DIY Presurized CO2 start

Hi all once again. So I started a low tech planted tank, then I wanted more growth and started using excel , then I wanted to get more, so I got a t5 39w system. Now some plants started melting. So im starting a long journey to co2 . Ill need all the help and info I can get. First of thanks @HennieRoux for all the help and @Hawk . Tank will be 100l for now with filter gravel . If im going co2, what will I need to know for the basics, and what faults had some of you made that can be made? ill post one by one question so I don't confuse myself, I know nothing about co2 at the moment . Here is the tank how it looks like now

 

Hi Marius

Here are 2 pics of my solenoid, reg etc and another with it hooked to my extinguisher:

 

A wheel/gate valve replaces the trigger of an extinguisher and looks like this:

http://best-b2b.com/Products/592/604-1/hand-wheel-valve_163371.html

But let a fire service company do the conversion. They will remove the trigger and replace it with the gate valve and then refill the bottle for you.:blink1:

 

Oh i see, i was thinking the reg\selenoid was this part. im on my way to hear if they can do this, but how do i know the reg\selenoid will fit on this?
I will use the same reg\selenoid and ill also get the timer to play safe. But first ill get this gate valve. How long did it take for that part to arive ?(reg\selenoid)

What will a decent one cost here in sa?

 

The reg is on a standard thread used in this country. Definitely get an electronic timer to switch your co2 on an hour before your lights switch on and an hr before your lights switch off.

I received my reg and solenoid 2 weeks after I ordered it.

 

OKey, our guys here doesnt fir this valve, so ill need to shop around for this valve, how thick is the tread of the unit? Also can you please post a pic where the gate valve and the reg\selenoid gets conected, just a close up

 

I will get a pic tonight when I'm home. It might be better to get a converted extinguisher from a nearby big town and then fill it locally. They will transport it empty.

 

Im going to wait for the reg\selenoid then ill take the next steps just to be sure

 

Cool. Look for the diffuser and drop checker in the meantime. My all-in-one difuser (bubble counter, non return valve and difuser) cost R155.00 and my drop checker was about R140.00

 

Okey, ill check for that this weekend, i do love those glass type stuff, they look great. Also now for the science part.. Going co2 means adding more food for the plants aswell right? like excel and so on. But with co2 i heard ph changes, hardnes also changes, what is the tips on this? do you constantly have to check ph and hardness? and when waterchanges, do you have to change something, additives?Weekly waterchanges 10perc, will this do? so many questions . And so another big one, substrate, what would you recommend, is it a must to get those or will the normale filter gravel be ok?

 

@Hawk and @HennieRoux ------ http://www.apsa.co.za/board/index.php?topic=8993.0 Check the pro one

 

Tropical Aquariums South Africa

 

Not sure on price on this system

 

Not sure of price but might be worth while googling?

 

@HennieRoux - I'm looking into buying that system you have. Is it worth it though and how long does that cylinder last? @Maruis - At my LFS it about R1250

 

@DerikPelser The fluval 88 co2 Hennie mentioned ? Yes, I like it, but the bottle will need to be replaced every time its empty as I understand it . R1250 for this setup Tropical Aquariums South Africa ?

 

I just check one of the sponsor sites and it about R50 difference.
Sorry I mistaken the fluval for the Waterplant one. I guess it’s much of an munches?

 

What do you mean? my English is bad . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C1UEHZ4Luk

 

"Much of a muchness" - pretty much all the same when it comes down to doing the job :top:

The choice is yours as to which system you want. I gave you the links to mine. The one on APSA seems to be the same idea, just quite a bit more expensive. If you want all the glassware etc then that might be right for you...

 

I like the glass equiptment, looks nice. And ebay that part will cost almost R1000 , the Rand isnt looking good now. But im not in such a hurry, ill check all the options... What do you all think of substrates? What one will works best with co2, guppies and rams