Diy Co2 Reactor For Planted Aquarium
Introduction
Do you want to keep a planted aquarium but don't want to spend a lot of money on CO2 systems? Don't worry! You can make your own DIY CO2 reactor for your planted aquarium. A DIY CO2 reactor is an affordable and easy way to add carbon dioxide to your aquarium. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to make a DIY CO2 reactor for your planted aquarium.
Materials Needed
Before starting, you need to gather the following materials:
- A plastic bottle with a cap
- Tubing
- Aquarium check valve
- Aquarium diffuser
- Yeast
- Baking soda
- Sugar
- Warm water
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to make a DIY CO2 reactor for your planted aquarium:
- Take a plastic bottle and make a small hole in the cap. The hole should be big enough to fit the tubing.
- Insert the tubing through the hole in the cap and seal it with silicone sealant.
- Attach the aquarium check valve to the tubing. The check valve will prevent water from entering the CO2 system.
- Attach the aquarium diffuser to the other end of the tubing. The diffuser will diffuse the CO2 into the aquarium water.
- Mix warm water, yeast, sugar, and baking soda in a container. The mixture will produce CO2 gas.
- Pour the mixture into the plastic bottle through the opening.
- Close the cap tightly and shake the bottle to mix the ingredients.
- Place the bottle in a secure location near the aquarium.
- Wait for 10-15 minutes to allow the CO2 to build up in the bottle.
- Open the aquarium diffuser to release the CO2 into the aquarium.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your DIY CO2 reactor:
- Use a 2-liter plastic bottle for larger aquariums.
- Change the mixture every two weeks to keep the CO2 production consistent.
- Place the CO2 reactor near the aquarium's filter to distribute the CO2 evenly.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and yeast to control the CO2 production rate.
- Use a bubble counter to measure the CO2 production rate.
Conclusion
Making a DIY CO2 reactor for your planted aquarium is easy and affordable. It can help you to maintain a healthy and thriving planted aquarium without spending a lot of money on CO2 systems. Follow the steps and tips mentioned above to create your very own DIY CO2 reactor for your planted aquarium.