Best paintball co2 systems according to redditors
We found 49 Reddit comments discussing the best paintball co2 systems. We ranked the 12 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 49 Reddit comments discussing the best paintball co2 systems. We ranked the 12 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Yep, I use a paintball tank to push beer when tailgating at college football games.
EDIT: In my experience it is more expensive to push kegs, I can get 5 lbs of CO2 for $14 in my big tank or 1.25 lbs of CO2 for $5 in my paintball tank.
This adapter will allow you to connect a standard regulator designed for larger tanks to a paintball tank.
And there is more! I bought a paintball canister adapter on Amazon and attached my Fluval regulator to 22 oz of CO2 at 4 bucks a refill from any sporting goods store. The 22oz canister was around $16.
https://www.amazon.com/Hydra-Aquatic-CO2-Paintball-Adapter/dp/B008ZAAP2K
Total for everything is $112 not including tax.
I use this regulator and the needle valve is a bit touchy, but its solid and works well enough. The solenoid has never stuck either. You can set it and forget it.
People are going to call out using airline tube vs CO2 proof tubing. CO2 proof tubing is completely unnecessary at the pressures what we work at and isn't very flexible, so I like the airline better.
This is my favorite diffuser because it has a halfway decent check valve, it has a build in bubble counter, and you can remove the ceramic disc without taking everything apart. I have 4 of these running in different tanks and 2 have had zero issues. The other two had small leaks that I sealed with gorilla glue and they've worked perfect since.
Just to help anyone out that may purchase this - I have this exact kit and bought this adapter to use it with a paintball tank. Worked perfectly. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072XNYS5B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mfo1DbAAANC9A
yeah, be prepared to spend even more $$!! Those 88g (I assume you mean 88g, not 800) ones dont last long at all. I have one for my 5 gal that lasts about a month. You can buy an adapter for it tho and put a 20oz paintball tank on it. Its where I am going with mine once I get some extra cash.
When it comes to putting on the sealed tanks there isnt much to it. I just do it fast so that too much CO2 doesnt escape and dont make it too tight or you could damage the regulator. I usually go hand tight. Usually only a few turns, with the first or second turn spewing some CO2.
Regulator (it says not for aquarium use but it’s perfectly fine. Read the reviews, plenty of paid ole are using it for planted tanks.)
Hydroponics (Co2) Regulator Emitter System with Solenoid Valve Accurate and Easy to Adjust Flow Meter Made of High Quality Brass - Shorten up and Doub https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016NGH4M6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_y49oQQvbnDObI
Co2 tank
Aluminum CO2 Paintball Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0008G2WAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_WS6y6wpDabbwP
Co2 tank adapter
Interstate Pneumatics WRCO2-5A4 CO2 Paintball Tank CGA 320 Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I2UMZ2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ygLvJnhVJyGBc
Have been running this setup for awhile now and don’t have any issues.
As I'm sure you already know, Plant growth and health is limited by 3 factors on a sliding scale. Light, nutrients, and co2. If any of them are not present it inhibits the plant's ability to uptake the other two. I struggled for a very long time in my 20 gallon until I CONSISTENTLY provided all 3.
The startup cost is a bit, but once you are up and running it only costs ~$4.00 to refill a 24oz. Canister and one canister lasts me a month and half easy.
If you don't have access to co2 refills then a DIY setup would be the only option and I have absolutely no experience with those unfortunately. One other option, while more expensive, are the fluval injection systems: link
This setup has a solenoid that can be connected to a timer, here are the links.
Tank: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007XKFQCM/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Regulator: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KVG6PI8/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Adapter for tank to reg: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00I2UMZ2Q/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bubble counter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N2M2B6E/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You need an adapter for the CO2 cannister I think. That looks like one of those 20oz Tippman canisters used for paintball. They require pressure to be placed on the top of the tank for it to release gas as it doesn't have a cylinder valve. The adapter connects to your solenoid then has a pin on the other side to apply pressure when you connect it to the canister.
Something like this.
Anyways, you might have more luck over at /r/PlantedTank for getting answers to these types of questions in the future.
I got a sodastream and an adapter to use a paintball co2 tank in it.. works like a charm. I have a large tank also for my kegorator so I just fill the small bottle off the large one with a simple fill station.
https://www.amazon.com/Sellution-Paintball-Canister-Adapter-Conversion/dp/B00IAJZUIU
Have you tried Dick's sporting goods? Or a place that does oxygen tanks? I think you're out of luck. I know of ones that make normal regulators paintball accessible, but not the other way around.
E: here's the one that does the opposite of what you want, again I don't think they make it the other way around.
My name is Etzel_ and I'm a seltzer addict.
I have a drinkmate and it's the bee's knees. It's the rebranded iSoda and it's cheaper than the soda stream. I have two 20 oz paintball CO2 tanks and an adapter for $15 on Amazon.
Each tank lasts about a month and cost around $5 to refill. Definitely worth it. Here's the adapter:
Sellution CO2 Tank Paintball Canister Refill Adapter C02 Conversion - Polished Brass https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IAJZUIU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aMFRCbK33Q1V3
Basically, you need a tank, a regulator some airline, a bubble checker would be good to have and a diffuser. Also, you'd like a timer of some sort as you really do not need to have co2 running 24/7 nor would you probably want to.
My setup:
$23 dollars on Amazon - though I would have still needed to get it filled at paintball shop for $5 which brings it $28. $2 more - i think it's better at that to support the local shop and plus I didn't want to wait for the tank to come to my house as that would have arrived later than anything else.
Price for this setup: $109
If you need a timer, there's plenty of options. I already had one, but you can find them on Amazon.
Though in the end, you would need a timer and if you already have one then you won't have to buy one. Or if you have extra smart switches either that you can set a schedule on.
Other tanks:
Instead of the paintball tank you can get a regular co2 tank:
Of course, that's just buying the stuff to build the system.
You can watch videos about it on Youtube like Aquarium Co-Op's Co2 guide but I can still try to break it down.
