co2 set up for fish tank

[spudo]

hi again, is setting up a co2 out let as easy as buying a CO2 canister, some tube and a diffuser then putting them together?

also i have noticed that you can get different sized CO2 cartridges E.G 12g and 88g.....how long aprox would a 12g cartridge last if i were to have it on all the time(presuming thats what you do) :S

[hammerman]

No it's not as easy and i could write an essay into the benifits and downfalls of adding co2 to your tank.

You need to be a bit careful as any cylinders you use are likely to be highly pressurised and will need a regulator, a bubble counter and a diffuser.

have a look here.... http://gardenworld.proboards103.com/index.cgi? board=chat&action=display&thread=6562 they're a good bunch of guys and know their stuff (most of the mods write for practical fishkeeping) and also ask on here http://www.uk-aquarist.com/index.php?&act=idx

Good luck

Andy

[hammerman]

Sorry....that first link was meant to say.... http://www.ukaps.org

[spudo]

thanks andy,
the real set ups seem verry expencive, iv taken a look at the home made Co2 injecters (2L bottle, sugar, and yeast)
should i use a diffuser with a home made set up, or could i just let the bubble come straight out of the tube as it is?

[hammerman]

Why not got for a tetra CO2 set up.... http://www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue/co2 -systems.asp and scroll down to the tetra optimat. I've used these for years and they're available in most aquatic shops. I will be putting two on my 200 litre soon.

[spudo]

it looks good for the price...but just today i have made a home made one! it works exactly the same as the tetra Co2...i just need to wait an hour and see if it delivers the good...will get back to you on that :D

[spudo]

ohh hammerman do you know why you need a bubble counter?

[hammerman]

Nice one mate.

Bubble counters are only used on presurised set ups and it gives a better idea of how many bubbles per second of CO2 you are putting in the tank.