Reddit reviews AQUATEK CO2 Regulator Mini

Blackout your tank for 3 days. This will kill off the hair algae (caution: it may also start to effect your plants as well though). Use a fork to 'spaghetti twirl' the hair algae & get it out of the tank. What you're holding is a CO2 regulator. They aren't cheap, and only certain types don't need a CGA320 to paintball adapters. This looks similar to what you have in your picture. I would probably suggest this to eliminate most of your problems. It looks like he has dwarf baby tears & maybe dwarf hair grass? I found it difficult to save my dwarf baby tears after an hair algae bloom, but was able to save the grass.

Step one:

Purchase

• http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1380759544&sr=1-1&keywords=AQUATEK+paintball
  
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Ceramic-88g-CO2-Diffuser-Ounces/dp/B004GCO35G/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_3
  
  
• Also --> Grab a tank at your local paintball/sporting goods store.
  
  Step two: Put everything together
  
  Step three: Profit!
  
  EDIT: A few extra things that I remembered and also mentioned below. The regulator comes with a bubble counter, but for NOT come with tubing! You will need to buy the tubing, diffuser, and the co2 indicator. Amazon sells everything you need and is free shipping with their Super Saver option.
  
  

What size tank do you have?

If you are set on the paintball set up, you can't go wrong with the Aquatek mini regulator. It is the regulator I have set up on my 15 gallon and it has been fantastic. Basically, the parts you will need are:

• Regulator (Aquatek mini or if you have the $$, the GLA model is likely very nice.
  
• CO2 tubing (Aquatek has good stuff).
  
• Some kind of diffuser. These can be had for cheap on Ebay or Amazon. I bought a cheap one on Amazon and was disappointed with it, so I ended up buying this one and I love it.
  
• A bubble counter. There is a bubble counter included with the Aquatek mini regulator, but it is a cheapo unit. If you want to spend a little more money for a good one, check here for some good examples.
  
• Paintball tanks, obviously. I would recommend getting the largest one you can find and maybe getting two of them. That way you can have one on the tank at all times, when it gets low, swap them out and you will have a couple months to get the backup filled.
  
• A drop checker. This is used to estimate the levels of CO2 diffused in the water. It is filled with a pH indicator solution that changes color as the pH of the solution changes as the CO2 levels in the water change. It is a handy little device which will prove it's worth quickly. I use this one and have been very happy with it, but there are nicer ones here if you want that classy glassy look.
  
  Obviously, CO2 setups aren't cheap, but with the paintball route you can do it relatively inexpensively compared to the full scale regulator route. Good luck! I'd be happy to clear anything else up for you if you have questions.
  
  Edit: Make sure you have a check valve in the system somewhere. This will keep aquarium water from flowing up the line into the regulator. Some of those items I listed (like the GLA diffuser) have them built in, which will solve that problem. However, if you choose products without a check valve built in you will need to add one. Here are some (also more tubing there to choose from).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008TJCPSY this is what I use. Very well made.

If you already have paintball tanks, you'll need a regulator (I have this one from Aquatek and it's been fine for two years. Nothing spectacular though) as well as a bubble counter and diffuser. I like atomizers as you get excellent diffusion with them.

Before I answer your questions, I want you to know that getting more advanced meaning spending a lot more money and time. A lot us learn by making mistakes, and that's how I started, by making a lot of mistakes.

I don't know what level of planting you want to do. It can be as easy as adding a few amazon swords into your tank right now, or as difficult as buying new light, CO2 equipment, fertilizers, etc.

If you want to save a lot of money from mistakes then here is what you should do:

• Buy a new tank. preferably a big one like a 75G at least since you'll probably want a lot of fish and some of those fish will need a good size tank. I think 75G minimum is the perfect size for beginner as oppose to 55G because of the width. It gives you comfort zone for a lot of fish. Look for it on craiglist first, and be patient. Of course you can get bigger tank if you want
  
  
• You'll need substrates. I personally like Eco-Complete. $22.99 on Amazon. You can also have a layer of sand on top. I use pool filter sand. Something like this
  
  
• You'll need light. 7000k Light is great for plants. LEDs will save you tons of money in the long run. Personally recommend Finnex. They simply have the best LEDs out there. There is a used one on Ebay for very cheap. link I don't know how much I can trust them, I personally would buy a new one if I have the money.
  