Get tank and properly secure it to the regulator.(I'd recommend watching a video on that as the regulator does need to be open for this part apparently). If using the paintball tank, secure the adapter to regulator first. DO NOT secure it on the paintball tank first. If you do it with the way the adapter is built, I'm guessing you'd be losing a bit of co2. Though, I haven't tried it, I'm logically thinking that it ain't good. If you use a 5lb tank or larger, there's something about some disc or gasket or something that is supposed to help keep it from leaking. I'm going to refer you to youtube on that one. I didn't use any on my paintball setup except for the gasket already on the tank. I did use some plumbers tape on the adapter to regulator though. I'm just hoping I don't have a leak and I'd be pretty confident to assume that I don't as I still have CO2 in my tank after a couple of weeks.
All you need to do now is to attach the airline hose(some people will say to use co2-proof hose to prevent co2 loss, but I decided to skip that and you can decide what you wish to do as I might be right or wrong on that part along with other people who claim airline tube is sufficient) to the regulator. So after you attach the hose to the regulator, attach the bubble counter somewhere along the line before the aquarium(I think I did that right). Of course, if you use the 5lb or larger tank, you should be able to use the bubble counter that came with the regulator as it would stand vertical. The line eventually gets connected to a co2 diffuser which will break up the co2 into smaller bubbles to easily be dissolved better into your water. Of course, there are other ways to get the co2 into your tank, but this is the way I do it. Youtube can show you other ways, or other redditors for that matter. One thing to note is that you should also have a check valve to prevent water from going from the aquarium to your system. It should most likely be closer to the water than the co2 system. The bubble counter I use, also has a check valve for whatever that one is worth. Some diffusers come with bubble counters and check valves as well. Speaking of diffusers, i forgot to add that to my price. but that can run anywhere from $5 on up. Also the diffuser might have to be cleaned due to algae once and awhile.
The system should be ran using a timer to coincide with your light cycle and should run basically when the lights are on. I turn my co2 on 1 hour before the lights turn on and turn it off 2 hours before the light turn off. Hypothetically, you can run it 24/7 however it's better not to as the risks are a bit too much for putting something in your tank that is not being used as the plants typically don't use co2 with the lights out and you can risk running into a situation where you deplete the oxygen in your fish.
Overall, I think it's worth it at least for me. But also be cautious that adding too much co2 might be detrimental to your fish. If you are running it and your fish are all gasping for air, you definitely are putting too much in but you should never get it that far which some way to check it would be a good purchase for this. I just use the method of figuring out the ppm of CO2 based on pH and KH. I'm not sure how accurate it might be but it has been stable and my fish are doing fine as well as my plants and the algae is at bay. There's also what's called a CO2 drop checker that you can purchase to measure this.
If you really want to get into this, I'd recommend researching it further yourself and maybe wait on some other more "experienced" redditors to answer as I might and could be wrong on some things. I know I've read some people don't think the ph/kh calculation method is good and to buy a drop checker, but I'm pretty confident in using it for my tank but I might be undosing the co2 for all I know. Though on the flipside, I could be overdosing, though my fish are not showing any signs of symptoms of said overdosing. But I could be wrong on that. If I am, please let me know. :) Definitely do your own research, like you should on anything. :) At least, get a good footing and confirmation from other sources.
It could be a lot simpler. Just from a couple of minutes looking.
Not a bike inflator CO2 canister
Adapter to NPT (could just go into the paint gun at this point)
Pneumatic momentary valve (to be used as a trigger if you didn't want the paint gun part)
With all NPT you can hack these things together in all sorts of configurations and have a much wider array of connection options.
I didn't really shop around for good deals or think too hard about this, so the prices might not be the best and there could be an even better way to do it. Even with that disclaimer, it would be a much more legit and solid piece than what is in the video.
I went this route, it gets you started:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G44ZQQ/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
When the cartridge finished, i bought this to attach a paintball tank:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ZAAP2K/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You can frequently find them in thrift stores too. And get an adapter to put in a paintball co2 tank. That's what I did.
The sodastream itself was $1 at my local thrift store. It costs ~$5 to fill the tank and it lasts for forever.
With the Fluval kit, you'd have to use the disposable fluval cartridge replacements.
Unless you buy this adapter to use the Fluval regulator with a paintball cylinder.
This is the nozzle I use.
The container I use is the JT 20 oz which I got from the local Dicks store but this Empire one on Amazon should also work.
A route I'm going for/currently have is using fluval 88g (I got a dennerle c02 kit uses same fittings fluval about 88UsD dennerle I got for 110 USD) then all you would need to buy is the adapter to fit it to paintball tanks about 7 dollars then a small refillable paintball tank aprx 20 dollars from what ive seen.
I chose this route cause I wanted to use c02 and experiment with it before I got a "bigger tank"
https://www.amazon.com/Hydra-Aquatic-CO2-Paintball-Adapter/dp/B008ZAAP2K
this is the adapter you can use I got mine used.
https://i.imgur.com/xg7KXvK.jpg
Do you mean something like this? I have some older SodaStream bottles that have the same threading as paintball tanks, and this is what I use to put a CO2 regulator on them. There may be newer gens of sodastream bottles, however.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I2UMZ2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RRt9BbC7289EF
The adaptor I'm planning on buying. www.amazon.com/dp/B00KB2MH62/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I37G8PMK5PII4B&colid=O2O7IPTN2JOQ#nav-search-keywords
This is the tank I have and thank you. Good luck with the research!
I know this exists. If the threading is right I'd imagine leaks would be practically nonexistent.
I am quite happy with the following (I use on a 10 gallon and a 3 gallon at the same time using a T-fitting and two diffusers and two indicators):
Diffuser @$16.99 ea https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXFUGE5/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This diffuser is good for hanging on the side of your tank. There are many others to choose from.
