#79 in Pet Supplies
Reddit mentions of DIY CO2 Aquarium Plant System
Sentiment score: 16
Reddit mentions: 37
We found 37 Reddit mentions of DIY CO2 Aquarium Plant System. Here are the top ones.
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Weight | 0.500625 Pounds |
Absolutely. DIY CO2 is ridiculously easy. I’m not that technically inclined so if I can do it anyone can. This may seem like a lot but it’s not as bad as it looks. I used to use the Fluval 88g CO2 system but it was ludicrously expensive to but the proprietary refill canisters. This setup is soooo cheap and completely reliable and produces ample CO2. I’m happy to tell you some pitfalls once you get it set up because it would be hard for you to follow me without having it in front of you.
DIY CO2 Aquarium Plant System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_o0JPDbTTNQCT0
Fluval 88g-CO2 Bubble Counter - 3.1 Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GCPM6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_40JPDb482G6RQ
Fluval Ceramic 88g-CO2 Diffuser - 3.1 Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GCO35G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-3JPDbJ43F4ZG
Milliard Citric Acid 5 Pound - 100% Pure Food Grade NON-GMO Project VERIFIED (5 Pound) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYFKNL8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_34JPDb122FQKM
ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda 8 oz (Pack of 6) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00860VYYC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A5JPDb8FKP7NN
2 x normal 2 liter soda bottles
An airstone doesn't defuse co2 properly, it's very inefficient, I suggest grabbing a DIY co2 regulator, diffuser, and a bubble counter if you wish on amazon, should cost you twenty-five dollars or so, you'll see a huge difference.
DIY CO2 Aquarium Plant System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bJyuyb1E5K3FV
Fluval Ceramic 88g-CO2 Diffuser - 3.1 Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GCO35G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ULyuybPW9C6G2
Fluval 88g-CO2 Bubble Counter - 3.1 Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GCPM6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DKyuybDD5AXPX
This video has some great advice. I used it when I got my DIY system set up. I purchased a kit from amazon for around $15. Totally worth it so far. Citric acid and baking soda lasts two weeks (when I'm doing it correctly) and I've had great growth so far. Be sure to also pick up a bubble counter and diffuser. Baking soda is easily found at any store with groceries, I had to order citric acid online because my Cub foods didn't have any. Overall the system is totally worth it for around $25.
I don't think you have enough plants to warrant CO2, but a DIY CO2 is pretty easy to setup.
So I got baking soda (got it from local grocers), and got citric acid, locally couldn't find it, so I bought it online: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EYFKNL8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Got this system: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CUZJF6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fish-Tank-Aquarium-CO2-Diffuser-Check-Valve-U-Shape-Glass-Tube-Suction-Cup-Kit/282701446441?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Cheaply made, very happy with it so far.
Given what you're already adding for fertilizer, your limiting factor is very likely CO2. No point in increasing ferts without increasing carbon, you'll probably just get a bunch of algae that'll take advantage of the excess nutrients your plants aren't using; plants only grow as much as their limiting factor allows.
You can actually set up a DIY CO2 system for relatively cheap. You can get a kit for about 13 bucks, you'll just need to supply sugar, yeast, and some bottles (none of the above being that costly, and you can find them at your local store). Excel can only take you so far.
https://www.amazon.com/DIY-CO2-Aquarium-Plant-System/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483941512&sr=8-1&keywords=diy+co2
I don't know exactly how you plan to do your CO2, but this is a very cheap DIY alternative that gives you control over your CO2 output.
swords can get bigger, but you can also keep them trimmed. I personally like to take up as much volume as I can with plants.
The DIY kit I bought came with detailed instructions and was quite reasonable to set up.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CUZJF6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Yes of course. I'm using this kit that's 15 bucks on Amazon.
Basic concept is you have baking soda in one bottle and citric acid in another. Once you seal up the system you push some acid into the other bottle and keep doing that until you build up some pressurized CO2. After you open the valve and it starts flowing into your tank, the pressure behind the acid will slowly push more of it as needed into the reaction chamber. This allows for you to turn the system off which is not something you can't do with the yeast/sugar method.
I like this method so far, but it does have drawbacks. Some people struggle to build up enough pressure for ceramic diffusers to function correctly. With those coke bottles I can get up to 2 bar without really fearing that they'll pop, but I wasn't sure if even that would be enough. Instead, I chose to route it into a small pump on the right side there and I get great diffusion. The problem with the first time I did that was I didn't have a bubble counter so I was just using the end of the hose to count. Once I had it at a bubble a second, I attached it to the pump, but the lower pressure in there just slurped up all the CO2 before I noticed. Basically used 2 weeks of reactants in an hour lol. I have a bubble counter, check valve, drop checker, and longer tubing coming on Wednesday. (sorry for this wall of text, I just got started and couldn't stop)
I've been running the 24/7 on my 55 for a couple months now. If you don't plan to do CO2, it will be far too much light (at least in 24/7 mode). I was battling hair algae for the first couple weeks until I started CO2. If you raise it up a bit, you may be OK.