  
• You'll need plants. If you live close by Miami, I can give you a few good places to go to. If not your LFS can provide you with these. There is also a seller on Ebay called FishRUs who has some very good plants. You can start with amazon swords, anubias, or whatever plants you want. You'll make mistakes and kill plants, but that's what we humans do. Just make sure you utilize google.
  
  
• You'll need fertilizers. Don't waste your money on Seachem. Read this page Fertilizer can be purchased here
  
  
• You'll need a CO2 system. Aquatek Mini for 87.99 + CO2 tank $26.59. Then go to a local paintball shop and refill your CO2 bottle for $3-4.
  
  
• Water change. You can use Aqueon Water Changer $27.99 you can also buy the 50FT version if you need. You won't regret this buy, trust me.
  
  
• You'll need a filter. Sunsun Canister Pro Kit $97.99 Probably the best canister out there for this price. You can go FX5 if you have the money.
  
  
• Purigen filter media ~$20
  
  
• API Test Kit $22.99
  
  
• There are a wide variety of cichlid. I don't know what you like, but I personally LOVE South America cichlids. These fish are also compatible with your gouramis. You can get a few rams, and 4 angelfish to begin. Discus are beautiful, but don't try it until you feel comfortable with the basics and do enough research. Along with those, you can also get some tetras and corys catfish.

Is this what you're talking about? And then no need for an adapter?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008TJCPSY?pc_redir=1398546860&robot_redir=1

I wouldn't recommend DIY. Once you start doing it, you'll get tired of changing the solution every couple of weeks and it's not as consistent as pressurized. It's a good solution in a pinch, but you'll definitely want to look into pressurized eventually.

You could find a decent build for ~$100-200. If you get anything <$100, keep in mind that it's priced that low for a reason (cost vs quality).

I'd look into a paintball setup. A 20 oz tank on Amazon is $20. About $5 per fill at Dicks sporting goods (Buy 5 get 1 free or something like that). $15ish for the adapter (you don't need it if you buy a regulator designed for paintball tanks - see: Aquatek mini regulator

In that scenario, it'd cost slightly over $100 for that setup.

Co2 set ups are unfortunately not cheap. The aquatek mini regulator on a paintball canister seems to be a pretty popular choice. You'll need a diffuser, some co2 "proof" hose, and ideally a Co2 indicator as well, but those things are all cheap little addons.


I personally use liquid Co2 instead of pressurized (shrimp tanks, so I dont want to risk suffocating them), so I cant give a first hand recommendation for any particular system. The folks over at /r/plantedtank surely can though.

http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY

I tired a diy Co2 set up a few years ago about the same thing I think you're working out and it was a bitch, I could never get it to work right and I had to manually turn it off and on every day and it turned into to much hassle. I really suggest you go with this. I've been using one since I gave up on the diy and I just got another one for my 55. Having the solenoid really helps, get it dialed in where you need it and have it set to a timer and all you have to do is check the tank for when you have to refill it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_-aeaCbC4WRRCQ

Assuming you don't want a full-sized scuba/welding tank, most people seem to go with the paintball canister + regulator setup. You can get the paintball canister from most of your sports stores that sell paintball supplies - they generally come in sizes around 20/24oz, but I think I've seen some larger. They run from $20-40, fills ranging around $5 (these are my local Academy Sports prices). The regulator is probably the priciest up front cost - usually around $90. I'm sure there are cheaper and more expensive versions of both of these.

