EASY DIY CO2 for aquarium? Baking Soda + Citric Acid CO2 Generator step by step

[@AquascapingCube]

I think that this system will be my favourite for a long time 😁. Any other suggestions? Ideas?

[@6AlphaMikeCharlie9]

Do you make your own refill ingredients when the one that came with the kit is used up?

[@AquascapingCube]

Yes. I have 2 of those systems and later just use citric acid and baking soda.

[@mancfox]

Great video - really good explanation of all the parts and guide on how to set it up. As an alternative to the dissolvable bags, instead of adding water you can add ice which will slow down the reaction so you dont have to rush screwing the cap back on and also maximise the amount of co2.

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! And good tip with the ice!

[@PeetHobby]

Great informative video! 👍 Maybe interesting to know(?): 4:59 Those bags are made of PVA, the same PVA as the glue. 😁 You can buy these bags online and fill them with citric acid or baking soda. Just put one ingredient in a bag and add it last. You can add water and the first ingredient as powder, so there's no need to bag both.

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you! And yes - it's a great tip! Thank you!

[@Nelson-we6mm]

That was my question and you wrote the answer👍🏾 can you please paste the link of those plastic bags. Thank you, salute from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@AquaTerraObsession]

Very helpful and well-done video. Thank you!

[@AquascapingCube]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nelson-we6mm]

Im will start my co2 in few weeks. Now that i saw your video, im more interesting on buying that cylinder. Thanks for your time and a really good explained video. Regards from Sweden 🇸🇪

[@jstorey8905]

You are an amazing guy this was the most informative video ive ever watched regarding CO2 so thanks so much buddy!

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@goochma]

I've been using a similar setup for three years now and absolutely love it. But lately, I've noticed the price of citric acid and baking soda has gone up quite a bit. None the less they are really nice setups for adding CO2 to your planted aquarium.

[@rhondafitzpatrick1646]

you always have such useful information!😊

[@AquascapingCube]

Glad you think so!

[@aravisish]

Very well made video. Lots of information, thank you!

[@AquascapingCube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamthefed]

Good summary of that system. Also the narrator definitely sounds like a calm Dr. Nick Riviera

[@AquascapingCube]

Haha Thanks :)

[@FlickzZTutorials]

Hi, what if I cannot purchase the refill bag? Can I make the solution, If yes what are the ratios? I also have an idea to use PVA bags (used in fishing) for the baking soda, to delay the reaction.

[@AquascapingCube]

No problem. You can definetally just use: 300g citric acid + 300g baking soda + 400ml of water :)

[@MissBuilderBear]

@@AquascapingCube Would it be safe to use dissolvable PVA bags (used in fishing) ,just like the concept where for the baking soda reaction is then delayed enough to get the lid on without panicking at the instant reaction & possibly threading the screwdpwn ? The PVA wont affect the chemical makeup of the co2 at all? Thankyou for such an informative video. Please canb u make another with even more details & specifics covered pls/?

[@asier2001]

An anti-return valve could be useful just in case... regards

[@AquascapingCube]

True, good point! Thanks for the comment!

[@onemanlapse9279]

I think bubble counter is also return valve

[@missinmtl]

This is the video on CO2 I've been looking for! Thank you!

[@AquascapingCube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PaulZyCZ]

7:00 - I'd recommend digital timer socket instead. I don't know if there's the same issue with the Smart socket, but I have Magic Pro on my aquarium lights and sometimes they stay on whole night. No big deal with lights (if it happens once in a while), but CO_2... Also I work in IT, so I'm very careful with adapting "smart" solutions.

[@PaulZyCZ]

Other than that I will probably use pressured CO_2 set (also Invital), if I use CO_2 injections again. The biggest hassle is to check the bubbles few times a day, second is to wake up early once a quarter to have the bottle filled. I also suspect the needle valve is faulty. Another option for small tanks is set based on Sodastream pressured bottle. Large supermarkets often refill those (no need to wake up early and go to extinguisher shop).

