FishProfiles.com Message Forums

This is a 55g tank with 220w of light. At the start it was planted with crypts, amazon sword, aponogeton, hairgrass, dwarf lillies, micro swords, anubias and the onion plants were added 2days after the unit was plugged in.
Overall the carbo plus unit does produce co2 and plant growth is very noticeable. Judging by growth and lack of algae it does better than the diy setup I had with 2 pop bottles. The fish will swim right through the stream of bubbles and not be affected.
However, the durability of the unit is questionable. I've broken 2 of the plugs that connect the carbon block holder to the controller. The controller itself overheats very easily. I left the first control unit sitting on the carpet and it died within a few weeks. But while waiting for my replacement unit I did realize just how well it works. Spot algae quickly took over the glass to the point I couldn't see in and despite my efforts to get a big enough diy system running again I lost hairgrass and half my micro swords to the algae cover. The new unit has only been running a week and already the algae is disapearing off the glass.
For the effects on the water Carbo plus collects what appears to be calcium carbonate on the plate(metal holder for carbon block). I'm guessing this is because of it giving off H2. It does bring a kh of 12-15 down to about 4 but that hasn't been a problem. My snails also enjoy munching on the calcium gathered around the plate. The ph hasn't changed any but the plants are definitely showing that there is more co2. I haven't done anything to minimize surface movement and have a penguin 330 as well as a magnum 350. In a tank with minimized surface agitation there would probably be alot more affect on ph.
To the plant stocking I've added vals, aquatic clover, and wisteria with good growth so far.
The carbon block has shown no sign of being used up in the past 2 months and I already have 3 extra blocks on hand so I should be set for a year.
If your looking for a low cost setup this is not for you. The initial purchase of the unit new is minimum $130 and often up around $200. You can sometimes get working used controllers of sites like ebay for $50-$80 but the carbon block doesn't work after being dried out so it will have to be replaced. The cheapest I've seen carbon blocks for is $20 but often around $35. Also the system does not work in soft water. If you have a low kh don't bother trying.
The carbo plus is extremely maintenance free, requires basically no setup, and takes up very little space. You only need an open spot in the aquarium and a flat solid surface to set the controller on so it doesn't overheat. Amount of co2 is easily adjusted for any size tank.

My opinion is that in most cases this unit is not worth it's price tag. If you can get one for cheaper such as a used one then it might be worth it. Also finding a cheap source for carbon blocks makes a big difference in cost over time. If you have the time and space to set up a system using co2 cannisters it is at least as effective as the carbo plus and cheaper. If your pushed for space or don't want a compressed air tank in the room then the carbo plus may be worth considering.

Last edited by sham at 14-Apr-2005 17:58

Last edited by sham at 14-Apr-2005 17:58

Thanks for sharing. We've had some questions about it before but it's hard to find someone who has actually used it. Now at least we can direct them all to you!