Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)If you plan on having plants in your aquarium then injecting CO2 into your tank is highly recommended. Having a yeast-based CO2 system for me is the easiest, cheapest and safest way to go (as opposed to a canister-based system). When using a yeast-based system, like this Hagen one, it's impossible to overdose CO2 in your tank which is nice.
Remember, having 2-4 watts of "quality" fluorescent lighting per gallon (compact fluorescent fixtures seems to me to be the best choice) in your aquarium is even more important than adding CO2.
This off the shelf system should be sufficient for beginning aquarists who are starting out with plants (fish don't need extra CO2). While not as efficient or cheap as a DIY one, it does a decent job of putting a fair amount of CO2 in the tank for about 2 week periods at a time. People who also don't want to mix their own yeast mixture will find the packets more convenient (however less effective).
The Hagen diffuser (that dissolves the CO2 bubbles into the water) does a decent job. However, there is waste, meaning, CO2 bubbles escape to the surface before being dissolved. But you still will get a raise in the tank's CO2 level.
So, if you are new to CO2 systems and want something that is minimal investment ($35) and don't want to make your own system, then this is a no brainer system. I think you should get it and help your plants to thrive.
But if you want a cheaper, much more effective system, then do this: For 10-25 gallon tank, use one 2 liter soda bottle. For 25-50, use 2. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of bakers yeast in warm water and then let it sit for 5-10 min. Then dissolve 2 cups of sugar into filtered water and pour into soda bottle. Add the yeast. Drill a hole in the soda bottle cap and either glue an air line to run through it or buy a metal airline connector (like from Lowes or Home Depot) and glue it (using Goop) into the cap. After you have the air line running out from the soda bottle (if you have two then connect them using a T brass connector), run it into your aquarium and dissolve the CO2 using a diffuser (like this Hagen one, howbeit not efficient), an air stone (also not efficient) or into a small pop bottle that a Rio Power Head is forcing water into to completely dissolve the CO2 bubbles. You can search around and find photos on how this is done.
After all of my trial and errors, the above method using soda bottles with a metal airline connector in the cap (glued in with goop) and a Rio Power head is the best, cheapest and most effective system for pumping CO2 into your tank.
If you are purchasing this Hagen system, just remember that for every 20 gallons of water you have in your aquarium, you need to set up another Hagen canister. So for a 40 gallon tank, buy 2 of these. But remember, you will get a nice rise in CO2 levels but not near the level you would using a forced water reactor using a Power head. There are two parts to a CO2 system: the amount and quality of CO2 bubbles being produced and then also the amount those CO2 bubbles are being diffused into the aquarium water. The best is having the bubbles completely disappear into the water. Then you know there is no waste to your CO2 production.
To find out how much CO2 is effectively being dissolved into your tank, search online for the CO2 measurement calculator. This is measured by the ratio of KH and PH in your tank (as long as you haven't used PH buffers).
Hope this helps you in making a valued purchase.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
NutraFin CO2 Natural Plant SystemNutraFin CO2 Natural Plant SystemRelease the natural beauty of your planted aquarium with NutraFin CO2 Natural Plant System! CO2 diffusion, through natural fermentation, results in a dramatic difference in plant growth, condition and color. As a result, water quality is enhanced, benefiting fish condition and health. See dramatic results in just 15-20 days. The process lasts up to 30 days and is fast and simple to restart. Just rinse fermentation canister, add one activator packet, one stabilizer packet, some sugar and water, and it's ready to go.Kit includes:Patented CO2 Bubble Counter/Diffuser with a longer travel path & efficient CO2 diffusionFermentation canister with thermoregulation system and patented pressure release safety cover3 activator packets & 3 stabilizer packets (up to a 3 month supply), refills sold separately1 fl. oz. bonus bottle of NutraFin Plant Gro to promote vigorous growth and vibrant colors
Get 33% OFF
Click here for more information about NutraFin CO2 Natural Plant System