[@AquascapingCube]

I have everything automated with those smart sockets and never had any issue. All working exactly as programmend. But I have to agree with "smart" solutions - security is an issue more often than people think (I also work in IT :)

[@AquascapingCube]

Really? Why do you have to check it so often? Once I setup my bubbles - it works great, no problem. I have 2 pressure systems (2 and 5L), both working great but filling them is a problem for me. And with baking soda and citric acid - I can get 5 kg of both for 20 Euro. And it will be enough for YEARS of CO2. I always change them in the evening when pressure is very low, so next day in the morning is ready to go. I just adjust the flow and that is it for next 3 months. Never tested this sodastream approach, so don't have any experience.

[@PaulZyCZ]

​@@AquascapingCube Maybe it's the needle valve, maybe something else. I had the bottle on side. I'd set the set with some ammount of bubbles in the counter (which isn't instant process), but it wouldn't stay the same over time. So I'd need to control the counter half an hour after the set started and another check would be several hours later. Even so, I had few accidents, even with some dead fish.

[@JPineda24]

Can you split this for multiple tanks?

[@akvaristugur9479]

Nice work my friend

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gallardo20000]

Hi, does the needle valve need to be opened more as the pressure gradually drops? I have a double gauge version of this one so I was wondering about the single gauge version you have in the video here? Thanks!

[@AquascapingCube]

Hi. No I just have to make small adjustments only when it's close to empty. But it works fine during first weeks (6-8) without any changes.

[@yinoki]

Super sprawa, pytanie gdzie można znaleźć ten magiczny timer nie zajmujący połowy przedłużacza?! :O

[@AquascapingCube]

To jest GOSUND SP111. Super rzecz, bo faktycznie zajmuje malo miejsca. Sa na allegro, ale ja kupowalem na promocji w MediaExpert. Mam ich chyba 12, bo steruja u mnie 10 akwariami (swiatlo, CO2). Nigdy mnie nie zawiodly.

[@microcox]

Loved the video, just discovering your channel. The presentation was very thorough and clear. I just missed a point on co2 stability over time, and how easy it is to finely tune up (is the needle valve good).

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I would say that stability is ok. Maybe not perfect, but good enough not to worry. Needle valve is not on the same level as those from high-pressure systems, but is good enough. I get more precision from camozzi valves, but after some experience this one is also OK.

[@ratnadeepdhar4816]

Nice watching myself from India keep posting new video. Regards 🙏

[@AquascapingCube]

So nice of you! Thanks and all the best!

[@letsgonow5641]

At what point when its running low do you replace it. Do you wait till the pressure reads Zero? Is it safe to open before it gets to Zero pressure ?

[@AquascapingCube]

At the very end I remove diffuser from the tank and place it in the glass with water. I open it to almost full and this way I can see when it's really empty. Don't open the canister earlier - it might get dirty ;)

[@letsgonow5641]

@@AquascapingCube Thanks

[@Nripenbajracharya]

Do you need to adjust the needle valve as the pressure goes down? How stable is the bubble count ?

[@AquascapingCube]

It's quite stable. Overall it runs very well for 5-6 weeks, and then I sometimes adjust it very slightly (not always).

[@Nripenbajracharya]

@@AquascapingCube ok thanks

[@lukaszef6089]

Excellent summary!

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you kindly!

[@fandy.shadenio]

How about maintenance of co² sistem?

[@AquascapingCube]

It's very easy. Just simple clean up with water after it's empty and that is it! Refill and repeat :)

[@eduardocalderon4935]

Where did you get the diffuser if you don’t mind me asking

[@AquascapingCube]

I got it on Amazon. It's something like this: a.co/d/cTiuH8h

[@_bleufort_4715]

compared to yeast + sugar CO2 system, which one is more effective?

[@AquascapingCube]

In my observations is this one (Soda+Citric Acid). I get much better results and it lasts much longer.

