Ultra-improved easier & even cheaper DIYCO2 plans

[Backdraft Bagel]

Does the silicone bond fail on your co2 a lot? That's because silicone is not meant to bond plastic together - it's better suited for glass.

It's also messy, smelly and if you don't purchase 100% silicone, it usually contains arsenic as a curing agent.

Not only is it less work the way I've developed, you don't need silicone and the seal works BETTER than when you use silicone. I've converted all my aquarium-co2 rigs this way and I have had great results. The assembly is much sturdier.

If you'd care to learn how to do it cheaper, easier, with less mess and fewer curse words, feel free to click the link below.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!
-B

http://watergardens.coolnessdojo.com/diyco2.php

[tabby360]

Were do u get the air tube connector.

[Backdraft Bagel]

Every fish store sells them. They come in packs or individually, depending on the store.

[tabby360]

ok thanks backdraft

[AndyL]

2 questions...

I keep looking at the DIY CO2 systems, and I want to add one, but I already catch enough flak from the wife about the fishtank sprawl (and the constant shopping trips)

So what I'm wondering, I searched around, and all I can find people using, is 1L and 2L bottles, has anyone tried a 500ml bottle? (I can hide that from the wifes prying eyes much easier)

Second question would be, what are the downfalls to this system? CO2 will cause PH fluctuations, anything else I should be aware of?

Andy

[Backdraft Bagel]

Andy -

I have experimented with differnt sized bottles, and even used a 20oz bottle (mixed results) for CO2 in my 2g aquarium. It seems that a smaller volume just boils down to "doesn't last as long" ... I had to recharge my 20oz co2 machine about every 4 days.

Another option would be to make the airline really long, giving you the ability to hide the bottle somewhere. *shrug*

As far as downfalls - I haven't encountered many problems. Sure, there are potential threats, but the risk seems minimal to me. I have not experienced a pH crash yet. If you have good filtration aka water movement, this will keep the pH in check by turning some of the water over @ the surface, thus liberating co2 and raising ph?

*shrug*

I suggest giving it a shot. I was skeptical and unsure at first too.

[AndyL]

Yep, I've got mine built, using a 500ml bottle (easiest to hide, tucked it away behind the tank below the HOB filter) to a T "regulator" (the ones with the needle valve) splitting off to two airstones that I've tucked into the substrate to hide them somewhat.

Strangely enough I had everything kicking around the house I guess being a packrat payed off!  miley*

Now if the bottle of yeast would just cool off so I could hook it up and see what happens!

Andy

[dattack]

Guys.  All you really need is a rubber stopper which cost 50 cent at your hardware store.  Drill a hole and put in a rigid tubing and you are set.

[AndyL]

Backdraft_Bagel:

Thanks for the kick in the butt to get me to do this... Amazing results after less than 24 hours... My new Hygro's put on over 1" of growth, The Val's put on even more, No real change on the sword (but its also on the other end of the tank from my CO2 airstone).

Amazing growth! I'm loving it! Once the tanks set up the way I want it, I might just have to remove the CO2 to keep things manageable  miley*

Andy

[Backdraft Bagel]

Woo hoo!