Every CO2 SYSTEM For Planted Aquariums | A Guide to Carbon Dioxide Methods

In this video, we will discuss the various types of CO2 systems available for planted aquariums. CO2 is essential for the growth of plants as it is used during the process of photosynthesis. We will explore three main types of CO2 systems: the yeast-based bio2 system, CO2 systems with disposable bottles, and citric acid-based systems. Each system has its pros and cons, which we will explain in detail. Whether you have a small Nano tank or a larger aquarium, this video will help you understand which CO2 system is best suited for your needs.
Browse CO2 products on Our website:
geni.us/co2-products
----------
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:05 Yeast-Based Bio CO2 Systems
03:42 Disposable Bottle CO2 Systems
05:04 Citric Acid-Based Bio CO2 Systems
06:43 Small Bottle CO2 Systems
08:03 Pressurized CO2 Systems
11:34 Additional Information
15:54 Outro
----------
MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL
geni.us/gasubscribe
NEW GREEN AQUA MERCH AVAILABLE:
geni.us/newmerch
BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER, JOIN US
geni.us/membership
Click the bell to get notified of new updates. Feel free to comment and give feedback to us. We're glad to answer your questions.
----------
MORE AQUASCAPING VIDEOS BY GREEN AQUA
AQUASCAPING - CINEMATIC VIDEOS: geni.us/ga-cine
AQUASCAPING - GUIDE AND HOW TO VIDEOS: geni.us/how-to
AQUASCAPING - MAINTENANCE VIDEOS: geni.us/maintain
GREEN AQUA Showroom - Aquascaping Shop
WEBSITE: www.greenaqua.com
INSTAGRAM: / greenaquashop
FACEBOOK: / greenaqua
FLICKR: www.flickr.com/photos/viktorl...
X (TWITTER): / greenaquashop
DISCORD: / discord
TIKTOK: / greenaquashop
----------
THIS VIDEO IS PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH
EHEIM
eheim.com/en_GB/
ADA
www.adana.co.jp/en/
Dennerle
dennerle.com/en
---------
OUR VIDEO AND AUDIO GEAR
geni.us/Fmmy
DISCLAIMER: Our list contains affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you click on one of the product links. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!
---------
CREW
Camera Operators: Miki Bacskai
Post-Production: Péter Hajdu, Miki Bacskai
Social media: Viktor Lantos, Áron Tamaskó
Subtitles: Tamás Demeter
Graphics, editing, and color grading made in DaVinci Resolve Studio
----------
OUR FAVORITE TOOLS:
TUBEBUDDY: geni.us/ZxGvB
MORNINGFAME: geni.us/aVZOv7
GENIUSLINK: geni.us/WVN9P1
----------
MUSIC LICENSED THROUGH EPIDEMIC SOUND
geni.us/track
#greenaqua #carbondioxide #COSystems #CO2 #PlantedAquariums #AquariumCare #AquariumMaintenance #Aquascaping #AquaticPlants #CO2Injection #AlgaeControl #UnderwaterEcosystem #AquariumTips

[@moretoliving2236]

I am glad that you made the video. All our local fish stores that could exchange refillable co2 cylinders or fill them have gone out of business and getting co2 from local welding shops is a royal pain because they do not want to deal with you and companies that deliver to them deliver huge bottles and also I heard (unverified) that they take your brand new cylinder and give you old one so people in hobby are advised to buy an old used one online from someone and exchange it. After all that I have opted for a refillable 4L baking soda and citric acid ones. I have 3. I wanted to buy 3 more and our vendors here no longer sell dual output. I am really upset because they all claim that its coming back into stock. It has already been 4 months. They sell 4L single output and expansion kits but I am trying to buy dual outputs so that when I expand them, my 6 tanks can now service 24 aquariums or 12 aquariums if I put 2 diffusers into each tank. Currently I have 5 planted aquariums that use 2 bottles and I use 3rd when its time to refill. That way by time what is in use begins to run out... I already have a new one ready and activated. Con #1 they are HORRIBLE to open. They have no way to grab onto anything to open the tank. Regulator is round and every component of regulator is glued so you can't use pliers and so I use a rubber hammer to tap it out to loosen it. Con #2 it is impossible to open it unless you release the pressure and you can't release pressure because it has a solenoid so you have to put the tank outside when its "empty", connect it to power, unscrew valve so it can actually drain with solenoid open and it always releases a bunch of gas at the end so its really not empty. Con #3 crystalized caramel type goo on bottom of cylinder is very difficult to remove. I used back of a broom to hammer it out and then eventually started using hot water to dissolve. It is always a pain. Con #4 You are always at mercy of items in stock. If you don't buy "for the future" at time of ordering... do not be surprised that its impossible to buy it again. Here in USA we have several resellers and they randomly sell this or that and then randomly quit selling this or that so you can't really "go back and buy more" Con #5 There are 2 identical looking part sizes for all replacement parts. While they look the same, threads are different so order wisely conventional M10 vs dedicated threads. And no matter the inconvenience I actually love my cylinders. I know its weird but I am less dependent on grumpy welding shops vs just ordering bags of citrix acid and baking soda.

