Aquarium Products Carbo-plus CO2 System

Carbo Plus

Very difficult to justify the expense compared to tanked C02.

I was also not crazy about the low voltage electrolytic process in my systems. Low or not I thought the current was significant enough to agitate mucous membranes on fish. If anyone doubts that, they can purchase a 10 pack of 9V batteries and lick them till they're out of juice. If your tongue still fits in your mouth go apologize to the fish !

At an average cost of $40.00 per replacement block you can purchase quite a bit of Co2... never mind the fact that the product is a retail oddity that commands a premium price.

The product does in fact work as stated unless of course your system is grounded then you may have a problem !

I believe the Elite electrolytic units commonly sell on ebay for around $50.00 HTH. Prof M

 

I have used the Carbo-plus unit and it was amazing, but - as someone has pointed out, it is hard to justify the cost (BTW, I have one forsale.. . I paid approx CDN225.00 for mine, and after one year, I needed to replace the entire block - this is normal, but it isn't cheap.

Some other CONS to this system:

* mineral deposits - after running, the unit develops a scaling deposit all over the block, reducing the effectiveness of the unit. You must mechanically remove the deposits, which is both messy, and time consuming.

* freshwater use only - you can't run Carboplus in a marine environment, as the reaction will break down the salt, and produce chlorine. I imagine it would corrode considerably faster too.

* unsightly - the unit itself consists of the stainless steel/carbon sandwich, which is about 6" long and 3" wide by an inch thick. I've successfully hidden it behind rock formations, but it can be harder to hide this shiny thing in a planted tank with no rocks.

That said, it was easy to control, and quick to setup, and the fine CO2 mist it produces was superb.


Once I sell mine, I'll move over to CO2 in a cylinder...

RAS

 

Sacrificial Carbon...

As Richard pointed out it did produce a very fine stream of bubbles, (I cannot however say that it was any more efficient than a good ceramic diffuser) but it was certainly more maintenance prone ! and In my experience both the mineralization of the block, and subsequent mineralization around the tank seemed excessive.

This is also where I first discovered that the electrolytic process could also extend to the carbon bearings in certain pumps causing them to errode, ovalize, and slop out.

For a product that commands a premium price the Maintenance, and Long Term Performance were a Deal Breaker !!! Too bad really as it was a clever design/concept. I only wish someone would invest as much effort into a more efficient diffuser, or distribution system. I have yet to discover a system that was even the least more efficient than Tom's original DIY reactor. Perhaps the occassional modification/Improvement but nothing earth shattering to date ??? Lord Knows I tried...

If you do eventually decide to go with tanked Co2, do yourself a favor and search this sight for preferred products ! The more economical units can be somewhat tedious for what amounts to a very modest savings( If any at all ?). They are a good value, but some folks might enjoy a more articulate or reliable level of adjustment. Lots of people throw up their hands and purchase a complete system trying to streamline the process. This is no guarantee whatsoever that the system will function as represented !!! The more time you take to educate yourself in the process, and adjustment...The Greater Success you will enjoy. Plenty of folks out their with outstanding equipment for sale only because "They" can't make it work, or fathom the process. HTH. Prof M

 

Whoa...That's Coyote Ugly !!!

I don't mean to be cruel, but that is Totally Heinous ! I'd wrap that sucker in a string of garlic, and a silver cross, and bury it on the next full moon !!! Scientifically Speaking of Course

 

I was trying to decide about a tanked Co2, and I feel after reading everything that this is the best option.

Sure am going to search the forum for recommendations and do more reading and research before chosing the something that would be best for my needs and abilities.