[@matt_mega]

@@AquascapingCube Is it possible to use this system with yeast and sugar? Thanks!

[@puspagurung9735]

Can i use like lemon or liquid citric acids for it i live in remote location in canada and checked most of the stores they don’t have critic acid

[@AquascapingCube]

I don't think that it will work efficiently. And to be honest I have no idea what ratio you would have to use. People are not doing this in general :/ Any way to buy it on-line and have delivered? BTW: I love Canada :P Traveling across Canada one of my life goals :)

[@daijoubu4529]

​@@AquascapingCubeif it's in Northern Canada, it is VERY expensive there even for common household items, but I would bulk buy citric acid powder, probably cheaper in the long run than buying vinegar or lime/lemons (concentrate)

[@Transportsakinc]

Can we use dry ice in it?

[@dpopz22]

The co2 killed my fish, I have a co2 tester it never changed green or yellow and still killed my fish. I'm to worried to use co2 now? Any thoughts?

[@gulag8040]

The co2 fluid often takes time to adjust to any co2 changes. If you opened a lot of it, it may have affected your fish before the co2 indicator even changes. Can't tell much without knowing more tho

[@gulag8040]

It usually takes anywhere from 4 to 5 hours and is recommended to add it slowly at first until you find your perfect spot Even more if you never used it before And also try to add fish after you find the perfect amount to add as it may or may not require small changes only to the co2 to perfect it

[@gulag8040]

Another thing is test for any other causes that may have killed the fish like ph,temperature, nitrate, ammonia etc

[@gulag8040]

Yet another thing I'm not a professional, and you should not take my advice as such. It is based on my personal knowledge and is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered professional or legal advice. I cannot be held legally accountable for any actions you take based on this information

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you, very good comments and responses. Agreed 100%. Drop checkers react slowly. There is a slow chemical reaction happening, so they need time to change colors.

[@waynejackson6199]

Can you double the size ingredients to make it go longer?

[@AquascapingCube]

No, I don't think so. Pressure would be to big and I don't think it would physically fit in there. And you would probably clog the filter at the top of the container.

[@bobjones9825]

Hi I am wanting to get this but I do not want to buy the refill packs maybe. If I wanted to measure out my own amounts of citric acid and baking soda how much of each per the 300 of water you put in? Thank you

[@bobjones9825]

I found your reply in the other comments thanks tho where can I find this exact unit? I’m in the USA

[@AquascapingCube]

I don't think you can get it in US :/ The closest replacement would be ARKA or FZone from Amazon

[@seejus6131]

How much liter is this cylinder. Also after fitting the bubble counter what is the total height as i want to know whether it fits my cabin

[@daijoubu4529]

It's available in 1L, 2L and I believe 4L tanks

[@seejus6131]

@@daijoubu4529so what is the total height including bubble counter means adtrr fitting bubble counter

[@daijoubu4529]

@@seejus6131 1L bottle 350mm, 2L 500mm, X series from ZRDR with the solenoid attached, just received my 1L bottle, it's so cute haha

[@iSpecious]

Is it not going to explode when off? Where do co2 goes when it is off?

[@AquascapingCube]

It won’t. It’s a pressure system. CO2 will stay inside until it’s used. This is designed to handle it.

[@iSpecious]

@@AquascapingCube oh! I see. Thanks a lot!

[@daijoubu4529]

Just make sure you buy the stainless bottle, I think there's also a lightweight aluminum, which is not as strong

[@iSpecious]

@@daijoubu4529 thanks!

[@daijoubu4529]

@@iSpecious and do not increase the baking soda amount, you can use less citric acid (1.3x more baking soda), if you increase it, it will also increase the pressure)

[@asifali007]

intial cost may be less than pressurized co2 system but the cost of raw meterials is much higher than pressurized co2 system refillling

[@AquascapingCube]

Not even close. I can get 5kg of both Baking soda and Citric Acid for 20 Euro. That is 25 refills, so at least 4 years! I have 2 pressurized systems and they are both costing me more to refill in the long run :)

[@capt.nothing1192]

will it plug into a standard electrical outlet in the U.S. ac 115/120?

