What do You Need and How to Set Up a Complete CO2 System for Aquarium

Do you want to set up a complete CO2 system for aquariums? CO2 is arguably one of the most vital elements in an excellent aquarium. It is essential for photosynthesis and respiration among these aquatic plants and even animals. 

Setting up a reliable CO2 system assures you of better returns in the long run. However, it would be first vital to understand how to set it up. Here are a few insights.

The Importance of CO2 in An Aquarium

Reliability should be the first criterion when building a CO2 system for an aquarium. This setup comes with multiple benefits, including the following.

Healthy Aquatic Animals

Everyone would love to have healthy fish in their aquarium. Regulated carbon dioxide is essential for the growth and development of fish. Insufficient or excessive CO2 could readily cause the untimely death of aquatic animals, as this gas is used in respiration. 

While inadequate gas suffocates fish, excessive CO2 increases the toxicity in water. Unless regulated, this gas affects pH balance. A CO2 setup helps minimize these effects.

Related Read: Signs of excessive CO2 in an aquarium.

Healthy Plants

Undoubtedly, you will not want your aquatic plants to die as soon as you build the aquarium. Usually, aquatic plants and animals co-exist. Fish produce carbon dioxide for plants, and the plants provide food for fish. 

Inadequate carbon dioxide could result in the yellowing and even death of aquatic plants. That also means there will be insufficient oxygen for fish to survive. With a CO2 system, it becomes a lot easier to avoid all these.

Eliminating Algae

Nothing could be as discomforting as the excessive growth of algae in your aquarium. Its threat to fish implies that you should eliminate it as soon as you can. 

It also contributes to excessive ammonia in the water. Fortunately, a CO2 system helps avoid this burden, as it minimizes the spread of this algae. Remember, algae thrive in water that is rich in CO2.

Essential Parts for A complete CO2 System for Aquarium

Undoubtedly, you will need a functional and sustainable CO2 system. All its essential parts need to be in top shape. The most critical elements you need to set up a complete CO2 system for aquariums often include the following.

1. CO2 Bottle

You could also refer to it as a CO2 cylinder. Depending on your objectives, you can choose any size, from a simple paintball tank to a 20-pound tank. 

A bigger cylinder implies that you do not have to refill it frequently. On the other hand, it is much easier to hide smaller bottles.

2. Regulator

A regulator is vital for keeping the level of CO2 in the aquarium in check. You could choose any regulator, whether simple or sophisticated, depending on your budget. 

However, ensure that you opt for a premium regulator. It must be made from top-notch material and a reputable brand. Most experts would suggest a regulator with a solenoid. 

It allows you to plug it in an outlet timer, providing you with enhanced control. 

3. Solenoid

A solenoid is a small, electronically-driven device attached to the setup’s regulator. It acts as an automation tool that disables the injection of carbon dioxide. 

This injection will be based on a specific timer. In brief, it ensures that your system is self-sufficient, balancing the inlet and outlet of carbon dioxide.

4. Bubble Counter

This tool helps determine how much CO2 is in the tank. For instance, a high rate of bubbles indicates that the level of CO2 in the aquarium is high. On the other hand, the slow motion of bubbles highlights less CO2 in the setup.

5. Diffuser

Diffusers come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose what befits your needs. Since it could be made from any material, it would be best to choose sturdy materials. Besides, check its ability to produce a fine mist.

Related Read: Best aquarium CO2 diffuser for planted tank

6. Check Valve

A check valve is an essential element when it comes to cushioning you against accidents. It ensures that water and electricity never get to mix. 

It has a nifty part that stops the water when it is siphoned back from the tank. It also ensures that the water does not get to the solenoid to damage it.

7. Tubing

A CO2-proof tubing will always be an excellent choice. It comes with a relatively robust structure, which can capably withstand high pressure without bursting. 

It also ensures that no gas leaks through any material. You could also consider airline tubing, which is a product of silicone. While this material is relatively reliable, it might not withstand as much pressure as its counterpart.

How to Set up An Aquarium CO2 System

Most likely, you want to set up your CO2 system within the shortest time. In this respect, you will have to follow these steps.

Step-1: Connect the Regulator to the Tank

The first step would be to ensure that the CO2 tank valve, precision knob, and regulator knob are closed. It would be best to use a pair of pliers to tighten these knobs. Next, fix your washer and tighten the regulator to the tank.

Step-2: Fill the Bubble Counter

This step requires you first to uncap the bubble counter and fill it with water. Once you fill it up to the timer, ensure that you screw the cap back on. You could also use some mineral oil in this pursuit.

Step-3: Fix the Diffuser

Ensure that you attach the proof tubing to the bubble counter’s top. The nut should be securely in place, as it helps prevent any leaks.

Step-4: Open the Valves

The next step would be to ensure that the regulator and tank valves are open. Turn the knob on the regulator until the working pressure reads between 20 and 30 psi, especially for in-tank ceramic diffusers. Conversely, the psi reading should be between 30 and 40 psi for in-line diffusers.

Step-5: Plugin the Solenoid

Take the time to plug your solenoid into the nearest wall outlet. You could also plug it into an On-Period timer. Now would also be the right time to synchronize the CO2 with your LED lights.

Opening the precision knob allows bubbles to enter the bubble counter. It would be best to adjust the knob until you can count individual bubbles. The best rate would be one bubble per second in a small aquarium. You can see the video instructions on how to set up CO2 system. 

Tips for Maintaining A CO2 System

Understanding how to maintain your CO2 setup helps improve its lifespan. You will also be sure of better growth and development of aquatic plants and animals. Some of the top tips to consider in this pursuit will include the following.

• Consider using a timer when releasing CO2, ensuring that you save on the gas. Preferably, let the gas go off at least one hour before lights out.
• Ensure that you start CO2 infusion approximately one or two hours before the LED lights go on. It makes sure that there is enough CO2 concentration at the start of the photoperiod.
• Ensure that you test your bubble counter from time to time.
• Be careful not to inject way too much carbon dioxide into the aquarium, which could affect the fish.
• Ensure that you check the level of CO2 in the setup before you introduce fish. This move helps you to avoid getting your animals sick as soon as you present them.

How To Measure CO2 Levels

One of the best ways to measure CO2 levels in an aquarium would be through drop checkers. These checkers sit in the aquarium, and they are filled with a pH reagent and water. The reagent, bromothymol blue, comes with test kits that measure a pH between 6.0 and 7.6.

As the CO2 reacts with the bromothymol blue reagent, the solution changes its color. The color changes from blue to yellow, where blue shows low CO2 and yellow highlights high CO2. Feel free to adjust the CO2 levels until there is a perfect balance.

The drop checkers method requires an interpretation chart, which could be relatively hard to read for some people.

Safe Levels of CO2 For Fish

The best CO2 level in an aquarium should be approximately 30 parts per million (30 ppm). This figure translates to 30 milligrams per liter. However, be careful about the toxicity levels in the water. 

As long as the toxicity threshold is relatively lower, it becomes easier for fish to survive in the setup.

Lower CO2 means that the fish will have inadequate oxygen for respiration. They will appear sluggish and even lose appetite. 

They might also start gasping or even end up losing consciousness, depending on the severity. Once you notice these changes, adjust the carbon dioxide level in the aquarium.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a complete CO2 system is one of the best decisions for your aquarium. It helps improve the condition of aquatic life and even boosts their growth and development. 

With the insights provided above, it is easy for you to set up and even maintain one such system. Feel free to try today!