out how much it will cost to rent a food-grade CO2 unit. You'll be looking at around $100 per year to rent, plus another $30 or so for refilling (probably only once a year for your size tank, if that often). Downside of these rental units is that the smallest size is larger than the name brand tank, so they may not fit in your cabinet. Also you don't own them, so in the long run the cost will be higher (break even point vs. buying your own CO2 cylinder is around 2-3 years). But at least you don't have to plop down a huge amount of cash upfront. BTW if you do buy your own cylinder, BOC won't refill it, so you'll have to find someone else who will (usually the LFS who sells them).

I also remember reading online about someone renting a CO2 unit from a fire station for a bit cheaper - I think it was in Sydney but I'll have to double check and get back to you Monday (I saved the link in my office PC).

As for (b) - (d), I have source in WA who sells them for quite cheap (for Oz anyway), ~$130 last time I checked. They will fit the BOC bottle as well. Other places you'll be looking at least $200-300. If you decide to go this way, PM me and I'll give you his email.

Hope that helps a bit!

-P

Once again upikabu , that's for the help. I've taken up your suggestion and pm'd you.

I also wonder if you'd mind taking a look at http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/threads/27401.1.htm?2#.

thanks for help.

Cheers
TW

You could proably get away with DIY on a 42 or 43G tank but the thing is you are going to want to have about 3 or 4 bottles of brew going. I did it for a few months and it got old making a new batch every week or so. Therefore I just spent way too much cash and got a real system.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Thanks Wingsdlc

That's they way I'm thinking too - but it seems that the real deal is very expensive here in Oz, so we'll see. I'm investigating my options & I'm hoping this thread gives me some clues. I have 2 DIY bottles at the moment and results aren't great. I agree, it must have gotten old quickly, having to make brew for 4 bottles every 10 days or so. Thanks for your input.

Cheers
TW

The trick is to not make a new batch for each bottle every time but use a rotating method. This helps keep the system a little more consistent. With my three bottle set up I was doing one bottle of brew per week. Good luck!

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

Hi,
Honestly, I think tanks that large are kinda pushing the
DIY idea. To get enough CO2 injected you would need two or
more bottles running constantly, and you would need a
couple more cleaned, and waiting to be mixed and connected.
The age of the yeast, the type of mix, and the temperature
also determines how long the CO2 is produced.

The production of CO2, resembles a downward, exponential,
curve. When the mix is fresh the production is high and
as it ages, it drops off rather dramatically. Then you
swap bottles, and the rate of injection bounds back up
again. This cyclic CO2 can cause a problem if you are
injecting the CO2 directly into the tank say, through an
air stone or diffuser.
The idea would be to trap a large quantity of CO2 in
a container such as a reactor so that it stays
relatively constant and the exposure to the tank water
is constant.

Cleaning, mixing, and connecting also stresses the
hose connections and leaks become a constant occurrence.
In short, to me, injecting DIY CO2 can become a real chore.

Frankly, in the long run, it seems one has two choices.
Run a low to low medium light tank, and use Flourish
Excel, or a similar product for the Carbon, or,
save $$ and over time purchase a bottled system.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks Frank & Wingsdlc

I agree this could become a real chore but I'm sort of glad to hear that others with tanks my size found it difficult to run DIY c02 as well - it's not just me.

I'm currently investigating the cheapest way to put together the real deal (thanks upikabu, I've sent an email to your source). If anyone else knows of a reasonable price for an Aussie system (or are there any US / UK systems that would ship to Aust - problem here is gas bottle can't be refilled unless it complies to Australian Standard C02 fittings). In the meantime, my DIY is still connected, but I've started adding Flourish Excel for carbon as well.

I appreciate all the advice.

Cheers
TW

You could always try Ebay and see if you can ship it where ever you need it. As for the actual CO2 cylinder I would check around at all the local Welding places and brewing places.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

I looked at ebay last week and came up empty, but until I sort out what I'm doing, I'll certainly check from time time to time. Thanks for the tip.

Cheers
TW

Robyn,

Here's the link to the modified fire estinguisher CO2 unit I promised:
http://www.ausdiscus.com.au/fertilisation.html

Cheers!

-P

Thanks Paulus

That is very interesting. I wonder if I could do it or not. I might ring them & see what's what.

Cheers
TW