[@sansarizeme]

Sodastream adapter for my high-pressure regulators have been a game changer for me. I live in Germany, where you can exchange an empty sodastream bottle at almost every supermarket, and the convenience of going to the store across the street vs. taking the 2kg co2 bottle to wherever (workshop, aquarium shop, gas reseller) is unbeatable and almost at the same price (around 6€ for 425g, whilst 25€ for 2kg where I live).

[@jespersoderberg4649]

Thanks for always makeing these videos great and informative!

[@PaulZyCZ]

Great video, very informative! I like mention of Citric + Soda reactor and Sodastream setups, they always seemed to me like a good alternative to the classic pressure set for small tanks or people in areas where it's hard to fill the bottle. In Czechia it would be an extinguisher shop (which also fill bottles for welding), but I heard that it's not as easy everywhere. Currently I don't inject CO_2 in any tank for several reasons, but I still keep the pressure set for a future use. I'd add yeast CO_2 isn't cheap, but it's cheap to try CO_2. I was using bio CO_2 DIY sets for a while: 2 PET bottles, airline hoses, piece of wood for fine bubbles. I used it in several nano-tanks, but the time needed to mix the yeasts and sugar every 4-5 weeks, overall cost... Later I got classic pressured 2l set (last type in the video) on one 84l tank (20 US gallons). I used it with some success. The plants were growing dense, fast, hungry for nutrients. Long-term it's way cheaper than yeast set, even with some parts needing to be replaced once in a while because of corrosive nature of CO_2 and high pressure. Reverse valve and bubble counter barely last a year, hoses for years. Every 3 months I had to wake up early for refill and then there was all the trimming and higher fert dosing. Ferts and light make high-tech tanks more expensive than low-tech. But I agree that without CO_2 it's difficult to keep some plants, esp. with low maintenance. Also I used different set than in the video, from reputable e-shop, but the needle valve (Camozzi brand) got damaged or it was a faulty piece. Again, saying Camozzi valve is faulty is like saying Ford is faulty, it was probably the piece itself (damaged, broken). Once in a while the bubble counter would go "brrr" and drop checker amber. On the other hand I miss the ease plants would grow, so I'm keeping the set.

[@jakehinch6654]

I have only had relatively small aquariums (25 gallons or less), but over the last five years I’ve had great results installing inline diffusers on my filter inlet. I know some people worry about the health of filter bacteria with this setup, but I always use a dark start when setting up a tank and I’ve never had issues with the balance of my tanks. It helps that I also use an oversized filter. The setup is super efficient. Since there is both a bubble counter and a check valve right at the injection point, right when my solenoid kicks on I get close to full injection (very little time waiting for the void behind the diffuser to pressurize, like you get with most in-tank diffusers). The bubbles mix nicely since they’re trying to rise against the downward current, like an external reactor but without the addition space or demand on the pump to go down and back up. And overall it just results in needing less pressure to get proper CO2 levels, and thus longer use out of each refill of my paintball bottle.

[@VladAndrei2017]

What amount of water are you referring to when you say oversized filter?

[@RoyMcAvoy]

Excellent video. I went with a semi-DIY citric acid based system for my nano tank. Perfectly suited for my needs.

