Exploring co2 land: a personal journey

[Paisa]

I've had my fair share of CO2 experiments, and I'm excited to share my experience with you all. I've tried a couple of methods that didn't quite work out as planned.

First off, I gave the Dennerle yeast and sugar method a shot. TWICE! Unfortunately, it was a total letdown. The results were underwhelming, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

I then moved on to the DIY Chinese CO2 Generator using baking soda and citric acid. While it did work, the CO2 output was pretty limited - just over 100 ml. The worst part? You have to refill it every week. Needless to say, I trashed it.

I've also come across the Green bloopiebles CO2 Generator, which seems like a decent option. However, I've discovered that these kits are all made in the same place in China, with different brand stickers slapped on them. You can find them on websites like www.aquario.pl.

For me, having a refillable cylinder wasn't an option. After doing some research, I stumbled upon pressurized disposable CO2 cylinders. I thought, "Why not give it a shot?"

I purchased a 0.5l cylinder for testing purposes, and I've been running it for two months now. The results are impressive - 3 bubbles per second, and I'm really happy with the performance. The best part? It's made in Italy and has a M10x1 thread. The price tag? Around $30.

Next, I picked up a pressure gauge/reductor made in Germany for about $70. It's essential to check the thread, as there are many variations out there. If you have a M10x1 cylinder, you'll need a matching reductor.

I also got a Milwaukee solenoid valve for around $60. The black CO2 hose and the ISTA diffuser (with a built-in bubble counter and check valve) were each around $10.

I'm more than happy with my current setup, and when the cylinder empties (which should be in about a month or two), I'll be upgrading to the 2.5L disposable one. It's around $50, and, of course, it has the same M10x1 thread.

[sleek]

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it.

You're right, my tank doesn't have many CO2-hungry plants, I've got mostly slow growers like Anubias and Java Fern, except for the Hydrocotyle leucocephala. I've considered adding a carpet plant, but I've always been put off by the high maintenance.

However, with this CO2 system, I might just give it a shot - maybe something like Glossostigma or Hemianthus. We'll see how it goes, but thanks for the suggestion.

[Paisa]

CO2 has indeed been a game-changer for my tank. The benefits are numerous - from controlling algae growth to accelerating plant development. Since my last post, I've noticed significant improvements in my plants. My lotus has doubled in size, the aponogeton has sprouted four new leaves, and I've spotted six new baby leaves on the Anubias Lynxa.

I'm planning to introduce more plants, including three additional Anubias, an aponogeton ulvaceus, and a buce. As for a carpet, I'm not too keen on the idea. It seems like a lot of work, and I'm concerned that my corys and ram might damage it.

[sleek]

Yeah, with those fish, it's tough to keep a carpet going, I get it. Maybe something with deeper roots like sagittaria subulata could work, just fill in slowly over time. Glad to hear your plants are thriving, all buces are awesome.

[Paisa]

The CO2 and ferts have worked wonders on my lotus - from Sunday to today, the transformation is amazing, it's literally doubled in size.