Most people also add a bubble counter - pretty standard, and usually costing less than $5 - and an aerator/atomizer/diffuser (many different names for something that basically "dissolves" the co2 into the water). I haven't found a perfect solution for this yet - I've used fine airstones, ceramic discs, water ladders, and I'm currently using a powered diffuser.

I run a standard 30g tank at 1.5 bubbles per second. My swords and java moss are going crazy, but I've had problems with getting any sort of carpet going (more an issue with my tank parameters than an issue with the co2). I tried the DIY system for a while, but I have to say that I much prefer the high tech method.

One thing I would suggest is to make sure you've got a reliable source of co2 refills. Luckily all of my Academy Sports seem to do refills, but if they weren't an option, there's not a whole lot else around me. People have suggested wielding supply stores and paintball specific shops, but they're rare and randomly placed by me.

Get him the Aquatek Mini Regulator:

http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1409346703&sr=8-3&keywords=aquatek

I just set up this regulator on my 5.5 and though it's too early to tell if I'll like it long term, it was easy to set up and run and relatively cheap. (Sorry for the full link, I'm on mobile). http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY

Get a paintball tank from your local sports store and the Aquatek Mini regulator. That should get you in under $120. I run this on my 10 gallon with a 20oz paintball tank and it takes roughly 6 weeks to empty the tank.

If you have four tanks, you might as well just invest in a paintball canister and regulator, and then split the line to all four tanks. I got my 24oz CO2 Tank for 20$ and the Regulator for 80$. Refills are 5$. Using it on one tank, and so far has lasted me 5 months. It's gonna be way better than buying four crappy CO2 systems, then just one good one and splitting if four ways. You can just get a bigger CO2 tank to compensate for the additional aquariums.

How high do you have the pressure up to?? The only time mine ever did that is when I got impatient and turned the pressure up a bit too high. I'm not an expert, but it might be time to invest in a regulator.

I use this diffuser with this regulator in both my tanks (a 55g and a 75g). I use the included bubble counter for my 75g and it works great. I've bought way more expensive diffusers and none worked as good as the one I referenced here so don't be tempted to spend more than you need to. I really do suggest a regulator, though. I think you might be having pressure issues.

If you want to use a paintball setup, there's this.
http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1347676610&sr=1-1&keywords=aquatek+paintball

Fully agree co2 is great for any level. You can dial back the output via the regulator for your current tank and dial it up if/when you go bigger.

This was my shopping list to get pressurized co2 going:

Empire Paintball 24oz CO2 Tank - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XKFQCM

AQUATEK CO2 Regulator Mini - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TJCPSY

Fluval Ceramic 88g-CO2 Diffuser - 3.1 Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GCO35G (Note you can choose a different diffuser if you want)

AQUATEK CO2-Proof Tubing 16 Feet - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008UCOFJW

Fluval CO2 Indicator Kit - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052M9886

The 24 oz tank lasts for 3-4 months on my 29g at ~3bps

CO2
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Some on here we'll advocate buying CO2 parts individually, but I feel that it took too much research to do that myself. In most cases, a kit of some kind will do well. Cheaper kits, such as the aquatek regulator will work, but occasionally you do run into a dud or faulty needle valve.

Personally I have a GLA Regulator kit but they are pricier. In this case, you get what you pay for and they are excellent quality and a no-fuss solution. CO2 gas should be pretty cheap in your area, it costs me only about 15-17 dollars to fill a 5lb.



Light
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You noted you want the breeder to be high-tech, so in this case you will need to buy light that fits high light tanks. The two types of light I recommend are T5HO (High Output) or LEDs. I use LEDs on all my tanks now.

Most on this sub highly recommend Finnex lights. For the 40 breeder you would want something from their RAY II line, which is their strongest light. If you are looking more for medium light you can get a Planted+ 24/7. It all depends on ultimately what you want to grow and what your goals are.

A pricier option is something like BuildMyLED, there fixtures have slightly better optics and build quality, and all of there fixtures can be dimmed. They can be purchased at many different light color temps. I have some of these as well and they do well.

