Exploring co2 land: a personal journey
Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2022 9:34 am
I've had my fair share of CO2 experiments, and I'm excited to share my experience with you all. I've tried a couple of methods that didn't quite work out as planned.
First off, I gave the Dennerle yeast and sugar method a shot. TWICE! Unfortunately, it was a total letdown. The results were underwhelming, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
I then moved on to the DIY Chinese CO2 Generator using baking soda and citric acid. While it did work, the CO2 output was pretty limited - just over 100 ml. The worst part? You have to refill it every week. Needless to say, I trashed it.
I've also come across the Green bloopiebles CO2 Generator, which seems like a decent option. However, I've discovered that these kits are all made in the same place in China, with different brand stickers slapped on them. You can find them on websites like www.aquario.pl.
For me, having a refillable cylinder wasn't an option. After doing some research, I stumbled upon pressurized disposable CO2 cylinders. I thought, "Why not give it a shot?"
I purchased a 0.5l cylinder for testing purposes, and I've been running it for two months now. The results are impressive - 3 bubbles per second, and I'm really happy with the performance. The best part? It's made in Italy and has a M10x1 thread. The price tag? Around $30.
Next, I picked up a pressure gauge/reductor made in Germany for about $70. It's essential to check the thread, as there are many variations out there. If you have a M10x1 cylinder, you'll need a matching reductor.
I also got a Milwaukee solenoid valve for around $60. The black CO2 hose and the ISTA diffuser (with a built-in bubble counter and check valve) were each around $10.
I'm more than happy with my current setup, and when the cylinder empties (which should be in about a month or two), I'll be upgrading to the 2.5L disposable one. It's around $50, and, of course, it has the same M10x1 thread.
First off, I gave the Dennerle yeast and sugar method a shot. TWICE! Unfortunately, it was a total letdown. The results were underwhelming, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
I then moved on to the DIY Chinese CO2 Generator using baking soda and citric acid. While it did work, the CO2 output was pretty limited - just over 100 ml. The worst part? You have to refill it every week. Needless to say, I trashed it.
I've also come across the Green bloopiebles CO2 Generator, which seems like a decent option. However, I've discovered that these kits are all made in the same place in China, with different brand stickers slapped on them. You can find them on websites like www.aquario.pl.
For me, having a refillable cylinder wasn't an option. After doing some research, I stumbled upon pressurized disposable CO2 cylinders. I thought, "Why not give it a shot?"
I purchased a 0.5l cylinder for testing purposes, and I've been running it for two months now. The results are impressive - 3 bubbles per second, and I'm really happy with the performance. The best part? It's made in Italy and has a M10x1 thread. The price tag? Around $30.
Next, I picked up a pressure gauge/reductor made in Germany for about $70. It's essential to check the thread, as there are many variations out there. If you have a M10x1 cylinder, you'll need a matching reductor.
I also got a Milwaukee solenoid valve for around $60. The black CO2 hose and the ISTA diffuser (with a built-in bubble counter and check valve) were each around $10.
I'm more than happy with my current setup, and when the cylinder empties (which should be in about a month or two), I'll be upgrading to the 2.5L disposable one. It's around $50, and, of course, it has the same M10x1 thread.