7 day timer @$14.65 (Three prong plug for regulator solenoid): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006LYHEHG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You DO NOT want to let it run overnight because they say it will suffocate your fish.
CO2 indicator @#17.89 (need one for each tank) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z9KWTHS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
CO2 proof tubing @#9.99 (regular tubing may leak CO2!) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UCOFJW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Regulator with bubble counter and solenoid @$69.99 (Yes, this one works great at that price) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N42JPDV/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Adaptor fitting to get regulator attached to a paintball tank @$9.90 (I had to modify this part, so pay attention): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I2UMZ2Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Paintball tank @$21.49 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XKFQCM/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Dicks Sporting Goods will refill for $5 using your tank.
The issue with the adaptor is that the one I got had a bleed-off relief hole too far down in the threads such that the hole was exposed even when the tank was fully screwed in because the thread depth on the tank was shallow (fewer turns total) compared to the adaptor, Had to plug and re-drill the hole.
You should at least look at these components as part of your evaluation.
No problem. This is a low end system for sure, but it does a great job of pumping CO2 into the tank. The adjustment took a few days, partly due to the regulator valve being touchy, but also due to pneumatic systems like this changing very slowly. One other thing to keep in mind is that since this is a single stage regulator, there is risk of the tank dumping out the remaining CO2 at low pressure, but I will see what happens. Most people do not observe this, but some have.
The adapter is off of Amazon. It's this one specifically. The listing for the regulator did not describe itself very well, so although the thread fits a paintball tank, it does not have the pin in the middle to depress the valve of the paintball tank.
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
Yes that's the one. I bought this adapter https://www.amazon.com/Interstate-Pneumatics-WRCO2-320-38-Paintball-Disposable/dp/B072XNYS5B/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=paintball+adapter+disposable+co2&qid=1556109593&s=gateway&sr=8-7 but I haven't had to use it yet since the original co2 canister hasn't run out yet. I've only been using the setup about 3 weeks.
They come in 30 and 90 PSI max, you'll want the former for better dialing in or the latter if you need to force carb. Depending on which you get, you'll need to adapt to 3/8" or 5/8" UNF. If yours didn't come with one, see these guys.
Get a check valve.
It was these things with a paintball adapater
http://www.amazon.com/JT-90gram-CO2-Tank-Prefilled/dp/B005QIK966/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450134358&sr=8-1&keywords=jt+co2
I have the 88g fluval kit but I converted it to use paintball co2 canisters. So much cheaper! 20oz refill is 5$ at dicks sporting goods and the actual canister was 30 bucks, but I’m sure you could get a cheaper one if you looked around. 20oz usually lasts me a month and some change. Link below if you’re interested in the adapter. It’s the one I use. There’s some videos on YouTube too.
https://www.amazon.com/Hydra-Aquatic-CO2-Paintball-Adapter/dp/B008ZAAP2K/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?keywords=paintball+co2+adapter&qid=1564547495&s=gateway&sr=8-14
Hi /u/VolkovME! Thanks for the lengthy reply; I really appreciate it.
I've looked at LED setups in the past, as well as a paintball CO2 setup, but I got a bit overwhelmed and wasn't sure what I should go with. Which Finnex LED system would you personally recommend? I visted their site and I'm really unsure of the power needed. I have this Fluval CO2 kit bookmarked as well as this adapter for the paintball canister. Would this be an acceptable setup for CO2, or would you recommend something else? Would I still dose the tank with the "Leaf Zone", or do you recommend a better substitute?
Unfortunately I'm not sure what plants I had; I always just picked the plants I liked at Petco, and they were generally under the "aquatic plant combo" tag. Is there a specific brand of mineralized soil you would recommend?
Thank you again for the helpful comment and advice; it really is appreciated!
Looks good! Nice fluval co2 system, I use the same on my 4.5 gallon. I would recommend investing in this adaptor and a 20+oz co2 bottle. It will save you loads of money in time! I just had to refill my bottle after 3 or so months, and it only cost $6 at my local sporting goods store.
Edit: looking at the pic again, maybe this isn't fluval. Either way, you might want to look into a paintball adaptor, loads cheaper than the pre filled bottles!
Interesting. With lower intensity light, you probably don't necessarily need a heavy fertilizer regimen. To save a buck, would say that API "Leaf Zone" and Flourish (the base micro mix) would probably be all you'd ever need. But that might not be quite enough phosphate. You can keep an eye out for phosphate deficiency and wait until you know you need to dose. I've been using the GLA ferts, but it's overkill, and i never dose extra nitrate.
With low light, i don't think you really need CO2, but it's a nice addition. It can help to really suppress the majority of algae, but it's really only a necessity with very intense lights. The planted+ would take you up to medium-high light, and you might want to invest in CO2. I'm running the fluval kit with a lot of luck in my 5.5G light light tank. You can upgrade it to a paintball tank and it's more than enough. Probably the cheapest way to get into pressurized CO2, and you don't have to invest in the adapter and paintball cylinder first thing.
$10 Regulators from eBay? The ones I've seen have 1+ month shipping estimates... I'm so spoiled by Amazon.
How well would these items work?
Ouch, yeah, I didn't know you were in CAN. I have one I would send you for free (you pay postage) if it's worth it to you, let me know. (this is the one I have : http://www.amazon.com/Hydra-Aquatic-CO2-Paintball-Adapter/dp/B008ZAAP2K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1425580260&sr=8-5&keywords=Paintball+Adapter)
But yes, my lesson in CO2, spend the money and buy a real setup. budget / DIY on a nice tank just ends up being a waste of time and causing issues/frustration. I ended up buying the Aquatek Mini regulator w/ a Solenoid and a Paintball canister and it's awesome on my 20 gallon.
Can I use smaller canisters on the Pro-se series complete kit you suggested? Would I just need an adapter, like this one to do so?
Yeah, the only difference is that I used the Fluval diffuser. The glass diffuser is a lot more fragile - I dropped mine and it shattered. The Fluval one is a clunky piece of plastic, but holds up well. I've been re-evaluating my setup and will be replacing my DIY system with something more robust. Before I get into why, let me go share some advice with they DIY system...
 
