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DIY Co2 woes

Discussion in 'Aquatic Plants & Planted Tanks' started by Ryanstech, Feb 5, 2009.

  1. Ryanstech

    Ryanstech Thread Starter New Member

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    my bottle backed up and started leaking, luckily I was here and caught it before it could do real damage. Definitely time to start looking into pressurized Co2 and for the meantime improving my DIY with an overflow bottle and more secure tube fittings. live and learn...
     
    Ryanstech, Feb 5, 2009
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  2. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Was it draining water from the tank or just leaking the sugar/yeast from the bottle ?
     
    Anthony, Feb 5, 2009
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  3. BobV

    BobV Member

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    Flourish Excel will eliminate the need for DIY or even pressurized CO2
     
    BobV, Feb 5, 2009
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  4. Ryanstech

    Ryanstech Thread Starter New Member

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    it started draining the tank after changing out the bottle. i had just taken off my failed check valve and went downstairs to find a new one.
     
    Ryanstech, Feb 5, 2009
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  5. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Definately helps to have that second bottle attached to the system. Me though, I live dangerous and not running any check valves at the moment. <knocks on simulated wood>.
     
    James0816, Feb 6, 2009
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  6. Ryanstech

    Ryanstech Thread Starter New Member

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    I'd put one in James, airline tubing drains water surprisingly fast
     
    Ryanstech, Feb 6, 2009
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  7. BobV

    BobV Member

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    if the bottle is kept below the tank level, a check valve wouldn't be necessary.
     
    BobV, Feb 6, 2009
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  8. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    I would always recommend one even though I haven't implemented yet myself. Mine were just experimental at first and just kind of stayed there. lol
     
    James0816, Feb 6, 2009
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  9. Ryanstech

    Ryanstech Thread Starter New Member

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    I think you mean above the tank bob. having the bottle below the tank is what started the syphon.
     
    Ryanstech, Feb 6, 2009
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  10. GOT MTS?

    GOT MTS? Member

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    Flourish Excel has to be used every day. Unless you want to dose every day I wold just add a check valve and a gas separator.

    IF you do go with a pressurized system I got a great deal on my 10LB co2 cylinder from sparkling carbonic <a class="postlink" href="http://www.sparklingcarbonic.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">www.sparklingcarbonic.com</a>. They refurbish and do hydro testing on used co2 cylinders. I got mine with shipping for $50.
     
    GOT MTS?, Feb 6, 2009
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  11. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Also with Excel...it will melt some plants.
     
    James0816, Feb 6, 2009
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  12. Ryanstech

    Ryanstech Thread Starter New Member

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    not a bad deal GOT MTS. I'll keep my eye out for co2 tank deals. Also considering the paintball tank option as well
     
    Ryanstech, Feb 6, 2009
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  13. BobV

    BobV Member

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    yep, I misspoke, I did mean above the tank....thanks for catching that
     
    BobV, Feb 6, 2009
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  14. Ryanstech

    Ryanstech Thread Starter New Member

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    putting it above my tank where it is now isn't possible so today I got some new check valves in the mail that are apparently made for co2 use. tomorrow I'll go get some airline bulkheads or something similar to make a more secure bottle system until my wallet shares my enthusiasm for going pressurized. :)
     
    Ryanstech, Feb 6, 2009
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