on sale. The entire setup was only about $36 (it usually retails for twice that).
I really liked how convenient it was, and it did a great job enhancing the growth of my plants.
However, the replacement cartridges can range from about $12 each in a three pack ($36 total) to more than $20 a piece. I used to get about a month out of single CO2 88 cartridge when using 3 bubbles per second and turning this CO2 system off at night.
So when I began setting up additional aquariums this system became impractical.
I decided to purchase a larger pressurized CO2 system which I used on one of my aquariums for about a year, while attempting to find a DIY CO2 system that actually worked well in daily use, and at an affordable price.
I tried several combinations and finally found that the quality of the yeast can make the difference between a few days of CO2 production to several weeks.
I now use SAF instant yeast exclusively, since it is far superior to the store bought packets of yeast which can cost as much as $3.50 an ounce. I pay about .23 an ounce for the SAF yeast.
The recipe I am using presently gives about three weeks of consistent CO2 production before the bubble count begins to decrease significantly.
Two cups of granulated sugar mixed with one teaspoon of SAF instant yeast, in a 2 liter bottle filled 3/4's of the way with warm water, is the best concoction that I have used to this point.
I have used the same recipe with Fleishmann's yeast, yet only got a week out of it before the bubble count dropped significantly.
When my plants pearl oxygen bubbles I know that the water column has been saturated with oxygen, and my DIY CO2 system is working optimally. When the plants stop pearling O2 bubbles, that is when I know it's time to recharge the CO2 generator.
I purchase the sugar and yeast in bulk and for four planted aquariums the annual cost is about $50. This as opposed to between $450 and $1000 a year for four Fluval CO2 88 canisters each month.
I have seen these canisters selling for as little as $12 each to as much as $21 each. This, like the many different mini C02 systems from companies such as ADA, ISTA and GLA, are convenient to use but very expensive in relation to a larger pressurized system, which utilizes a CO2 tank ranging in size from about 5 to 20 Lbs.
If you only have one planted tank it's not that much of an issue. However, if you're using injected CO2 on several aquariums, a well setup DIY system can save you a small fortune each year.
There's also the safety issue to consider.
DIY CO2 is by the fermentation process, so it's safe to use in your home, as opposed to using a pressurized CO2 tank which could leak or even explode.The product was accidently sent to someone else, I called amazon and they promptly sent a new one. THanks. For the product it is a good alternative, to an expensive"$250 and up" co2 sys. Each tank last about 1 month. The dial is easy to use on the regulator. One day I want a automatic co2 but this does the job for now. Overall good product, and convenient to get refills shipped right to the house
Buy Fluval Disposable CO2 Cartridge (3.1 oz.) Now
These work perfectly with the matching regulator. I get about three weeks use from one in my 29g. I am up grading to a "real" regulator since I found out that I can get a 5lb refill for about $17.00.Read Best Reviews of Fluval Disposable CO2 Cartridge (3.1 oz.) Here
Quick shipping, not the best packaging. Everything arrived in good condition though. I use these cartridges for my 36G planted tank (with the bubble counter and diffuser also supplied by Fluval) and it does a great job. The bubbles come out super tiny, I run my cartridges for about 12 hours a day and they last me a couple of months each.So far all cartridges have worked great! No problems at all! All canisters have worked properly & I am satisfied with the FLUVAL 88g replacement canisters.

No comments:
Post a Comment