First off, I'd also get a check valve. This will prevent siphoned water to back up into your CO2 setup. There are bubble counter/check valve combinations, even a diffuser/counter/check valve combo.
I haven't purchased these, so I can't comment on the quality. I will say - I purchase most if not all my supplies from Amazon with great success. I always buy the least expensive equipment. Most of it I can tell comes from China, but the quality is still pretty good - it gets the job done.
 
Second, the DIY setup is good, but does not last. The DIY kit you can get on Amazon is awesome - fits right on any standard soda bottle and has a nice needle valve and pressure gauge. My problem is durability, the setup I used to create the tank I have in the picture has recently broken down. The pressure gauge ripped off (because the tubing wore down) and although I tried to reattach and seal it, there was a slow leak that I wasn't willing to try and repatch. This is the second DIY kit I've broken, they both broke at the tubing piece that connects the gauge and the bottle cap. The main reason why it breaks down is because I shake the shit out of those bottles to stir up the Baking Soda and/or Citric Acid. I never really paid attention to the pressure gauge flopping to and fro, but now I realize that after enough "fros", the tubing worn down until it tore off. So if you stick with the DIY setup, try to either not shake it like a polaroid picture - or hold the pressure gauge steady.
 
The DIY system is cool because it makes you look like Walter White and also provides a "cheap" way of getting CO2 into your tank. All you have to buy after you have your setup is Baking Soda and Citric Acid. Baking Soda, I get at Costco for cheap and is so big it will last forever. Citric Acid - I haven't really looked in depth at purchasing local - but Amazon sells these 5lb bags for $15. I think it's the best deal on Amazon. I've only bought two bags total (I tried it in my 75 gallon tank - STUPIDEST IDEA EVER - but that was when I was really new to the hobby). I'd say for a 5-10 gallon tank, 1 5lb bag of Citric Acid should last you for maybeee a year - depends on your bubbles per second obviously.
 