If you still like fluorescent T5HO is the way to go for bright tanks. I can't comment too much on recommendations, just be wary that the quality of the fixture (the reflectors) can really make a difference on PAR light intensity. Obviously you'll want to buy daylight bulbs (4500-7000k).

Since I just set up one of these systems, I may have some helpful information:

I purchased http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY and it came with an Aquatek bubble counter and check valve. Considering this option could bring your price down a bit.

Don't forget you will probably need a timer for your solenoid if you are running fish. (may want one for fish-less too)

I was trying to use old paintball co2 tanks that I had laying around, but I was not able to. Be aware that if your tank was not hydrotested within the past 5 years, it will not be filled by any reputable refilling location. A hydrotest is about the price of a new 24oz tank. So an unforeseen cost for me was 2 new paintball tanks.

Hopefully this was helpful! Sorry about format, I'm on my phone.

Something like this

https://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1520910198&sr=8-7&keywords=aquatek+co2+regulator

If you want CO2 and want to use paintball tanks go with this one It needs no adapter and has a solenoid.

If you want to use larger C02 tanks go with this one. It also has a solenoid. (You would need an adapter to use paintball C02 on this one)

AQUATEK CO2 Regulator Mini https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9nWmzbHHP82B9

I got it back in April and it seems amazon doesn't carry it anymore. I run 2-3 bps and everything seems great

Sounds like a paintball system would be a good fit. I think the aquatek is the cheapest that's actually somewhat reliable.

I tried it and hated it. It was impossible to dial in the bubble rate. It was either too low or two high. Took me days of fiddling with it to even get close to where I wanted it and then the CO2 ran out. And the cylinders aren’t refillable so you have to buy new ones every time. I would stay away.

I’ve had much better luck with a paint ball CO2 tank (~$30) and this regulator:
AQUATEK CO2 Regulator Mini https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_cZ6pGVJIqqHXd. A lot more expensive I know but much much more reliable. The CO2 lasts at least 5-6 weeks for my 29 gallon tank and only costs around $6 to refill.

Not sure what your budget is but this is meant to be used with paintball tanks. I have it set up on a 24oz empire tank for my 20g long and it's been great for the two months I've been using it.

The Aquatek mini is a paintball regulator. I know because it's been in my wishlist taunting me for months :) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TJCPSY

Any that you can recommend? Prefer paintball 20-24oz tank due to space constraints...

I just saw this and am mildly curious about it... currently researching more about it.

https://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

ALL the stores near me have nothing but these:

https://www.amazon.com/Gulfstream-Tropical-AGU00512-Diffuser-Aquarium/dp/B005DGJBYW/ref=sr_1_17?s=pet-supplies&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1468007204&sr=1-17&keywords=CO2+Diffuser&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011

---

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Pressurized-88g-CO2-Kit-Ounces/dp/B004G44ZQQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468007002&sr=8-1&keywords=co2+system+fluval11

I don't know about shipping/ availability in Australia but I just decided to go high-tech (in the US). I got this regulator which comes with a check valve/ bubble counter. It works on Paintball CO2 cans. Unless you want to go a very "professional" route, there is probably other things you can get for cheaper.

Light: Wave-point 6-Inch 8-Watt Daylight Micro Sun LED High Output Clamp Light

Rocks: Seiryu Stone(I soaked them in 12% muriatic acid for 5 - 10 minutes)

CO2 Regulator: AQUATEK CO2 Regulator Mini

CO2 tubing: GLA Clear CO2 Resistant Tubing

Check valve: Atomic Check Valve

Diffuser: Up Aqua 8/12 mm atomizer

Soil: ADA Amazonia Powder

Plants: Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba'

I also ripped the bracing off the front of the tank because I didn't like it.

What kind of filter are you running? cansiter or HOB?

