Hi,
I would research the pitfalls of Co2 that others have had before spending the money. A simple thing such as a dirty probe in the tank will give you an incorrect ph reading, tight fitting glass lids and you will gas your fish etc
Think about this, at low ph there is a lot less bacteria in your filter. The higher it is the more it thrives, to a point.....
Now a lot of people here are use to high ph African Cichlids and going over to Discus now are some of these crew. The ph of tap water was generally high, so suited the Africans. Higher ph, higher beneficial bacterial content, higher processing of Ammonia into Nitrite and then the end product Nitrate.
Now they go over to Discus, drop the ph, buy some fish etc etc. But if the ph is to low for extended periods, ie being tested with an API tester which only goes to 6, will only ever indicate 6 even if it drops way below that. The bacteria can be WAY less, the Ammonia will not be processed as quick as with the Africans and it will creep up and bite you on the "proverbial" by affecting your fish. They will slowly die, you wont know why. Ammonia is bad stuff even in minute quantities.
I just feel you are putting way to much faith in a CO2 system to control your ph accurately.
To be honest I think we all develop a way of doing things. We research, learn all the technical jargon, overcome the pitfalls and it all settles down. The problems become a distant memory and we forget to some part why it is we do what we do. It works, we are comfortable. I'm sure there's plenty I havent thought to mention.
One last thing, gotta head out again. Whether you use say HCL or Co2 to adjust your ph. It's all just a chemical reaction.
You'll get there mate, keep asking lots of questions,
The slower you go the more you will enjoy it : )
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