[@jonb705]

Thank you for this Video. Definitely the most informative I have found 🙏👍

[@francescom4829]

Very exhaustive, thanks

[@carloseduardogmsilva7791]

A brilliant class !!! 🇧🇷

[@milosmarkus4468]

Congratulations guys, this is another great video tutorial. Just one question I have, when Tommy says that it is advisable to use the external diffuser for larger aquariums, does this mean that it is not recommended for example aquariums of 60, 70, 80, liters? Thank you

[@naqeebzuraihan890]

planning the first pressurize CO2 for next couple of months for table desk tank. finger crossed !

[@mindphlux1899]

I'm completely fine with Sodastream bottles. I run my systems, which are 20l to 55l, from 6 months up to 10 months per bottle. Game changer for me was, when I started to use better CO² hoses. Don't take the cheaper one, and never ever use air hoses. I almost doubled the lifespan of each bottle.

[@Krishore_Aquatics]

Best Video on Co2 injection in KZbin Ever, It is really informative not only for beginners and also for experts, Thank You So Much Green Aqua, I have downloaded this content for my future reference ❤❤❤❤❤

[@GreenAquaShop]

So nice of you. Thanks for the feedback and the support. 🙏

[@Krishore_Aquatics]

@GreenAquaShop Thank you so much, Green Aqua

[@nancywaterhouse3135]

Excellent information and presentation. Another place for filling your bottle is a fire extinguisher place--they refill :)

[@GreenAquaShop]

Thanks for the info! :)

[@drewyoung2102]

I have such good luck with Tunze electronic bubble counter, I just use it in line at 130 ppm TDS and forgo drop checker as always the same. I use a new 20# tank lasting couple years

[@jxkbrand3790]

What is the best CO2 pressurized system and external canister filter for a 29 gallon tank, I would like your advice on everything I should get for my tank size

[@BurtyHaxx]

Hey guys @greenaqua i have a fluval shaker 345 litre aquarium with a fluval 407 canister filter, currently using a JBL ProFlora Taifun diffuser. Its not very good as no matter how much i increase the co2, the drop checker never turns green and it looks like the excess undissolved co2 is just bubbling out the top of the diffuser. Im in the UK so my questions are, do you ship to the uk? would the 'Aqua Medic reactor 1000' be a worthy and reasonable upgrade? will it connect to the fluval 407 and work with its flow rate? or is there a ceramic diffuser you would reccomend? i was considering an inline diffuser but i dont like the idea of micro bubbles floating around the aquarium. sorry for the long comment

[@jasoncruz3506]

Must say one of my favorite tanks I personally like less is more

[@priyankardas2668]

I like to keep 2 cylinders..one in use and other spare. If I run out of Co2, I hook the spare cylinder immediately. I still would have ample time to plan a visit for Co2 refill... overall i dont feel this is a hassle at all...a couple of reliable sources is all we need. Like most other things in hobby ..

[@rezkifabilla-lw2dr]

I had tried to keep 2 cylinders and use one in, and one spare. but you know what? when I looked to my spare cyl, then I immidiately setting up another tank just for it to running😂😂 I couldnt sleep well looking that cyl stand alone in the dark corner of my room😂

[@M4ss4Shut1ns]

in the US most brewing supply stores offer CO2 cylinders and refill services. 5 lbs bottle is about $100

[@Agnus78]

One thing about CO2 bottles with citric acid and baking soda - neccessity of filling them up from time to time is maybe a con for some ppl but this is a adventage for other - you dont need to bring your pressurized CO2 bottle to be refilled. This is sometimes a longer trip and additional hussle. You can just clean your bottle, add new ingredients and thats it. You have another month or more of co2 injection. You can do this at home. No need to travel with it anywhere. This is the reason i find CO2 "reactor bottles" much better than classic CO2 pressurized systems. They are cheaper and more comfortable to run.

[@RoyMcAvoy]

agreed

[@ams_plc]

what kind of fish is that behind tommy? the one in the aquarium with discus?

[@xXCerpicoXx]

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is don’t be cheap on your check valve. Every time my CO2 would come on, it would have to overpower the water in the diffuser, which occasionally proved impossible.

