CO2 for a beginner

[Suewi236]

Im thinking of adding CO2 to one of my tanks as it appears that a plant i have in it would benefit from it, encouraging it to develop more colour and characteristics. However after having a go with CO2 (i believe it was the simple JBL system in a plastic bottle) some years back i'm very cautious as that system caused the airstone to explode in the tank and killed most of the inhabitants (mainly cherry shrimp). So, i'm after advice for an effective system thats not mega expensive initially (if is shows effective results i'll then invest in something better) but is guaranteed safe for my tank as its mainly nano fish and shrimp - i dont want another exploding airstone with mass CO2 impact. Thanks in advance 🙂

 

[wearsbunnyslippers]

something like this is a good way to get into co2 without breaking the bank, and you really get a feel for how co2 impacts your tank



you can also buy refills of these cans, but they do not last long and are really not a long term solution, but lets you dip your toe into co2

 

[Marcel G]

something like this is a good way to get into co2 without breaking the bank, and you really get a feel for how co2 impacts your tank ...

I wouldn't recommend this "one-universal-CO2-bell-size-fits-all-aquariums" system to a beginner, because this passive method of CO2 application is only suitable for aquariums of a specific size. If your aquarium is larger, then this CO2 bell will create too low a CO2 concentration. Conversely, if your aquarium is smaller, then you will poison all the animals because the resulting CO2 concentration will be too high. The CO2 bell, if it is to achieve the desired CO2 concentration, must have a certain diameter => see my article where I try to explain this.