One major con I have for the DIY system besides durability is that it's all manual. Sure - you can figure out how to rig up a solenoid of some sort and what not to get it on a timer- but seems like more trouble than it's worth for a DIY system. I let my CO2 run 24/7 which isn't ideal - but as the picture above clearly shows - it works. The other downside of it being manual is that baking soda surprisingly doesn't mix all the way with water. So when you introduce it to the citric acid solution (which mixes well with water) - the entire reaction may not occur until you shake it and baking soda then reaches the citric acid. Having to periodically check my CO2 system isn't terribly difficult, especially if you chose the DIY setup to save money - but sometimes if too much citric acid is transferred into the Baking Soda side - a fuckton of CO2 is created and now either is pumping into my tank or my soda bottles look like they're ready to explode. I will say - this has happened to me very rarely. I've seen my soda bottles build a lot of pressure before - but never bursted. So it's not the end of the world, just an unexpected inconvenience.
 
The other major con I have is refilling. Sure refilling doesn't take that long, empty the neutral baking soda/citric acid solution and add a the the right amounts of the new solutions in. But after doing it so many times - I'm kinda tired of it. I sometimes have extra soda bottles at the ready with the solutions and unscrew the old ones and pop in the new ones. Good plan, but still takes time and effort.
 
If you're careful not to shake the tubing of the pressure gauge, content with either having CO2 run 24/7 or manually turn it on and off AND are willing to periodically refill soda bottles, then I'd say give the DIY system a shot.
 
I chose the DIY setup when I first started the hobby and wasn't sure how dedicated I would be. Also - I didn't have a great paying job that would warrant me paying more for a convenient/foolproof CO2 setup.
 
Which brings me to what I plan on doing now. Now that I'm more interested in the hobby, I've decided to step my game up. For starters, I have a 75 gallon tank rigged up to a 20 lb CO2 tank that I have to refill every 3-4 months. I live by a small hydroponics shop that refills my CO2 tank for $20. I don't know if $20 is cheap, but the store is close, convenient and gets the job done. I also attached a $40 solenoid to it so I could connect it to a timer. This setup has been AWESOME. Very simple, and 100% reliable. I just take my empty 20 lb tank to the store and get it filled and plug it back into the solenoid.
 
