Co2 supply option?

[Something Fishy]

Hey guys

I have a nano tank 22l, a mid tank at 70l and another larger one at 350 I am looking to set up at some point.

Found this as a sustainable option for gas, they refill and refund the £40 each time and deliver to you, how long do you think this would last on the tanks above - if all working to 30ppi?

https://www.gas-uk.co.uk/carbon-dio...0nadpTZLO77cNtn_Lneaa3u9CKVMEgfRoCGoMQAvD_BwE

Would this adapter be effective to for tank use please? https://www.gas-uk.co.uk/superflow-co2-regulator.html

Much cheaper than branded stuff so wanted to see what you guys thought.

I would need an adapter on this but just looking around really at the most cost effective options for my area (Torbay/Devon)

Cheers!

 

[ian_m]

I use about 0.015 grams per litre per hour on my 180l tank on for 8 hours a day with a green/yellow drop checker. Gives me about 100 days on 2 litres. Takes ages to get it right. Get is wrong and you gas the fish or convert your nice tank to an algae farm

So your 350 litre at 8 hours per day will use 0.015 x 350 x 8 -> 42gr/day. Therefore 3.75Kg will last 3750/42 -> 90 days.

Not sure about the regulator might work, better to get one from an aquarium supplier. Dual stage is better, more knobs to twiddle to set CO2 levels and doesn't suffer from pressure loss/pressure run way when tank is empty as single stage regulators can do. I have a single stage regulator (from 2nd link below) and in the 6 years I have had it, no issues.

Dual stage from a forum sponsor.
https://www.co2art.co.uk/collection...dual-stage-regulator-with-integrated-solenoid

Also
https://www.co2supermarket.co.uk/co2-regulators-dual-stage-gsc6.html

Gas price is acceptable, especially if it includes delivery and is all you can get. I pay £10 for 2Kg FE from local supplier (delivered as well).

 

[Something Fishy]

Thanks for this info ian very useful indeed! You recon that looks a decent unit for the price? I also checked out adam gas - have you seen that at all? http://www.adamsgas.co.uk/product-category/co2-bottles/

Good range but you need them filled locally.

I was look at FE's but what do you do when they expire - just return them or? 90 days seems reasonable, I always find even in my nano that CO2 is always running out, using a 390g welding can, it lasts me around 2 months on a 22l nano tank - which is alright but the pressure drops too so I have to keep adjusting it...

I did find that a DIY yeast option was pretty decent int he nano setup and lasted a couple of months too sometimes, but the regulation of that is what puts me off...

 

[Edvet]

I was look at FE's but what do you do when they expire

I think these are the ones the aquarists go for. They still have CO2 in them, perfectly usable, but the insurance companies will call them "expired". So: cheap because they can't be sold anymore.

 

[Something Fishy]

I think these are the ones the aquarists go for. They still have CO2 in them, perfectly usable, but the insurance companies will call them "expired". So: cheap because they can't be sold anymore.

Thanks bud - What do you do when they expire? Bin them?

 

[ian_m]

I was look at FE's but what do you do when they expire

The FE's have a date of manufacture on them eg 08 2004 and they have a 10 year life before the cylinders have to be re-pressure tested. After this date, if deployed as an FE they must be replaced and are not allowed to be used as extinguishers. Normally the FE company just empty them (possibly reuse the CO2) and dispose of the cylinders as not economic to pressure test them.

As for aquatic use of expired cylinders I have been doing it for years, no issue other than cheap. £10 a go. One thing to watch is they may not be full, either the CO2 leaked away or someone partially discharged them. They have a weight stamped on them which the full weight of cylinder and 2Kg of CO2 (no horn attached) and is typically 4.8Kg odd. I acquired 14 old FE's (date of manufacture 2004) from the building my company moved into and all were in their stamped weight, so no leakers. Gave most away to UKAPPS members as 14 is rather a lot....

When they are empty you either get your local FE supplier to take the empty cylinders or find a local council tip that takes gas cylinders as most tips won't take them.

I you are looking for FE suppliers go round your work, library, post office, local shops, pub etc and make a note of all the phone numbers attached to the FE's and phone them. I did and came up trumps. £10 a go delivered to my work. Once got two partials (100-200gr) once less for £10, bargain. Worth a try.

 

[Daneland]

Thanks bud - What do you do when they expire? Bin them?

I guess metal scrap places will be happy to take them from you free of charge.I am not sure about local recycling centres, they will probably refuse take them