[@gOOLY]

Mind you, it's possible to have a solenoid and regulator on a yeast based system as well. It remains the most finicky solution, but it works quite well for me.

[@GreenAquaShop]

It is not recommended, but just like with your example it may works sometimes. However we've seen many blasted yeast can on our community board in the past when the owner had hard times to clean up the mess from the walls, etc. These things are better to keep running in 24hrs and not close with tap or solenoid.

[@davemac7945]

I get 2kg co2 fire extinguisher for £20 mail order and fzone regulator on timer plugs and use the aquario Neo mixer.Its Brilliant.

[@kannankans]

Hi great tutorial on CO2. One question, will surface agitation affect CO2 levels in tank? Can I use seachem Tidal 55 in my 50 gallon custom tank? Will its agitation affect my CO2 levels

[@Kyle_Hubbard]

I usually come and go from the channel as I tend to enjoy binge watching content from channels. I've noticed you guys have/had a discord, yes, I've seen it was started back in 2020, I don't remember it being mentioned or maybe I missed those videos. I've been meaning to watch your videos but unfortunately not had that time at the moment, so I wanted to pop up and ask about the Discord server while I remember because I keep forgetting. Does the server still exist? If so, am I able to have a link? I've tried various links from social media pages you have and some from the video descriptions both new and older but non of them work. So if you do have the server still you may want to update the links as they're dead.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Cheers, thanks for the info. We will check this out. Probably only older videos has this link. We've discontinued the Discord server a while ago.

[@merryneever7580]

What about the passive co2 ? such as tropica system 60 or Ista system I have see it a few times on KZbin but I have never seen you guys try it.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Very small impact on your aquarium. This is why we left these out. A yeast system outperform these easily.

[@kiever]

Actually you can build by yourself soda citric acid system. Would be much cheaper than brand ones but no so nice looking 😊

[@gaborpfaff6281]

Jó összefoglaló videó volt. Azért a nátron-citromsav reaktor részt elég hanyag eleganciával lépted át. Hátránykét említve, hogy barkácsolni kell, a rendszer után töltése nem több mint méretre vágni a szűrő ki és befolyó vezetékeit, vagy áztató oldatot készíteni a diffúzornak. Véleményem szerint a < 40 liter ( nano) kategóriában abszolút versenyképes, sőt inkább határozottan előnyösebb egy nagy nyomású rendszerrel szembe ( főleg ha egy akvárium van csak ) . Eleve kompaktabb a készülék. A töltés kb. 3 perc, a töltet könnyen beszerezhető bármelyik biodrogériába, ergo csak egy séta a töltet megszerzése, a töltett korlátlan ideig ott állhat a lakásban minden gond nélkül. A csere miatt nem is kell egy cserepalackot fenn tartani, ami egy nagy nyomásúnál mint hátrány- ez nem hangzott el- , hiszen a palack elürülésekor a csere idejére - ami nem 3 perc, hacsak nem a Linde lerakat felett lakik az ember- meg kell oldani a folyamatos CO2. szintet. Nagyon várom már nálatok a nátron - citromsav reaktorok beérkezést, én személy szerint a nano alatt cserélem a nagy nyomásút arra.

[@JPYJrecords]

Yo si tengo una duda, si dicen que no se debe usar el difusor en acuarios superiores a 200 litros, ¿Porque en la galeria de ADA si los usan? Tendran un metodo especial. Espero me puedan responder saludos desde México.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Large CO2 diffusers could work. But stability is more important especially in a large aquarium. Once you master the diffusers you can figure out problems quickly. For example bad placement, decreased performance, distribution issues. But for a beginner to manage a 500L aquarium with diffuser is not an easy task for sure. Most beginners actallly fails with regular weekly cleaning or with cleaning process in general. External CO2 reactor is 100% stable and cleaning is not part of the job. Neither the worry about placement.