Because my 20lb CO2 tank setup has been so successful in my 75 gallon, I've decided to do something similar for my 5 gallon. While a 20lb CO2 tank is complete overkill - there are pretty good alternatives out there. I've looked at using the Fluval 20G CO2 kit and using Threaded CO2 Bike Tire Cartridges. The diffuser that comes with the Fluval system is huge and I would never use it. So basically I'm paying $30 for a regulator that can't even easily attach to a solenoid. Also those 16g bike tire cartridges seem small and wasteful. So your costs are $30 for the setup and ~$30 for the CO2 cartridges - which who knows how long those last. The main benefit to this setup is that it's super small. This seems like a good setup for sure and was very close to going for it, but I've decided to go with something else.
 
I'm buying a 24 oz Paintball CO2 tank ($25) , a CGA 320 Adapter (CGA 320 is the size of the standard CO2 tank threading) ($10), and a regular solenoid ($40). The prices seem reasonable except for that CGA 320 adapter piece. $10 for a piece of metal. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the same piece at Home Depot or Lowe's and I'm also lazy. So I'd rather pay the $10 then figure out how to jerry-rig my own. The adapter allows the threading of a Paintball tank to connect with the threading of a standard CO2 solenoid. Considering the Fluval setup is $60, I'd say this $75 paintball setup is worth it - especially since it now has a solenoid! The main difference is CO2 refill. Dick's Sporting Goods (also local for me) refills 24oz paintball CO2 tanks for $5 and every 5th fill is free. I think 24 oz will last me a long time anyway. In any case - I think the main obstacle whether it is using a 20lb CO2 tank or using a 24oz Paintball tank is where you're going to get that CO2 filled. You can search for a local Airgas or like a place that sells/refills Fire Extinguishers. Bars use CO2 as well for beer - but you don't need food grade CO2, that's just overpaying.
 
I know I went a little overboard, but this is all information that I've recently researched and figured I'd share it. I can't comment on the performance on the paintball tank setup just yet, but I assume it will work fine.
 
TL;DR DIY systems are cheap and good, but not 100% reliable/consistent and must be manually turned on/off/. You may or may not marry a woman named Skyler White during the process. Major costs are $15 for DIY rig, $15 for a 5lb bag of Citric Acid. I'd recommend using a 24oz Paintball CO2 tank because they can attach to a solenoid and are reliable and consistent. Major costs are $25 for a 24oz Paintball Tank, $10 for a CGA 320 Adapter, a $40 solenoid. $5 fill ups at Dick's Sporting Goods.
Here's a list of all the equipment for the tank. The paintball tank I bought from my local military surplus/paintball shop. Refills are $6. It's a pretty simple setup. I chose the inline diffuser to reduce clutter inside the tank. Plus, the co2 is absorbed into the water by the time it hits the tank. Here's a current (as of today) pic of 1 months growth http://i.imgur.com/KvyECwm.jpg
Im not sure but I know this when I was using CO2 thanks for my welding. I would keep paintball tanks for emergency so I got this [Interstate Pneumatics WRCO2-5A4 CO2 Paintball Tank CGA 320 Adapter])https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I2UMZ2Q/)ie=UTF8&psc=1
you will need something to push the center valve pin down to let the gas flow.
So maybe something like this Propane Refill Adapter For One Pound Tank only the reverse.
Note: I think it will suck that tank dry fast. I use a wagon to drag mine around.
found one its called Steak Saver Adapter 1 lb to 20 lb Propane Tank Adapter
My set-up:
U.P. Aqua Simple Regulator
http://www.amazon.com/U-P-Aqua-UA-148-Simple-Regulator/dp/B005VS1GD6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
Interstate Pneumatics WRCO2-5A4 CO2 Paintball Tank CGA 320 Adapter
http://www.amazon.com/Interstate-Pneumatics-WRCO2-5A4-Paintball-Adapter/dp/B00I2UMZ2Q?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
Empire Aluminum CO2 Paintball Tank
http://www.amazon.com/Pure-Energy-40020-Empire-20oz/dp/B0008G2WAW?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
You will need an Paintball adapter.