I suggest two routes:

1. aquatek mini paintball reg, which comes with everything you need but a paintball tank
   
   
2. CO2 Art package with a 5lb CO2 bottle
   
   Good luck and check out my post history for another 22long setup with carpeting monte carlo
   

I have this regulator: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008TJCPSY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

I have a 12 gallon long which I inject 3 bps into an ADA pollen beetle diffuser. I clean it weekly or every other week with bleach (once it gets algae and bubbles get larger). This is important. Just make sure you run it under water and then give a prime bath afterwards. You don't want bleach getting back into your tank.

along with 2 20oz paintball co2 tanks. I have never had an EOTD and I've had it run out a few times. The bubbles just get less and less until it totally stops.

Maybe I just replaced them once the bubble count got really low, avoiding the EOTD?

Either way, the output decrease was noticable and it was obvious I needed a refill. That's why I keep two tanks.

I am like you, and have done DIY until very recently. Spend the money. You won't regret the purchase. I was only slightly over 100 bucks on mine, but it was worth every penny to be rid of the hassle. The only issue with the valve I'll recommend is that you can't go over 1500 PSI even though the bottle I'll recommend is rated for 1800. Make sure to mention that when you get the bottle filled. The regulator is only rated at 1500. Here is what I bought.

CO2 Regulator
CO2 Tank
CO2 Diffuser

So yea, some tips. Don't fill tank over 1500 PSI. Make sure green knob is all the way in off position and it's not plugged in when you screw on the regulator. Screw on the regulator ALL THE WAY. Plug regulator in, slowly open the green knob. This assumes you have all the tubing hooked up. The bubble counter is super handy :) It only costs me 5 dollars to fill up the tank at Dicks sporting goods store. So after the upfront cost, I can run multiple tanks with a splitter off this, for a 5 dollar every few months fee. Totally worth it for the consistent bubbles and lack of hassle from DIY. If you get a timer, you can plug your regulator and light into it and you can control when the CO2 and light come on. You just need to trust us man, 130 bucks for this is worth it... so worth it. The bubble counter comes in the regulator I linked. The only things you'll need to buy other than what I posted for a 100% system is silicon tubing to link it all up, and maybe some suction cups. I didn't list this because that's a few dollars at most on Amazon. Don't listen to the 300 dollar crowd, my system is sub 150 and works just as well as theirs.

Would highly recommend a system.

This is the regulator I use: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008TJCPSY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s03
The CO2 tanks are about $20 and $6 to refill. One tank lasts me a couple months at 2 bubbles/second.

You put this regulator on a paintball tank itself of any size but here's a 24 oz rather than a full co2 tank, easier to transport, easier to fill, cheaper tank cost, somewhat better for smaller tanks but too small for larger ones.

Sure! I had started a thread here when I was buying my parts.

• CO2 Regulator
  
  
• 20oz CO2 Tank
  
  
• CO2 Diffuser

I did a paintball cylinder system with this valve http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008TJCPSY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So far it's been great. Really easy to dial in - set it and forget it.

I got these three things.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008TJCPSY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1414104173&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004MFGRLA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1414104269&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008UCOFJW/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr1_1?qid=1414104332&sr=8-1-fkmr1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

I found this one also this morning.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008TJCPSY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A34950EJPC3UHN

Seems like a deal with the solenoid. Reviews seem decent.

Here is the mobile version of your link

That does help immensely. Thanks! Do you have any experience with that regulator versus this one?

http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com/index.asp?Option1=cats&Edit=2&EditU=1&Regit=2
You can get your fertilizers here. You want potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and some form of phosphorus, I don't remember what type specifically. Then you also want plantex CSM+B.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008TJCPSY?pc_redir=1396136717&robot_redir=1
Here is the CO2 regulator. It's a good deal, and a good way to enter pressurized CO2 for cheap.

Awesome, thanks for your input! I'm looking at what you suggested as well as what Thaix suggested and I'm wondering what the major differences or pros/cons of each setup is. I'm obviously not super-savvy with with stuff, but as far as I can tell the only real difference in the type of tank being used? Your suggestion looks a little more intense and uses a larger CO2 tank, which I might need if I ever want to upgrade to a bigger tank, but I can't really look at those and see what the major differences are. =/

It's a 24oz Paintball CO2 canister and this regulator that is designed to screw right on top paintball size tanks.

