All kinds of algae: could use some advice

In the end, you will have to be ruthless getting the black and hairy fern leaves completely out and stop trying to salvage them. There were times when I did the bleach soak and so forth. On the occasional Anubias leaf I had some success, but by and large I was happier just excising the infestation altogether. Java fern leaves just don't come back - at least, they didn't for me. Cutting them off stimulates new ones coming in. Of course, you need to get on top of the problem to stop further infestation.

I too suspect that you will start having better results with a pressurized CO2 setup that gets good dispersion throughout the tank.

 

Hi,

If you look in the c02 forum there are several sticky threads put together by Left C and Matt (and others) that explain a lot and have resources.

Ebay may be a good bet for some of this to purchase used.

I was able to purchase c02 tanks from a shop that does fire extinguishers and c02 berr kegs and the like.

The biggest expense is the regulator and needle valve assembly.

 

Check where you live for gas supply stores where you can get CO2. This will be a beverage service/bar supplier or welder's/industrial gas supplier. Pricing per pound can vary widely, so it pays to look around. Here in metro Kansas City, a 5 pounder costs me $9 US. The first tank purchase will be more.

A combo regulator/bubble counter/needle valve/solenoid such as a Milwaukee MA957 or similar would be good start. This one is about as inexpensive as you will find that is of decent quality. It can be had on-line for under $100 US.

Then you need a diffusor. There are various methods, but an atomizer is probably the least expensive.

I assume you have a light timer - perfect for turning the gas off at night.

Others will probably have ideas to improve on the cash outlay, but you can get a system such as I have described here for well under the price of those packaged kits.

Good luck.

 

Hi vijn,

I'm in Montreal also. The majority of my 125g tank and equipment was built from stuff I got off kijiji. Over a year ago I bought my first single stage reg and 20 lb tank off kijiji for $175. You have to look every day and don't delay in calling the seller.

if you do get a single stage reg though you have to keep an eye on the high presure, when you see it go below 100 lbs you refill it. If you let it get too low you risk a tank dump. As some have already told you, get your co2 under control then fight the algae.

As some have already mentioned you can try a fire extinguisher place. I get my tanks filled at Global fire Extinguisher in Lachine. I never asked if the have used regs but they may.

Mike

 

If you want an example of what can be found on Ebay, search for Item number 230904654484. It is a victor dual stage CO2 regulator. You would need to add a metering valve, check valve and solenoid to it. You could use a cheapo "inline" bubble counter to save a few bucks.