Homemade CO2 with Sugar and Yeast for Aquarium

El carbon dioxide or CO2, it's a gas highly soluble in water when compared to other gases found in the H2O, especially oxygen and nitrogen. The amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen that are diluted in the water are very important because directly alter the chemical balance of water through parameters such as pH and KH. It is important that these levels are well balanced because they are part of the biological process of fish and plants.

El gas exchange, one of the fundamental ways in which the inhabitants of an aquarium can breathe, but this respiratory process is not the same as that used by those of us on the surface. In this hospitalization, the carbon dioxide leaves the water molecule and oxygen dissolves because there is more oxygen in the air than in the water, and conversely, with carbon dioxide.

CO2 IN A PLANTED AQUARIUM

The irruption of CO2 in an aquarium does not happen autonomouslyTherefore, it needs the intervention of the movement to "break" the upper layers of the water and this exchange can be carried out. This move may be more important than you think because oxygen may not be sufficient for photosynthesis in plants. Although many plants do not need an addition of CO2 to grow, as a general rule, an extra carbon dioxide always helps them to become stronger, especially at the time of growth and during planting.

If a carbon dioxide edit is to be done, the best recommendation would be maintain a KH level of 90 mg / L. CO2 can also be used to lower the pH level towards a more neutral range or towards the alkalinity needed by fish and plants. In the case of fish, dissolved carbon dioxide can alter them. It is important to keep them monitored for any changes in their behavior or physical appearance.

Carbon is one of the most important nutrients for plants. A deficiency in this can cause growth retardation or disease. The carbon they need to live, plants get from CO2. However, not all plants need the same amount of CO2, which is why it is necessary to know what are the needs, demands and normal behavior that plants aquarium must have.

La photosynthesis It is the vital process by which plants are nourished, but to do it they need CO2. It is very common to see some bubbles In the aquarium, one of the reasons for this may be that the plants are in the process of photosynthesis.

Many times we have heard about photosynthesis, but sometimes we are not sure what it is about. In this process, the plants take the organic and inorganic materials found in the water to assimilate them and produce nutrients. In a way analogous to land plants, aquatic plants also use light and the absorption of carbon dioxide to produce their food and expel oxygen. In a very summarized way we can say that in the more light and CO2 there are in the aquarium, the more nutrients the plants have to grow and develop.

 

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HOW DO PLANTS GET CARBON?

Although plants need carbon, they do not have as many sources of food to get it. In the water chain, through carbonates and bicarbonates, they can acquire a portion of this nutrient. They can also get CO2 through gas exchange, the addition of CO2, light, etc.

When we talk about planted aquariums, some are more demanding than others in terms of CO2 and carbon. When the carbon requirements are high, the gas exchange will be insufficient and it will be necessary to add a supplement. On the other hand, if there is not enough light, the problem of nutrient absorption becomes much more complicated.

When food sources are scarce, plants end up struggling to get carbon on their own. All this produces serious imbalances because the poor and insufficient absorption of nutritional materials will produce a problem of overpopulation of algae that will take advantage of the nutrients that could be used by the plants. The pH balance can also be greatly affected because when plants take in too much carbon from carbonates and bicarbonates, the dKH begins to destabilize the pH of the water.

Doing a CO2 supplementation helps to maintain better control over the levels in the water. There are several ways to do it and in this way the plants do not have to struggle to get food. Also in a good way to accelerate and optimize the photosynthesis process and the rest of the nutrients that plants also need can be absorbed in a good way. You need to remember that the level of CO2 in water is much lower than that found in water.

BENEFITS OF INJECTING CO2 INTO A PLANTED AQUARIUM

• Most home aquariums have a CO2 deficiency that prevents the plants from conditioning inside the aquarium or hinders their growth.
• This is the main source of coal that plants must receive.
• It is a way to help the well-being of plants because it improves the pH level of aquariums.

CO2 IN FISH AQUARIUMS

When only fish are kept in an aquarium, it is a bit easier to control the pH because the biological activity and needs revolve around the fish, without the complications of the plants. When fish need a pH that exceeds 8, it must be borne in mind that the amount of CO2 presses a direct decrease in pH. Although the change may not be immediate, the incidence of carbon dioxide is direct, even though it may take a while to see the change.

The change in pH is very dangerous for the general health of the fish. The immune system is always affected by the change in this parameter. This causes bacterial and parasite infections to greatly affect the fish.