Has an electric solenoid so i can plug into my timer and have it shut off over night. I'm very happy with it. It's amazing how much more green everything got after I found a good flow rate.

AQUATEK CO2 Regulator Mini https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hf.RCbX4S3XV1


This is the regulator!

> aquatek mini paintball regulator

http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY

this one?

This is the regulator: http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450136175&sr=8-1&keywords=aquatek+mini+co2+regulator

On a timer from 11am to 7pm
Using just a regular glass diffuser. I had an inline diffuser but it sprung a leak (at the co2 connector luckily) and I never replaced it.

Here's another option with a cheaper (smaller) tank, different regulator, better diffuser, and a less expensive bubble counter.

I have the basic fluval one in my 20gallon tank, its ok, but I ditched the co2 chamber you fill up and leave for a bubble counter and a diffuser, it's still not very consistent because those little cartirdges don't hold the same pressure for very long, for the price (and the price of those little cartridges) i'll be upgrading to this for my next tank http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413049402&sr=8-1&keywords=aquarium+co2+regulator+with+tank

It's only about $20 more than the fluval kit - minus the hoses and diffuser, bubble counter, etc. and I already have the co2 tank from an old paintball gun, and the big co2 tanks are about $4 to fill and should last a very long time, but what I like MOST is that it has a shutoff, you set the co2 output to the desired amount (count the bubbles) and leave it, you unplug it and it will shut off the co2, so you can have it on the same timer as your lights and it will turn on and off with them, no having to sit there with a very touchy valve and hope you dont blow your hose out and water everywhere!

http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1414044611&sr=1-1&keywords=aquatek

I was looking at this, how long does a 20oz tank last you op?


P.s I've used this diffuser and the bubbles are smaller
http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Ceramic-Diffuser-Aquarium-3-1-Ounces/dp/B004GCO35G/ref=sr_1_11?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1414044741&sr=1-11&keywords=aquatek

It was in my shopping list - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_ttl/188-7116644-8649134?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2DZCVVNVUGMVT&coliid=I1IL4PKH6YI15K

Looking for CO2 on 20 gallon Long tank. I will most likely do a paintball setup as its a small tank and cheaper. I am wondering if there is a difference between the regulators Chinese Regulator and AQUATEK. Aquatek is $50 more but the reviews point that aquateks ratings are actually worse 3.5 ish vs 4

If you are using your Paintball tanks there isnt much "DIY" you can do. You'll have to get a regulator to inject the CO2 into your fish tanks.

Something like this.

https://smile.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1491578117&sr=8-10&keywords=paintball+regulator

Of course you will have to get the tank refilled with C02 when empty.

If you want to do a DIY CO2 setup chekc out this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JzvfHO31Ug

Sure I am using the Aquatek Regulator Mini with a Paintball tank from Dicks Sporting Goods (which also sells refills for 5$ a pop). I use a standard ceramic diffusor.

Ferts are Thrive liquid all in one and GLA's dry fert EI package (you can see them to the right of the aquarium). The only reason I have both is because I suspect that Thrive led to a Staghorn algae outbreak back in April - leading me to pick up the GLA dry ferts. I've recently gone back to Thrive and no SHA so far).

Looks great so far!

I would definitely go for CO2. I don't think I've seen anyone grow a nice HC carpet who didn't have it. You're probably going to want it anyway because if you have a light that is strong enough to grow HC but don't have any CO2, you are going to get algae problems.

When I flooded my tank after DSM I blasted CO2 and the HC transitioned fine, no melting whatsoever.

If you already have a paintball canister this is a great regulator that's relatively cheap: http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY.

