DIY Co2 Generator vs Pressurized Co2 | Which is CHEAPER?

[@PuffPuff1911]

The home economics of fish keeping. 😂 💯 Definitely agree with you in this video. I went through the same process. Started off with various DIY co2 systems. Then storing the raw materials started to become a problem because I was buying in bulk. Maintaining the systems, cleaning out the canisters.. everything about the DIY became a chore. Switched to compressed liquid co2. And now running 2 x 5lb and a 10lb. Much easier to maintain and easier to distribute to multiple tanks from one tank. Excellent practical review. We pay about 60 cents USD per pound to refill co2 down here in Trinidad.

[@ssaquascapes]

It’s great to get another perspective from Trinidad! Good to see the ideology is similar. I do wish we had your refill prices though! 😛🤣

[@PuffPuff1911]

@ssaquascapes the cost of a 5lb bottle ranges from $220 to $250 USD. So we pay our premiums upfront lol

[@ssaquascapes]

Ah. So in the end it balances out. 👍🏻

[@HopeB555]

I run 4 diy generator systems and soon to be two liquid systems. Refills on my 5lb system is like $35 for me but I drive almost 90 miles round trip to get it refilled. 💀 I really like my diy systems and they were a great intro to CO2 without the larger startup costs of a liquid system. But liquid is definitely less hassle in the long run.

[@ssaquascapes]

I agree wholeheartedly. Liquid co2 is just less hassle in the long run for me too.

[@OVHabitats]

As usual, you have given us content that matters. That being said, I added my time as a cost and that drastically changes the numbers in favor of the liquid CO2. Needless to say I am finally going to pull the trigger and get a pressurized system. Thanks for the info!!!

[@ssaquascapes]

Thank you for the compliment and glad my video helped you decide. You won’t regret liquid co2 in my opinion. Set it and forget it (smart timer).

[@DavidsAquascapes]

Thanks for such a detailed comparison! I am processing both now, so the timing was perfect!

[@ssaquascapes]

Awesome! Glad the video reached you at the best time! 🤘

[@vassetz]

Congratulations on the wonderful episode! Thanks to the previous videos on the topic, I chose the ZRDR system for my aquariums, and I’m very happy with the results I’m achieving with it! Thank you once again, and I wish the channel lots of success!

[@ssaquascapes]

Thank you very much. Nothing wrong with using the ZRDR system. The number show they are very close in cost. So, use the one you like best! 🤘

[@robertoperezjr.1119]

Nice. Saving $8.76 as well as the time per refill of the DIY.

[@ssaquascapes]

For me, the time and hassle saved using liquid co2 is the deciding factor. 🤘

[@nathanhoveyaquatics]

Paused, I actually like the diy citric acid baking soda system. I have the ZRDR 2 liter kit and so far it's been great. I but baking soda in 10 pound bags n citric acid in 2 pound bags and get 3/4 rounds for a 40 breeder fully planted tank. Love the video as always man 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ssaquascapes]

Thank you much! The numbers at the end may surprise ya! 🤘

[@nathanhoveyaquatics]

@ssaquascapes yes you lost me so I'll have to re watch that part 3 or 4 times lol. I'm not a numbers guy..

[@nathanhoveyaquatics]

So I get about 2/2.5 weeks out of 1 mix and I always mix the new at night that way by time it kicks in it's been at least 8 hrs. (Normally 10 though) I actually mixed it while watching this video 👍🏼

[@ssaquascapes]

The 2L system will be slightly less efficient raising the yearly cost. But like I mentioned in the video, the numbers are so close that I think you should use the one you like more. 🤘

[@nathanhoveyaquatics]

@ssaquascapes I got it at a club meeting auction for $40 n it was complet so that's win #1 win #2 it got me in the door to co2 and #3 is it let me know I actually like co2 injection without spending a bunch up front. Only con is the constant mixing needed but like you said if ya enjoy it do it..

[@IAMAREALOSPREY]

Your refill cost is extortionate, I am charged just under $23 post tax per refill of 5 pound bottle. I also bought my CO2 tanks already full from offerup for less than $60 a piece, though I did have to spend quite a while waiting and negotiating to get that price point. The reasons I use liquid CO2 are the exact same as you, the relative monthly savings are a bonus but not needing to worry about monthly refills is great. Excellent comparison.

[@ssaquascapes]

Thank you. Living in a tourist area of Florida, everything is more costly here. I was glad to see the numbers though to solidify my decision to use liquid co2. 🤘

[@donzones1367]

Great job on sticking with it to complete a thorough comparison. I bought the ZRDR 4L system early 2024 after you did a video on them some time earlier and have been very satisfied with the performance. My one question though is I am running my 4L in a 20 gal. tank at 4 bubbles per 3 seconds and my 4L tank lasts for 6 mos. where you said yours last for one month. Aside from that, I really enjoy your videos.

[@ssaquascapes]

Thank you for the compliment. I was running my system at 3 bubbles per 1 second. A fast rate. The difference between liquid co2 and the DIY is that the ZRDR makes 400psi ONCE and then you deplete that pressure. A liquid co2 bottle will keep evaporating inside the bottle and maintain the 750psi for much much longer. However, since the cost comparison for me was similar, use the one you enjoy with no worries! 🤘

[@travisdeshotel8894]

Great breakdown! Thanks for the length of time this took.

[@ssaquascapes]

Thank you! I didn’t expect the liquid co2 to last that long but I was pleasantly surprised; even though I couldn’t finish the video for a year. 🤣

[@ckchong79]

hey i like the serious way you do the test, but think the costing is really depending on where you stay and not even same country... i stay at asia and make a lot difference on buying the co2 set too... so i think the best way to make comparison is 1 botol Pressurized Co2 vs Generator Co2 on time comparison. If Pressurized Co2 take a year to finish, so how many time refill needed on Co2 generator need. Anyhow i like yr video and you done a good comparison on some reason too.

[@ssaquascapes]

Agreed. Price in different areas will effect which I more cost effective. All I can do I report my data at this time. Thanks for watching! 🤘

[@cicco1838]

Thank you Bro awesome video

[@ssaquascapes]

Thanks! I appreciate it! 🤘🤘

[@tedblack2163]

After 2 years of diy, 2 liter system, it's time to switch to a liquid system.

[@ssaquascapes]

I think you’ll enjoy the longevity of liquid co2. Thanks for watching! 🤘

[@adlin3624]

damn 24 days is way too quick, my 4l bottle last 2,5 month at almost 3bps. i watched ur video my psi meter is somehow higher than you. i have 2l too but it the thickened stainless version with more ingredient than standard 2l, it also last 3 months too at 2bps. my meter after refil is 50kg/cm3 which is like 700 psi (which is scary. hope no explosion) 24 days seems exhausting. also in my country people sell bagged baking soda and citric specifically for diy co2 ( i dont have to measure ), i live in asia this hobby is big in my country so.

[@ssaquascapes]

I have never gotten more than 400psi from any fill/reaction. Some said it’s the brand of baking soda but I never experimented further. I attest this to the short working time.