CO2 Setup

[Aaron]

From the picture it looks like you could put a solenoid on the regulator and have the CO2 barb come out of that. That's the method most everyone stops the CO2 flow with. Then you just plug the solenoid and the lights into the same timer using a splitter and that should do it.

[keeperofthefish]

Back to the original message of this thread...

I now have all of the components of the CO2 system assembled and ready to go. I have the JBJ regulator with solenoid and bubble counter, the CO2 silicon airline, and went to F+M Fire Supply in Bladensburg, MD to pick up a 5lb. tank, filled for $63. By the way, they fill the tanks while you wait there for about $13 a pop and they are very nice. This brings me to my questions for you:

1) How do I figure out what rate of CO2 injection is right for my tank? I've ready so many different approaches to this that I am just plain confused. I have a 30 long, and it is now (thanks to Aaron, Mark and aquariumplants.com) heavily planted.
2) The JBJ regulator said I should apply teflon tape to the tank valve threads before I hook up the regulator. The guy who sold me the CO2 tank said that is unnecessary.
3) How long can I expect a 5 lb. tank of CO2 to last me with this setup? Any rough estimates?

Thanks all! And Happy Thanksgiving!

[Aaron]

Sam,

Start with about 1 bubble per second and slowly raise it until you get a pH reading that says you are adding about 30 ppm of CO2. You have to test for KH (carbonate hardness) and test pH and there are CO2 charts that will tell you what concentration of CO2 you have based on those two readings.

I would use a little teflon tape. It can't hurt.

[keeperofthefish]

Any tips on where to position the Eheim spraybar for maximum CO2 dispersion in the tank? Do I want any surface agitation? Thanks...

[Aaron]

No surface agitation is necessary. I would have it shoot across the tank length wise like you would normally have it; only aim it at a 45 degree angle downwards.