Here's the regulator I have... there are mixed stories about it. It's been fine for me.

http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1464028443&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=co2+regulator+aquarium

You're looking at around $150 for a full CO2 setup. You'll need a regulator, a tank, a diffuser/reactor/way to get it into the water column, and some air line tube. Overall, it's not hugely difficult, but will make a really big difference on your plant growth if you're OK with spending the $$$.

Edit: You can also always look around plantedtank.net for a used setup. There's always people there upgrading.

Hi, I am by no means a pro but I will tell you what i do for my co2.

Regulator: This is what I use. no qualms so far.

Adapter: this is an adapter so that I can use my regulator with paintball canisters (from a sporting goods store) similar to this.

I opted for the full size regulator as opposed to this one since its much easier to adapt the full size to a smaller nozzle than it is to upsize a small one (I dont even know if its possible).

Most people that use co2 have it go either into their canister filter to dissolve the bubbles, use a diffuser (glass thing with white disk), or any number of other products, that's up to you.

most people also use a drop checker like this but I dont and havent noticed any problems.

One downside is that at night when you turn the co2 off (plants dont photosynthesize at night) you can have ph swings.

These ph sswings and co2 swings can (i believe) cause the hell that is BBA a very hard to eradicate algae.

Total cost for me was i believe ~$150-$170 but to fill the tanks at a sporting good store is usually 5 dollars.

Also if you really want to do co2 well, just give in and buy a cheap paintball tank and the aquatek mini. http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY

Hmm, the light may be good. What kind of light is it? The regulator can be expensive. A whole paintball CO2 setup consist of: Paintball tank, regulator CO2 proof tubing and a diffuser keep in mind there are many varieties and versions of this equipment.

Very cool. I have also been researching co2 setups. Is this the one you used on amazon? I also noticed that aquatek makes a mini regulator. Am I correct in assuming that the only difference in them is that the mini regulator uses a 24 oz paintball co2 tank and the standard size uses the 5 lb tank?

Also, absolutely gorgeous tank you have! I really like the open top style. May I ask also what kind of lights you are using? I really like how they look. Thank you!

Filter: Corner Hamburg Matten Filter
Sourced from Stephan Tanner of Swiss Tropical. Contact: [email protected] He is awesome to work with and contact.

Jetlifter (Part of the HMF) uses air from a Tetra Whisper 40 Air pump.

Lighting: Finnex Stingray

CO2 Setup: Aquatek Reg , Standard 20 oz paintball co2 tank, Co2 Diffuser from Co2art, and random co2 grade tubing. No bubble counter as of yet.

Hardscape material: Dragon (Ohko) stone and manzanita wood.

Substrate: SL Aquasoil

Plant list: Hygrophilia Pinnitifida, Downoi, Monte Carlo, Fissidens Fontanus, Blyxa Japonica, Velvet 3 color buce, Little Red Star Buce, Krivbass Buce, Little Apple Buce, and Dark Skeleton King Buce.

Petri dish was one I got off of amazon.

Frosted Glass film off of amazon as well.

I guess if you want to know there is a bag of ceramic media hiding behind my filter.

Annnnd there you go the entire list of stuff in my tank.

I am using the citric acid and baking soda mix. The DiY system has been pretty consistent for me so far, apart from my 4 year old inadvertently opening up the needle valve and almost gassing my fish...

The regulator you linked appears to only be available with European plugs and voltages (220v in Europe vs 110v in US). It does look nice, and the reviews are good. I guess I'm mainly just hesitant to drop $80-100 on a regulator that seem to have less than stellar reviews, like Aquateck's Offerings. The reviews on it aren't bad, but there are some real horror stories in there. At least with a DIY solenoid system I could potentially build in some fail safes (like 2 solenoids for instance). Seems like one has to spend $200+ on a regulator to get something truly reliable, which is a little disappointing.

I may just bite the bullet and go for the one I linked with a 24oz paintball tank, but kind of just exploring other options.

Don't get it. It's worth spending the extra money to get this.

http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-OF-CALIFORNIA-Regulator-Mini/dp/B008TJCPSY