An Essential Guide to Aquarium CO2 Injection

In a rush, but still need all the detail? Welcome to my succint yet comprehensive guide on CO2 injection for your planted aquarium with a refillable cylinder and dual stage regulator!

In this video, I'll delve into the science behind CO2 injection, its importance for plant growth, the various methods available, and how to set up and maintain a professional pressurized CO2 system for optimal plant health.

My equipment recommendations are:
🛒Dual Stage Regulator, Solenoid, and Bubble Counter Combo:
🛒In-tank Diffuser:
🛒In-line Diffuser:

Additional resources:

The video starts with a detailed explanation of the role CO2 plays in a planted aquarium and how it affects plant growth through photosynthesis. You'll learn about the importance of balancing CO2, lighting, and nutrients to create a thriving underwater environment that helps prevent algae growth.

Next, I'll focus on the components of a professional pressurized CO2 system, such as CO2 cylinders, regulators, bubble counters, diffusers, solenoids, and timers, explaining the function of each component and how they work together.

I'll guide you step-by-step through setting up a pressurized CO2 system, including attaching the regulator, filling the bubble counter, connecting the tubing, and securing the diffuser. We'll also discuss the importance of using a solenoid and timer to automate CO2 injection, synchronizing it with your aquarium lighting for maximum plant benefit.

Additionally, I'll share tips for maintaining your CO2 system, such as monitoring cylinder pressure, cleaning the diffuser, and checking for leaks. We'll also touch on the importance of monitoring your aquarium's pH levels and how to fine-tune your CO2 injection by observing plant and fish health.

Lastly, we'll explore the fascinating phenomenon of plant pearling, a visual indication of healthy, oxygen-producing plants that can occur when implementing CO2 injection.

[haitch]

I've run CO2 for years and this must be the best tutorial ever. Thanks for sharing.

[emberframe]

I love your video style and just enough science to make it work well

[chriscyr]

great straight forward info video, thank you

[jmizzonini]

Hey man you have a great channel here been enjoying your content for real! I think you're a good watch for mid-level experienced fishkeepers that are trying to venture into more advanced things or approach things from different angles. I just tried skipping aquasoil for the first time and am now 3 weeks into running my first tank using organic compost as a base layer in the substrate, not coffee grinds yet but maybe one day lol. Subbed!

[LydiaRussoniello]

Hey mate, great videos. Pretty new to all this, but what would be the cause to my c02 tube filling with water? Thanks :)

[williammcdowell]

Really excellent content, clear and accurate. I now always use oil in my bubble-counter, water gets pushed out.
But where do you get a bottle filled so economically?
I use filled reconditioned fire extinguishers because of the challenge of finding a firm willing to refill a cylinder.

[gardian]

Liquid carbon is definitely not co2, I hope you covered that in following videos! It's an algaecide.
Awesome tutorial though 👌

[AquariumShed]

My CO2 purchasing recommendations are;
🛒Dual Stage Regulator, Solenoid, and Bubble Counter Combo:
🛒In-tank Diffuser:
🛒In-line Diffuser:

[Rosebud]

Thank you. I had to slow this down. But it was very good. 😅

[r.in.shibuya]

I have a question and I can seem to find anyone on the web trying this out.( unbelievable right?) .
I have refillable CO2 cartridges, refilled via a valve.

I’m wondering if I can use on of those Aquarium CO2 generators and just connect a charging needle to it to refill my 12g cartridges?

[richardcunliffe]

I've been a bit paranoid, is there any particular bleach you should or shouldn't use for cleaning diffusers? I guess some have other weird chemicals in?

[gsus]

I have fluval kit and a 20 gallons how many bps do I need

[Dolfinator]

How do you connect the solenoid to a timer?