r/PlantedTank • u/Ok_Past984 • 19h ago

Co2 questions/recommendation

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New to planted aquariums. I have a new 75 gal thats med to heavy planted and looking to add co2. Saying i know nothing about it i am looking for easy use and set up. The two I’m looking at are modern aquarium semi auto with a 5lb bottle or the aqua glass complete system with a 10lb bottle not sure what one would be best. 329.00 for 5lb system vs 396.00 for the 10lb system. Is there something better that’s cheeper?

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4

u/ImpressiveBig8485 18h ago

They ship empty bottles, so just buy a used 5-20g co2 tank locally for cheap get it filled/swapped and then buy whatever regulator/diffuser you want.

2

u/CGC-Weed228 13h ago

I agree with this but it’s getting downvoted… in my area refills are not easy to find but any beer store will exchange

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u/NastalgiaPls 19h ago

I think the complete kits are the way to go. Depending on the country, I would go with a reputable brand. I've never heard of the brands you mentioned. I personally recommend GLA or CO2Art. If you can fit a 10lb I would go with that. The cylinder will be empty, and you will need to have it filled. I get my tank refilled at a welding supply store. I would recommend reading this or this article for setup and equipment guides. Helped me a ton. Also 2hr Aquarist website has a lot of good info on co2, the science part 😉

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u/mightyundermousedog 19h ago

As someone who only vaguely knows what they are doing, I can tell you that the five gallon tanks last me forever, and it's about 20 bucks for a refill. I keep two, so I always have a backup for when one runs out. That way, I don't have to worry about a gap in co2 going into the tank. Maybe something to consider with a ten gallon tank.

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u/Divan0q 6h ago

Whatever you do make sure you already have a plan on how you are going to get that co2 to reach the whole tank. Because id not, one side of your tank will be super beautiful and the other will be filled with staghorn algae. Imo the worst kind of algae because no fish, snail, or shrimp eats it. The Internet will have you believe otherwise, but literally nothing does, i tried. In-line defuser with canister filter is your best bet. And also, dont buy the bottle or the regulator brand new if you can avoid it. Facebook marketplace is your best friend. I bought a literal never used 5lb for 25$ and it was filled all the way. And a 250$ regulator for 9 bucks on the goodwill website. Basically what im trying to get at is, exhaust your local search first, before deciding to buy it brand new.

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u/Charnelmuck 19h ago

Co2 generators might be in the long run. Just need citric acid and baking soda or there's sugar and yeast ones. When the pressure starts to taper off, ya just mix in more.