28 replies to this topic

[punie]

Hi all,

Since i was setting up a CO2 Setup, i'd thought i'd document it to show it to you guys! Easy Peasy!

1st Step: Gather all equipment!

*note: I chose to rent a cylinder from BOC, which isn't too expensive! It breaks down to be about A$0.20+ a day, but remember to get the food grade not industrial grade!*



Got my CO2 Regulator....



Silicon Tubings...
*note: use silicon tubings as they are more durable than usual clear tubings for airpumps*



Check Valves...



Bubble Counter...



and Finally, CO2 Diffusor...

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This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

Edited by: punie at: 8/4/04 9:37 pm

[punie]

Next, we setup the equipment!

Step 1: Remove packaging and safety cap from BOC cylinder!





Step 2: Attatch Regulator!
*Note: Tighten firmly with a wrench for safety reasons*





Step 3a: Unscrew and fit tubing seal..





Step 3b: Afix tubing and screw it back!





Step 4: Attatch Check Valves and Bubble Counter!

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This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

[punie]

Next, check the bubble count or BPS (Bubble Per Second) of CO2 going into your tank! Adjust with needle valve (comes with regulator) till desired BPS is reached!



*See the bubble?*

Finally, the CO2 is released into the tank via the diffusor. Fine bubbles produced by the diffusor allow CO2 to be dissolved easily into the water.



*Apologies for the poor picture, haven't figured out this digicam yet.. but can you make out the fine bubble streams?*

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This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

[punie]

And there we have it!
Another tank complimented by CO2 injection!
Setup Cost Breakdown:

Renting BOC Cylinder - A$0.26 (+/-) a day
CO2 Regulator - A$70.00
CO2 Diffusor - A$40.00
Bubble Counter - A$20.00
Check Valves - A$3.00 x 2
Tubing From LFS - A$1 per metre
--------------------------------------

Total Cost: - A$130 + Tubing ($6) + Rental

Refilling:
Refilling cost - A$33.36 (with GST)
The way i see it, i don't have to refill the tank for ages to come possible 16-18 months at a low BPS rate!

And there you have it, a cheap easy CO2 setup!

Cheers,
Jerome

[ml29]

Does your co2 regulator have a pressure reducer and needle valve in one unit?

[punie]

There's no equipment that can reduce the pressure of the gases in the cylinder itself, however if you're talking about the pressure of the outflow of the gases from the cylinder, that's what the needle regulator is for!

Basically when you set it up, turn on the cylinder valve to max, and adjust using the needle valve.

And yes, my regulators do come with a needle valve control.

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This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

[mtchye]

Hi guys,

I did a bit of looking around a few months back and there is a mob in Singapore who will post us at our cost a CO2 tank empty.

I never got around to it because my planted tank plans stalled but maybe you guys might be interested.

I think its about $50 or so extra to ship the tank over here, up on the tank prices with several sizes available.

It works out to be just a little bit more than renting the tank from BOCS for a year and you get to keep the tank and just pay for refills.

Link is here:

Cheers
Vincent

Visit the:
Perth Cichlid Society Forums

[punie]

Vincent,

I can get em just as cheap, but pricings not the problem here.
Refilling them is.

Even if you could get them in, BOC gases wouldn't refill them unless they've been certified by authorities, etc.

Factoring the cost of getting certs, the pricing is just not worth it anymore!

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Need Equipment?
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This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

[mtchye]

Hi Punie,

I believe you can get them refilled at Perth Aquarium and Display Centre who do all the dupla stuff, or at scuba/homebrew places. However I've never actually owned one so it would be up to experimentation...

Visit the:
Perth Cichlid Society Forums

[punie]

Im afraid i'd have to beg to differ. I've spoken to graeme (owner of PADC) on serveral occasions regarding this matter, its the same regulations with BOC.

Thing is, cylinders need to be tested and certified safe by regulatory boards which cost a bomb. No one will take a risk to refill your cylinders if they haven't been certified for fear that the pressure would blow up the cylinder leaving them in suing grounds.

Figures why even PADC doesn't bring in much cylinders except their tiny ones.

Same goes for scuba / homebrew places.

No ones wishes to be in the spotlight when trouble happens i guess.

Cheers,
Jerome

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Need Equipment?
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This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

[Kimbo]

can you get smaller ones? how much do they cost?

[punie]

Hey kimbo,

How are the plants doing? settled in yet?
Your B/N are doing great!

I'm not sure about the pricings for cylinders, as i do not intend to bring them in. I figured at the end of the day it'll cost you guys just as much as what places are selling them for, so why bother when its not cheaper for you guys?

The reason i started this thread is to show you guys that it CAN be cheap to setup a co2 setup, if you rent the cylinder that is.

Buying would cost you heaps more.

------------------
Need Equipment?
Drop me an Email at xxdivinityxx@hotmail.com
I might just be able to get it for you at a better price!
------------------

This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

[Kimbo]

Lol plants are doing great ill get some pics up soon! i was just wondering as i dont really have enough room for one of those big tanks... can you rent smaller ones?

[punie]

Mine's the smallest size they offer atm, and i'd say its pretty darn big!

But i'll keep a look out for smaller sizes for you.

I'm currently negotiating with sources to attempt to being in cylinders with certification of course. Hopefully all turns out well.

------------------
Need Equipment?
Drop me an Email at xxdivinityxx@hotmail.com
I might just be able to get it for you at a better price!
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This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

[mtchye]

Darn I was hoping there would be a cheaper alternative to getting them certified, or renting them from BOC. Is this certification an international thing or does australia have its own standard - as I imagine there might be some sort of certification required in other countries as well?

Visit the:
Perth Cichlid Society Forums

[punie]

Where i get my stuff from, the regulations aren't that strict at all.

I guess it's just australia

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Need Equipment?
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This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

[vishy101]

Hey punie,
Just wondering how tall the tank is overall(with regulator), need to find out if i can stash it in the cupboard without me parents findin out.
thanx
vishy

[punie]

Hang on, lemme go check dude

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Need Equipment?
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This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

[punie]

Height would be approx 68 cm dude!

------------------
Need Equipment?
Drop me an Email at xxdivinityxx@hotmail.com
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This Month's Specials:

CO2 Regulators
Bell Glass Diffusors
Bubble Counters
Check Valves

[vishy101]

Hey
Thanx punie thats fairly small compared to our oxy tanks at skool, but YES it's gonna fit in the cupboard.
PS got any plant cut offs or wanna trade?
thanx
matt