[@AquascapingCube]

No, I don't think so. You would need something dedicated for US standards.

[@keyss78]

You can buy a 115/120V solenoid for about $5, easy to swap it over.

[@daijoubu4529]

Sellers usually offer you location specific adapter

[@johnlin31]

Can you use the sugar and yeast in this unit?

[@AquascapingCube]

I wouldn't do that. Yeast is "dirty" and will clog the filtration in the canister, so I don't think this is going to work.

[@stoneysscapes7544]

Great video and I have a question , what is the best water to use ?

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you! I always use regular tap water - never had any problems with it :)

[@JamesNithasWorld]

Thank you. Well explained.

[@AquascapingCube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daijoubu4529]

I think some people just use ice to slow down the initial reaction, I'll give it a go, otherwise PVA wrapper it is.

[@railfe_]

Can you please share where you got it?

[@AquascapingCube]

I got it from Czech store: www.rostlinna-akvaria.cz/

[@marchean83]

For DIY utilizing soda and citric acid I can also recommend CO2 generator by Ziss.

[@Iron-cesc]

As always a super video with a lot of useful information and many good tips and answers! Congratulations!. In fact, I am currently considering the possibility of purchasing an exactly the same system for a new 240 liter aquarium that I bought a couple of days ago. The CO2 system is the same, but I found it here in Germany marketed by the Arka Brand... and much more expensive.... which after watching your video I don't quite understand why the Arka system costs more than double, since the system is identical... it is exactly the same. I have JBL and Dennerle CO2 systems in my aquariums, all of them with disposable CO2 bottles, since where I live it is very difficult if not impossible to find a place to refill reusable CO2 bottles. In this system of your video I see many advantages for me in addition to easy use, and much more economical than single-use CO2 bottles, but there is something that makes me doubt... I think that according to Arka's instructions for use, after each use when the CO2 runs out, before refilling the bottle again, you have to clean the bottle and wait until it is completely dry to refill it. And obviously wait around 24 hours for the new charge to react and the pressure to be at its maximum performance again to be able to use it... So, I wonder if it is necessary to have 2 bottles and always have one ready since otherwise every time I have to refill the bottle, my aquarium will be around a little more than 24 hours without a CO2 supply... I imagine this maybe It does not affect the plants much... but I am concerned about these changes, for example for my dwarf cichlids that are very sensitive to fluctuations in Ph... what advice would you give me or what is your experience with that? Thank you in advance, A hug from Germany, and have a very nice weekend.

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you for as always great comment :) ARKA comes in 2 sizes. And in your case I would definitely go for the bigger one (3,7L), because you have a big tank there. DON'T buy 2.4L option - it will be to small for you. Regarding price - yes it is high, but it also includes more stuff as standard. I would not buy 2 sets from the start. I would test one and see if you are happy with it. You can always buy another one later. For 240L you only have two options: big ARKA or Pressure System. Other options don't have much sense. All the best and good luck with your new project!

[@jijuk7916]

Do you have any online purchase link for the same?

[@AquascapingCube]

I bought it here: www.rostlinna-akvaria.cz/eshop/co2-sety/invital-co2-generator-start-s-nocnim-vypinanim But they are not delivering to a lot of countries.

[@peterweber79]

I have access to dry ice, easy to refill and saves you the mess. the amount dry ice must be calculated and weighed, but it is not difficult to do.

[@ikanpari24]

when i set it to one bubble per second usually it lasts one month. how about yours?

[@AquascapingCube]

Much longer. 2 months easily even with 2 bubbles per second. Usually getting 3 months with 1 bubble with no problem. Are you switching it off at night?

