Reddit reviews JARDLI Pollen Glass CO2 Diffuser with U-Shape Connecting Tube for Aquarium Planted Tank (20-50 US gallons)

I have a DoubleSun regulator, which works, but isn't the greatest. It does what it's supposed to do, but it's really touchy, so you have to fiddle with it for a bit to get to the exact setting that you want. It has a solenoid, so I have it set up on a timer to come on 2 hours before the lights go on, and 2 hours before they turn off. It runs about 9 hours per day.

The CO2 itself was tricky to find, because I live in the middle of nowhere. After a few weeks of looking around, I found out that my local NAPA auto parts store has a partnership with a company that supplies CO2. I got a 10 year lease on a tank (and tank swaps when they need refilled). It's a 20 pound tank, which will last me a ridiculously long time, and the 10 year lease was $90.

When you take the plunge, one really important thing to keep in mind: get CO2 specific hoses. I was using a rubbery generic one that was meant for regular air pumps, but it turns out those leak CO2 like crazy. I switched to a hose that's specifically designed for CO2, and the difference is pretty dramatic.

When you get a diffuser/atomizer, do yourself a favor and pick up 2 of them. That way, when one needs cleaned, you can just hook up the 2nd one while the 1st is soaking in a weak bleach solution. I have 2 of these, and the key to keeping them in good condition is not touching the ceramic tops. Just soak them when they need it. I only have to clean mine every 2 months or so, but it varies from tank to tank.

Pollen Glass CO2 Diffuser with U-Shape Connecting Tube for Aquarium Planted Tank (20 - 50 US gallons) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2LZOCE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5texDbN5TF54E

This is the one I got. This is my first time using CO2 so I don’t know if there are better diffusers out there, I just liked the way this one looked.

For anyone wondering about the CO2 Setup, here is a quick writeup that includes all of the Amazon links and prices:

I am using a TV stand for my aquarium that looks like this and the entire CO2 setup fits in one of the smaller cubby holes. I am using a 24OZ Empire paintball tank that has this adapter hooked up to this regulator.




Those three items will makeup the majority of the cost of pressurized CO2. The other things I bought were a drop checker, a CO2 diffuser and CO2 airline tubing.

Finally, I bought an outlet timer since the regulator I previously mentioned has a solenoid valve.


The core components are the tank, adapter, regulator, tubing, and diffuser. The total of those came to $130. Adding on the dropchecker and timer brings the total to $160. Filling up the paintball tank at my local sporting good store cost 5$, but that should last this tank anywhere from 3-6 months.


You may be able to assemble the entire setup for cheaper if you can find a cheap paintball tank and a smaller diffuser, or already have some of the items needed.

These are just personal experiences so take from them what you will.

I have an Aquatek mini that I have had good luck with. It has been running without problems since spring 2015 on my 15 gallon tank. The adjustment for the needle valve is pretty sensitive and it can be hard to find the perfect spot but it does seem to hold it's positioning pretty well. I have it hooked up to an atomizer from GLA and it works very well.

On my smaller puffer tank I bought this regulator:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077XVFQ46/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It was quite a bit cheaper than the Aquatek mini price wise but the quality seems to be there. It's a hefty unit, has a built in bubble counter and adjusts fairly easily. I have it hooked up to a paintball canister with an adaptor from Aquatek and it hooked up easily and without any issues. It is pushing the CO2 through this glass diffuser and it has been working well. With the regulator, diffuser, some tubing and the paintball adapter I think it was all under $100. Keep in mind I have only had this running for about 5 days, so no idea how it will perform long term but so far I am impressed for the price.

Whoops, forgot to mention that they are JARDLI

Here's Diffuser

Bubble Counter

This is crazy, cause I had this list put together, let me know what you think of this stuff? May go with your diffuser tho as it seems cheaper, is it also a c
Drop checker or do I need to get one of those too? Also, should I be dosing stuff on top of this CO2 setup? Like should I use Excel and other stuff still?

Ohhh ok, wasn't sure if you tried cutting the top off of it or not.

JT CO2 Tank 12oz w/repeater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0008G2WAM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-t03AbGZWQRJ7


Interstate Pneumatics WRCO2-5A4 CO2 Paintball Tank CGA 320 Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I2UMZ2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iu03AbTZCMEKR

CO2 Regulator Aquarium Mini Stainless Steel Dual Gauge Display Bubble Counter and Check Valve w/ Solenoid 110V Fits Standard US Tanks - LP150 PSI - HP2000 PSI Accurate & Easy to Adjust Comes w/ Tools https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C6HKTN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Fu03AbFC8ZJ3S

Rhinox Glass Drop Checker Kit - 3 Seconds to Read CO2 levels - 3 Minutes to Setup - Fastest way to ensure sufficient Co2 in Planted Aquarium - Includes pH Reagent indicator solution & Color chart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005C74ZCA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Xu03AbX7A0N5G

Pollen Glass CO2 Diffuser with U-Shape Connecting Tube for Aquarium Planted Tank (20 - 50 US gallons) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2LZOCE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dv03Ab406ZNJT

AQUANEAT 25 FT Airline Tubing Suction Cups Control Valves Tee's Check valves Aquarium Air Pump Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076Z8ZR9H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sv03Ab2DJ19BC

Rhinox Brass Check Valve for Aquariums - Sturdy, Reliable, Anti-Leak, Anti-Backflow, Non-Return CO2 Air Valve That Ensures One Directional Water Flow, Perfect for Sensitive Fish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IHXW5SC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Gv03Ab2QEHCZQ