I don't see much of a problem going with a slightly Shorter light. You may have slightly less growth on the sides, but I doubt it will be noticeable beyond what full length would give you.
Edit: my CO2 I currently run: DIY generator with bubble counter/diffuser. You need citric acid (canning area of grocery store) every couple of weeks with some baking soda. My indicator shows I can get plenty at about 1 bubble per second. I will likely upgrade to a pressurized system later, just wanted to test drive CO2 before investing too much money.
I've been using a cheap diy co2 system. This one. It's ok, you just need to buy citric acid (also on Amazon) and baking soda and maintain it about once a week + or -.
The nice thing about a small tank is I only need about 3-4 bubbles per second so my diy co2 setup can last almost three weeks which marks the time I do a gravel vac and dose with flourish. I keep the co2 running 24/7 and turn on a bubbler 15 mins before I turn the lights off, and turn the bubbler off 15 minutes before I turn the lights on.
This is what I used for my diy co2 setup:
I bought this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CUZJF6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and followed the direction in this link (http://www.co2supermarket.co.uk/diy-co2-kit-setup-instructions-guide-6.html)
The prices are different from when I ordered them but here's my exact setup!
Here's the co2 system
This is the bubble counter I have
Here's the diffuser I got but there's cheaper options as well
Here you go, this is more or less the exact setup I use. Citric acid is cheap, plentiful, and easy to use so I used it for my acid. The kit sells for about 14 dollars on Amazon and there are a bunch of bubble counters and diffusers to choose from.
EDIT: A check valve isn't really necessary since the pressure inside the system makes it impossible for the water to back siphon. Plus the diffuser itself requires pressure to push water through, so it's effectively impossible for a siphon to start unless the diffuser falls off.
Yup thats exactly what happeneds.
I learned about it from this video here by Aquarium Co Op
https://youtu.be/VfAJ3ITS3Nw
I bought a DIY Co2 kit from amazon that uses vinegar and baking soda.
https://www.amazon.ca/ZJchao-DIY-Aquarium-Plant-System/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=diy+co2&qid=1571041282&sr=8-3
Hope that helps :)
You could grab this diy co2 system
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=asc_df_B008CUZJF65081095/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B008CUZJF6&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167116240456&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5207187190723081390&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061078&hvtargid=pla-305618839130
(Apologies, I don't know how to shorten urls)
And run it with citric acid and baking soda (works better than yeast and doesn't have that yeasty odor)
And also look into EI fert dosing.
You could also grab a few floater plants (not duckweed) to compete with the algae for nutrients, and just remember to scoop out extra ones as they grow. I keep ~5 floaters in my 5 gallon and toss extras in the trash on water change day.
Edit: this will keep you way under $100 even after you buy the kit, an atomizer, ferts and a pH drop checker and should help you combat the algae growth until you can purchase a regulator for pressurized co2.
https://www.amazon.com/DIY-CO2-Aquarium-Plant-System/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=diy+co2+aquarium&qid=1551222345&s=gateway&sr=8-5
I bought the fluval mini kit and wasn't happy with it at all. DIY CO2 kits work way better for not a lot more initial cost. Something like this may be better suited to your needs: https://www.amazon.com/DIY-CO2-Aquarium-Plant-System/dp/B008CUZJF6
Here's what i got.
http://www.amazon.com/DIY-CO2-Aquarium-Plant-System/dp/B008CUZJF6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00
Also check this video out from Joey, explains everything you need to know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JzvfHO31Ug
C02 Kit
Bubble Counter
Diffuser
You also need funnels to get everything into the soda bottles, a few check valves to prevent backflow. The reaction uses baking soda and citric acid, I got both from the market so thy are food grade.
something like this works great. Just google DIY CO2 mixes, get 2 2L pop bottles, and make the mixture. If you get a good one it can last like 2-3 weeks which is pretty much the same as these ones, tho they are a bit of a pain to set up.
Oh sorry!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CUZJF6/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza
looks like "melt"
I advice a simple DIY CO2... seeing what my plants did after struggling for ages is wonderful.
just need a few cheap amazon parts to order and sugar, bit of baking soda yeast and a cpl old lemonade bottles.
You'd be golden and hitting your head why you didn't do this before.
If you go down the DIY route I recommend Citric acid & bicarb instead of yeast. Much, much more reliable and tunable.
I've been using it for ages with great results.