[@RuzzP]

​@@AquascapingCube which size do you have? I figured it would last a week or 2, thats impressive

[@AquascapingCube]

@@RuzzP I have 2L canister. Since I wrote this comment 1 month ago - it's still running and not even close to be empty :)

[@Babyluthi]

I am glad this came up. I have been thinking of getting one of these for a while now. Can the solenoid wear out?

[@AquascapingCube]

Yes, I think that it can wear out (I'm not an expert here). But it's not very frequent problem and it would take some time. Never happened to me so far.

[@daijoubu4529]

I think there are 2 kinds of solenoid you can buy, the cheaper one needs to be energized to stay open, another kind is latching and may last longer

[@Babyluthi]

@@AquascapingCube thanks🙂

[@Babyluthi]

Thanks🙂

[@ndrbslh]

I notice this system have no safety pressure valve, is it safe?

[@AquascapingCube]

There is a safety pressure valve at the back of the reductor (i hope that what it is :P). Also it was mentioned in the manual, not to remove safety valve so I guess it is there :)

[@ОлегГусельников-в9г]

Пользуюсь такой системой, водном аквариуме балон 1литр во втором 2 литра. Отличная система, Привет из 🇷🇺

[@AquascapingCube]

Cool! Thank you! All the best!

[@C-tip]

Nice Video

[@AquascapingCube]

Thanks!

[@milosmilosavljevic7587]

Hi, great video 👍 can this generator produce enough co2 in 150 litres aquarium?

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you! Yes, it will work, but I think you will have to re-fill it to often. Unless you really not going to use more that 2bubbles/sec.

[@reaper22387]

What is the American version of this equipment?

[@AquascapingCube]

I think that Fzone CO2 Generator Kit should be available in US. It's very similar.

[@AnhTran-qc6ij]

Many thanks for your content in advanced ♥♥♥. Then I have a question for you, how many citric acid and banking soda with 300ml water? I'm looking forward to your response ♥💌

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you! I would go for 200g soda + 200g citric acid + 300ml water

[@robarazzi1]

What is the ratio of citric acid to baking soda please?

[@AquascapingCube]

For me it works very well with ratio of: 300g citric acid + 300g baking soda + 400ml of water

[@daijoubu4529]

​@@AquascapingCubethis is specific to that CO2 tank size however!

[@onemanlapse9279]

Very nice video! Just one question what is the quantities of b sod aan c acid if you want to refill?

[@AquascapingCube]

Thank you! For me it works very well with ratio of: 300g citric acid + 300g baking soda + 400ml of water

[@rudybriskar5267]

I have the FZone system. 2:30

[@dudusiagata3117]

Witam serdecznie dziękuję za pokazanie sam nie stosuje pozdrawiam z Polski miłego wieczoru życzę

[@AquascapingCube]

Dziękuję i pozdrawiam. Wszystkiego dobrego!

[@sleepytASMR]

If you're buying your own baking soda + citric acid from the shop, how much do you know to use?

[@AquascapingCube]

I usually go for 300g citric acid + 300g baking soda + 400ml of water

[@NL-2024]

Again not mentioned how much that both ingredients are to be taken for one setup

[@daijoubu4529]

Invital lol they ripped off the look of Fluval

[@LilMissMurder3409]

There is nothing easy or cheap about this method. Apart from the fact that you periodically need to dispose of the sodium citrate byproduct that the reaction creates, you only generate 3.45kg of CO2 for every 5kg of anhydrous citric acid (which of course requires an additional 6.5kg of sodium bicarbonate for a 1:1 stochiometry). You would need to buy the two compounds in industrial quantities (and I'm talking hundreds of lbs of product) to even _start_ competing with a 3L C02 refill from a brewers' supplier in terms of price. You need the regulator and check valve anyway so just buy a C02 cylinder and be done with it. Add in a solenoid if you want to set it and forget it.

[@christianldk9022]

So in long term this is not cheaper?

[@rajdeeppathak6118]

Safe? Who asks such a question? If a plastic soda bottle full of CO2 is safe then a steel cylinder is a million times safer.