DIY CO2 Reactor in a 30 Gallon Planted Aquarium

I started this aquarium in March of 2011 initially I had plastic plants. I soon learned about T5HO lighting, installed a fixture and switched to a planted aquarium. I then decided to try DIY CO2 and I am pleased with the results. Excellent plant growth as compared to lighting alone. I am using an ocean spray bottle, a checkvalve, a mini bubble counter and ceramic disc diffuser from ebay seller hi-etech http://stores.ebay.com/eTech-Digital-World?_trksid=p4340.l2563.
I was concerned that the pressure wouldn't be strong enough for the ceramic disc diffuser but it works just fine, the key is to make sure the hole in bottle cap is slightly smaller than the tubing. Cut the tubing on an angle and pull through the cap with needle nose pliers. Seal around the outside with clear silicone and you will be good to go. Also I feel using the commercially made bubble counter also reduces the chances of pressure leaks. Also I have the diffuser placed below my filter outlet so that as the bubbles rise they get pushed back down and blown around which should improve the diffusion as opposed to letting them rise to the surface.
I use the recipe here
http://iaquariums.weebly.com/co2-generator.html
and it works very well, I have good bubbles for 14+ days. I find water temp is important, too hot and the yeast will die. Lukewarm (80-88 degrees F) water should be used.
The tank is a 30 gallon and the plants are: Corkscrew Val, Java Moss and Java Fern, Najas(Guppy Grass), Hornwort, Banana plant, Water Sprite, Dwarf Water Lettuce and Anubias Nana.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Aquarium
• DIY CO2