I use this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008CUZJF6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
With an upgraded needle valve (a must):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00PBDQJK6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use this one. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CUZJF6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Why not try DIY CO2. I bought one of these for a low tech tank and it works very well. The gauge doesnt work but it doesnt need to. For some reason the instructions show a tube going down into the liquid of the main reactor but that doesnt make sense and you should just pull it off. Mine is still producing CO2 3-4 weeks after i initially set it up.
Couple of ways. There is the yeast/sugar and baking soda/citric acid. I find the baking soda way to be more reliable. You will need 2 2l liter bottles and i would buy the diy co2 kit that is super awesome. Also diffuser and bubble counter. I run my tank with 2-3 bubs.
DIY CO2 Aquarium Plant System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.OxgybV71V35P heres a link!
I've been considering setting up a DIY Co2 system. Would something like this be a good place to start? http://www.amazon.com/DIY-CO2-Aquarium-Plant-System/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=pd_sim_199_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=511Ek4woPxL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0BC8SD6AFR3HPD5WDBZA
this video pretty much explains it I bought everything I needed from Amazon & big Al's
[diy system](ZJchao DIY CO2 Aquarium Plant System https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4JwzybTHT4HK9)
Citric acid I bought from Amazon and baking soda was from grocery store
[3 in 1 diffuser, bubble counter, check valve. I live in Canada I bought it from Big Al's](Tropica CO2 Diffuser (3-in-1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017EHHWKC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SMwzybE3D2YMT)
[co2 drop checker](Fluval CO2 Indicator Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052M9886/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sQwzyb6Z9EGKE)
I've read about ppl saying to be careful not to tip over the bottles so I just cut 2 holes in a box to make sure the bottles didn't fall
Sorry it took me so long to respond. I've had a rough/busy week. Here is a link to the setup I purchased, minus the 2 litre bottles and chemicals. https://www.amazon.ca/ZJchao-DIY-Aquarium-Plant-System/dp/B008CUZJF6
It also contains a metal ball on the Citric Acid side with a magnet to pull it out of the liquid and stop the reaction. All of this is attached to airline tubing and then into a 3 in 1 glass diffuser with a ceramic plate.
My aquarium is a 30g community tank. Cardinal and Rummynose Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, an EBR and a GBR. Also lots of live plants.
Citric acid is much better than vinegar, it produces a stronger reaction. In fact theres a method called DIY citric acid co2. All you need is two 2 liter soda bottles, the citric acid kit 200g citric acid, 200g baking soda, and water
Thank you very much! Should I pair that with this little kit?
https://www.amazon.com/DIY-CO2-Aquarium-Plant-System/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=sr_1_17?keywords=diy+co2&qid=1557886690&s=gateway&sr=8-17
Reviews seem iffy, but it'd be a good way to gain experience with CO2 systems for not a lot of money.
i used a system like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_PLoOyb8PKEMAW
then something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002APX5U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_aOoOyb1YCZFSN
inline before the bubble counter to get finer control of the gas. its not made for co2 but it worked ok. I had this setup on a 3 gallon so i really had to dial it back. you might be ok with the 1 valve on a 12 gal.
Two 2 liter soda bottles. I bought this hose/cap thing on Amazon to connect the bottles.
theres a super good diy set up thats super cheap. Baking soda +water then in other bottle citric acid and 3 parts water with hoses and valves built in. Let me know what you think of my list and let me know if im missing anything if you dont mind
Diffuser System
glass co2 checker
drops co2
bubble counter
The glass spiral diffuser
Not OP, but I followed the guide laid out here a while back : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JzvfHO31Ug&t=76s
and the kit is available on Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/DIY-CO2-Aquarium-Plant-System/dp/B008CUZJF6
Personally, I found this to be too unreliable for me (But I was running a much larger tank). I'd imagine this would work well for smaller tanks though.
Something like this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=asc_df_B008CUZJF65366434/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B008CUZJF6&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167116240456&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=800364960242656855&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010285&hvtargid=pla-305618839130
Joey the king of diy had a YouTube video on these setups. I am about two weeks into running one. Buy baking soda for about 50 cents a pound at Walmart and I got a 10 pound bag of citric acid on Amazon for about $25.
If you're still interested in trying CO2 at a lower cost, I used this.
https://www.amazon.com/DIY-CO2-Aquarium-Plant-System/dp/B008CUZJF6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484320229&sr=8-2&keywords=diy+co2
You can find tons of Youtube Videos on how to set it up. You will need the above, two 2 liter bottles, a diffuser, and bubble counter. You probably also want a check valve to prevent siphoning.
You will also need to remember to turn the CO2 off each night, or to turn an air bubbler on. If too much CO2 builds up, it will kill your fish by morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JzvfHO31Ug - This video explains it all!