S.C.V. Aquascaping Ideas: Pro CO2 Fertilization Kit for Large Aquariums

This is a kit comprised of components gathered after the experience gained from various planted aquarium installations, based on efficiency and minimized maintenance.

The CO2 Kit Contents

5 Kg CO2 Refillable Cylinder

Although heavier and larger a 5 kg cylinder permits large doses of CO2 bubbles if needed without fear of running out as with a 500 gr bottle, while it allows for ample time between refills.

The high pressure CO2 cylinder has to pass certification tests in specific time periods which may require replacement of the high pressure valve for safety.

CO2 Cylinder High Pressure Valve

RedSea Pressure Regulator with Solenoid Valve and Needle Valve

Read Sea pressure regulator is made in USA with strict specs. Features multiple attachment options and allows for fine adjustment of external low pressure according to the installation needs. Longer hose lengths, multiple check valves, deeper aquarium tanks, all require adjustment as the low pressure is maintained at same level.
The specific model comes with a high quality / low power integral solenoid valve and a separate high precision needle valve for output adjustment.

Red Sea CO2 pressure regulator w/ solenoid & needle valves

Red Sea high pressure gauge shows CO2 cylinder internal pressure.

Red Sea low pressure gauge shows CO2 working output pressure

High quality Solenoid valve made in Germany with Low power consumption and low heat emission.

The wisely separated needle valve, permits its placement according to user needs, either close to the CO2 cylinder or close to the bubble counter or CO2 reactor for better handling.

Red Sea high precision Needle valve allows for minute bubble adjustment.

Red Sea CO2 regulator with needle valve connected with short hose.

Attachment Options

The Red Sea CO2 regulator can either be attached on 500gr disposable CO2 bottles, or via the included adapter on refillable CO2 cylinders.

Red Sea CO2 regulator attachment threads

Red Sea CO2 regulator attachment thread and adapter

Red Sea CO2 regulator disposable bottle thread

Red Sea CO2 regulator adapter is attached and tightened via hex spanner

Attachment to Refillable CO2 Cylinder

Attachment to a high pressure refillable cylinder requires an insulating gasket preferably made of Teflon.

Red Sea CO2 regulator Teflon gasket angled

Red Sea CO2 regulator mounted on 5kg Cylinder

Red Sea CO2 regulator with needle valve mounted on 5kg CO2 Cylinder

JBL CO2 Check Valve

Most low priced non-return aka check valves are made for use with air pumps. Only a few European companies produce special specification check valves made of plastic non eroded and non penetrable by CO2. One of them is JBL.

JBL CO2 Check valve made non CO2 penetrable plastic

JBL Bubble Count

Furthe JBL has innovative products intended for CO2 use. The JBL bubble counter is clear, with a magnification glass area opposite to the bubble output, while it has multiple mounting options either with suction caps on the aquarium glass or hanged by screws on the aquarium cabinet.

JBL CO2 Bubble Count suction caps can be removed and the unit can be hanged from two screws on the aquarium cabinet. (Screws are included, see manual below)

JBL Vario / Taifun CO2 Reactor and Extension

JBL's CO2 reactor is one of the best passive reactors that do not require an extra pump do dissolve CO2. It comes as 10 ring basic unit with an extra 5 ring extension. The extension is preferable when the GH is high in your aquarium or when a not strong enough current passes by the reactor. The extra path for the CO2 bubbles lets them dissolve better. It also serves for larger aquariums that need more CO2 bubbles i.e. 120 b/min and above.

JBL CO2 reactor Vario basic unit with 10 disks and 5 disks extension.

JBL CO2 reactor Vario with Extension attached

JBL CO2 reactor Vario extended with CO2 hose attached

JBL CO2 reactor Vario extended showing CO2 hose attachment method on last ring.

JBL CO2 reactor Vario extended with CO2 hose & valve

JBL CO2 reactor Vario extended with CO2 hose and CO2 check valve attached.

The JBL Vario can be used as a bubble counter, but when hidden behind plants an extra bubble counter is required.

JBL Permanent Test CO2 Plus PH

JBL has a more advanced CO2 indicator than most competitors. This is also based in osmosis and color change to indicate the CO2 level in your aquarium but has specific grades for the CO2 content according the PH levels since it is relevant to the KH.