[@JPYJrecords]

@@GreenAquaShop buen punto. Gracias saludos 🙂

[@michaelstraver]

the eheim co2 controller is an nice option..i am using the old dennerle duomat controller thats also working great! but..me is told that the fluctuation of co2 can give you algae problems if its not stable..do you guys of green aqua agree?..so turning of at night, that will rise youre PH..can it give youre fish that ph shock?..and algae problems of instable co2 levels?..the eheim controller is adjustable on 2 levels wright?..day..and night..so the ph leven is moore stable to avoid problems?..sorry i am a littje bit of long wrighting hahaha..you guys rock!

[@GreenAquaShop]

large pH swing is not good, but with most pH controllers you set the 0.5 difference max for the nighttime. So will not change too much if it would the controller would kick in to help with the situation. This much of a change will not cause algae issues. Controllers gives a very stable environment. The problem mainly to fine tune the CO2 and align it with the soil characteristic change in the first 6-9 months.

[@michaelstraver]

@@GreenAquaShop thanks for youre comment..so i can set the difference to 0.5 the dennerle controller have 2options 0.3 and 0.5 fluctuation...maybe i will try it for some time, and yes the soil wil be something to count with, some people say to check the KH regurly..that will be important..many thanks for the response, and maybe the eheim controller wil be an option for the future..greetings to all you guys there..

[@joesiever4844]

I am making fert using anaerobic fermentation, the process produce a lot of CO2. Off course the amount of CO2 is not comparable to the methods that he describes in the video, but the plant in the Scape appreciate it 😂

[@laumarco3542]

Based on your experience, is it easier to control BBA using pH control? thankyou

[@GreenAquaShop]

i woud say yes. we had several examples for that on large aquariums. but you also need to check other things like overfeeding, flow disturbance on substrate etc

[@anonymeralkoholiker2880]

What bar do u recommand for aquario Diffusor?

[@GreenAquaShop]

2-2.2 bar is recommended to these dense ceramic CO2 diffusers

[@Honda_Hooligan]

I use a 2Kg CO2 fire extinguisher with a dedicated regulator and solenoid, which lasts about 10 months. I don't bother refilling; I just buy a replacement, which costs me about £20.

[@antonguryanov4747]

How to adjust the supply of CO2 or CO2 controller if the PH when using Soil is 5.5-6 ? (Tropica soil + Dennerle GH+)

[@GreenAquaShop]

In this case the KH/GH booster would be better. Or you can use a little tap water. Set the controller to 6.2-ish in the first weeks and go up from there. Seems like you do not have anything in the water that would affect the KH.

[@misterharrys]

I would add that the best Co2 systems for tanks between 100 and 200l are disposable pressurized CO2 tanks that come in 0.500g and 1 kg. Dennerle, Eheim and Aquilli make them and they last up to 6 months. That's what I use in my tanks.

[@niassaful]

How many bubbles for a 120 L aquarium to make the CO2 level around 30ppm.I use the internal reactor.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Would start with 2bps approx and would monitor the livestock. Go up from there slowly.

[@claushansen6100]

hi, how much co2 in kg do you need? for 720 l aquarium per year. I think based on the one example, I could calculate up to 24 kg, which is around 400 euros per year. etc. Claus Denmark

[@GreenAquaShop]

0.5kg / every 100L / mo is a good base to start with 👍

[@princeofcharm]

i'm planning to install a CO2 system on my tank just for my anubias... they grow too slow...

[@0action847]

I have grown a HC iwagumi with just yeast and sugar co2 in a 2ft 75L tank, using two bottles and two diffusers.

[@GreenAquaShop]

That's the beauty side of the hobby. There are many ways to succeed. 👍

[@bnato8209]

EHEIM doesn't have products for USA market? EHEIM pHcontrol+e Set only has a UK electrical plug. Ugh!!

[@queenawakened9183]

Well, it would have been nice if I could order the EHEIM set but apparently they don’t ship to United States. So that’s upsetting and I don’t even think there’s anything else like this

[@stanseventeen821]

Does this mean that Citric Soda setups are still good for larger tanks?

[@GreenAquaShop]

For stability we would use pressurized systems only on large aquariums.

[@Majed-ART]

Hi How to calculate co2 in your tank or haw much we need ?

[@RoyMcAvoy]

I think you'll need a CO2 drop checker

[@chimuelo749]

Do the pills work…for a couple of Bettas in 4-5 gallons?

