i need some help - APE - Aquatic Plant Enthusiasts

oldpunk · 01-01-2010, 04:57 PM

i plan on adding pressurized co2 to my 29g tank. this is a low light tank and has all slow growing low light plants.

i have a couple of questions.

i have a pretty good idea of how much co2 to use one a high light tank and monitor it. however, i have no idea how much to use (bubble rate). also, how do monitor the co2 levels if it's probably going to be lower than a drop checker will register?

diffuser size? should i get one that is size appropriate or could i use a smaller one?

AquaZilla · 01-01-2010, 05:01 PM

I would use something along the size of this.. CO2 Diffuser 3000 | Green Leaf Aquariums

Will you be using a timer? DC will work fine with about 2-3 BPS ...

oldpunk · 01-01-2010, 06:29 PM

thanks O, you'll probably get an order from me soon.

AquaZilla · 01-01-2010, 07:32 PM

You can even feed co2 without a solenoid at about 1BPS if you wanted, or lower. Easy, and still just as affective as anything else..

oldpunk · 01-01-2010, 08:19 PM

op's... sorry didn't remember to reply to the whole thing there.

yes, i will be using a solenoid/timer.

another thing i was wondering about:

what makes a regulator dependable? my two guesses would have to be (1) the regulator would have to have a consistent working pressure. meaning, you set it at say 22lbs. and it stays there and (2) a reliable needle valve(same thing, stays where it's been set)?

sorry, i'm still a co2 noob.

AquaZilla · 01-01-2010, 08:25 PM

In my opinion the regulator body,solenoid,and needle valve are key parts as you mentioned.
Having this from the start will insure a lifetime of use.

Also user operation is important. Knowing how to use/set up your system is probably the most important step. You can find lots of deals on ebay and craigslist for great deals on co2 parts. If you need any help just let me know!

oldpunk · 01-02-2010, 01:46 PM

what's the difference between gla's 'custom' nv-55 and the one you can order from fabco?

AquaZilla · 01-02-2010, 01:55 PM

Our valves are custom made by Fabco. These are not off the shelf valves. Strictly Proprietary to GLA. The main difference would be flow characteristics, followed by the valve body design.

-O

01-01-2010, 04:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
oldpunk Almost Guru Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California Posts: 179	i need some help i plan on adding pressurized co2 to my 29g tank. this is a low light tank and has all slow growing low light plants. i have a couple of questions. i have a pretty good idea of how much co2 to use one a high light tank and monitor it. however, i have no idea how much to use (bubble rate). also, how do monitor the co2 levels if it's probably going to be lower than a drop checker will register? diffuser size? should i get one that is size appropriate or could i use a smaller one?

01-01-2010, 05:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
AquaZilla Administrator Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,213	I would use something along the size of this.. CO2 Diffuser 3000 \| Green Leaf Aquariums Will you be using a timer? DC will work fine with about 2-3 BPS ... __________________ The Planted Aquarium Blog

01-01-2010, 07:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
AquaZilla Administrator Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,213	You can even feed co2 without a solenoid at about 1BPS if you wanted, or lower. Easy, and still just as affective as anything else.. __________________ The Planted Aquarium Blog

01-01-2010, 08:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
AquaZilla Administrator Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,213	In my opinion the regulator body,solenoid,and needle valve are key parts as you mentioned. Having this from the start will insure a lifetime of use. Also user operation is important. Knowing how to use/set up your system is probably the most important step. You can find lots of deals on ebay and craigslist for great deals on co2 parts. If you need any help just let me know! __________________ The Planted Aquarium Blog

01-02-2010, 01:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
AquaZilla Administrator Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,213	Our valves are custom made by Fabco. These are not off the shelf valves. Strictly Proprietary to GLA. The main difference would be flow characteristics, followed by the valve body design. -O __________________ The Planted Aquarium Blog

01-01-2010, 06:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
oldpunk Almost Guru Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California Posts: 179	thanks O, you'll probably get an order from me soon.

01-01-2010, 08:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
oldpunk Almost Guru Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California Posts: 179	op's... sorry didn't remember to reply to the whole thing there. yes, i will be using a solenoid/timer. another thing i was wondering about: what makes a regulator dependable? my two guesses would have to be (1) the regulator would have to have a consistent working pressure. meaning, you set it at say 22lbs. and it stays there and (2) a reliable needle valve(same thing, stays where it's been set)? sorry, i'm still a co2 noob.

01-02-2010, 01:46 PM	#7 (permalink)
oldpunk Almost Guru Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California Posts: 179	what's the difference between gla's 'custom' nv-55 and the one you can order from fabco?

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