[@GreenAquaShop]

I would not use them

[@chimuelo749]

@@GreenAquaShop My bettas, appreciate the response. Thank you!

[@siddhantraju4708]

Hey green Aqua , unable to join the discord server because the link has expired, can i get a new joining link?

[@GreenAquaShop]

We've shut down the server a while ago. So i can't send you a new link. Sorry about that.

[@holyperceval6310]

Go DIY with yeast, sugar water and pork gellatine. It works perfectly for larger tanks : simply make multiple bottle (one 1.5L bottle per 50L aquarium) and link them together. one bottle lasts 1 to 2 month depending on the temperature and costs ~ 50 cent. See MJ aquascape DIY video for more info.

[@theviolentone]

is its true if running co2 24h.. -plants more doing well (because in nature co2 always running 24h) -no ph swing because of stable 24h co2 🤔🤔

[@GreenAquaShop]

pH will be more stable, but even in nature water parameters fluctuate. Because the day/night cycle, rainy season etc. Many people use 24hrs setup to protect more the sensitive shrimps. But we always use it on a timer. Giving the aqarium a breathing phase.

[@20szikla]

70l nano környezethez mekkora CO2 palack jó kezdésnek?

[@GreenAquaShop]

Szia, 2kg-os palackot javasolnánk erre a méretre. Kisebb méretű palackok töltése nem gazdaságos.

[@lundiboy8]

Who would have thought a paper company would get this advanced into something not paper!

[@neur0ness]

Some people inject oxygen at night and co2 during the day, to give the plants what they need at all times.

[@S.MO.K]

if nutrients are their food then Co2 is their drink , it's actually the quote of the day

[@rsl2988]

👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@OldLord]

What if I use an external inline diffuser in a 60p. What are the cons?

[@VenkyRajaram]

no Cons. I have recently set it up for my 60p tank and video avilable on my channel. Only thing is to have external canister filter

[@jackjmaheriii]

I agree Nenky, no cons. And if you couple it with a controller like the Milwaukee MC112, you will almost never have bubbles.

[@OldLord]

The biggest benefit I see is the diffuser does not attract any algae as it's inside the cabinet where there is zero light

[@VenkyRajaram]

@@jackjmaheriii Agree!! Valid point to note

[@GreenAquaShop]

Actually some feels ok about it, others not. Produce way too many bubbles that is visible with darker background more. Harder to clean than regular diffusers. And your CO2 regulator may could not run it especially if that is an old one and limited to 1.5 bar pressure. These diffusers need 2.2-2.5 bar. I have to add that there are many fauly units and copycats on the market from brands.

[@invertevision4757]

Nutrients aren't food for plants. We need to get this out of EVERYONE'S head lol. Plants make their own "food" from the process of breaking down CO2 and water to form glucose aka sugars which is their food. Nutrients are just extras that aid in better metabolic activities and aid the plant but are NOT technically required.

[@bartosztomasz]

Stainless Chinese CISOD systems FTW. Don't get fooled guys, don't buy "professional" CO2 systems unless you like whole day trips to cylinder filling stations. Yeast systems are also bad. As always in life, it's usually simplest and mid-tier quality solutions that work best.

[@GreenAquaShop]

Well refilling is only a trip like every 6+ months if you selected your cylinder correctly. It may last longer. That is not a biggie. The issue to find places where you can refill.

[@PaulZyCZ]

True. On one hand extinguisher shop in my city refills the pressured bottles withing minutes if I arrive before 8 AM (next day otherwise), on the other hand many people don't have that option.

[@psy_99]

That depends. CO2 refills is walking distance where I live. Your circumstances matter when deciding on these things

[@bartosztomasz]

@@psy_99 Good point. Still, cisod gives independence. I see what you are trying to say. If it works for you just go for it.

[@Jwonni1]

Yeast systems are not 'bad' they have their place, I have 4 of them on the go on my little tanks that don't need anything complicated just a little assistance for the plants. Other than that I quite like the pressurised ones with chemical A and B such as the FZone reactors, easy to refil, no disposable wasted cannisters, components delivered from Amazon next day