When you have aquariums in which only fish are found, a liquid gas exchange must be ensured as quickly as possible. It can be done through surface movement, internal current at the level of the deepest layers of water, the use of skimmers and also with the change of water in the aquarium.

You should also keep in mind that a natural chemical way to keep CO2 balanced is by keeping a good reserve of alkalinity. The temporary hardness should be kept above 15 dKH and this can be achieved by adding carbonates and bicarbonates in liquid form so that they are evenly distributed throughout the water.

Remember that all parameter changes in the water must be incorporated gradually because fish can suffer when they notice that the water has undergone radical changes. You should not increase dKH by more than 1 degree per day. If we increase the dKH in an uncontrolled way, it is possible that the CO2 gets out of control. Sea salt is a good solution to raise the DKH level above 8.

The health of fish, to a large extent, depends on the balance in which they can live. You may find that there is not enough O2 in the aquarium when the fish start swimming towards the higher layers of water. and increases your respiratory rate. There are phenomena in which we can see that CO2 poisoning causes fish to be restless, anxious, unbalanced or slow in their movements. Due to the lack of movement, they begin to become more and more inert and hide in the deeper layers of water.

DO ALL AQUARIUMS NEED CARBON?

Carbon is one of the most important minerals for marine life. However, precautions must be taken regarding the needs of home aquariums. All aquatic ecosystems have carbon naturally, either in the form of carbonates or carbon dioxide. It can also be obtained in different ways. However, aquariums that have a high amount of plant species will need much more carbon.

The nutritive substrate and the amount of light also alter the amount of carbons that plants have. When the water parameters are precarious and the plants do not have the nutrients they need, it is possible that they die. Upholstery plants and those with high requirements usually need more carbon than the others.

It is important that all plants have the same needs. Many times some plants do not tolerate too much exposure to light or a high amount of carbon, so this would be a scenario in which plants begin to suffer because they are not in the ecosystem that they should live in.

WAYS TO ADD WITH CO2

There are many ways to add extra carbon dioxide to your aquarium. Commercially, there are advanced solutions that include monitors that can record the exact pH level. They also integrate electronic controls on a valve called a solenoid that is capable of opening and closing the gas according to the pH level that we want to maintain in the aquarium. However, there are other very rudimentary business solutions that do not work as accurately. 

We already know that CO2 is very important because it not only regulates the amount of nutrients that plants have. They are also important for the most important biological activities of fish such as breathing. In this sense, fertilizing with a good pH control is much safer and they are not the most expensive systems that we can find. Remember that life in an aquarium depends on balance, especially pH, carbonate hardness and the rest in nutrients.

The pH systems with a probe are very easy to use and are used to calculate, among other parameters, the CO2 dissolved in the water. Despite the fact that its commercial name is CO2 meter, it is still a pH meter with which we can know the exact concentration of carbon dioxide in each mg / L.

This is a device that looks a bit intimidating, but once you understand what each part works for, everything will be easier and more routine. The most striking piece is a bottle that contains liquefied gas under pressure. According to the manufacturer, you can find these single use bottles or models that are refillable. Despite the fact that rechargeable ones imply a higher cost in the first moment, in the long term it is much cheaper.

The gas in the bottle must be dosed with a pressure reducer that allows the expulsion of gas according to the indications of the manufacturer's instructions manual. These pressure reducers usually have two gauges; one is designed to recharge the bottle and the other is in charge of regulating the pressure level with which the gas is going to come out. The amount of gas entering which can be observed using the bubble meter.

The solenoid valve is an electrical meter used to open and close the gas extraction circuit. These valves must always be connected to a timer, they cannot be kept running without rest. It can be programmed to stop working at night to avoid poisoning. Can also be controlled when connected to an electronic pH controller, these appliances are designed to expel gas only when the pH levels are very high.

The non-return valve is also a very important part. It is a mechanism that prevents water from entering the equipment when there are accidents such as electrical failures. They also serve to dissolve gas in liquid media. When the non-toxic tube is directly in the water, the bubbles rise to the surface and will be lost along the way.

The amount of CO2 that is recommended in freshwater aquariums is usually close to 35 mg / L. When we control the gas output and the carbonate hardness is controlled, we can estimate the pH level that the aquarium will register. There are many tables that you can consult to see the values ​​related to each other.

CO2 REACTORS

The reactors are closing bowls with the bubbles that the gas produces remain enclosed. They generally have a kind of spring that produces a constant movement of water. It works with a pump that drives or returns the pressurized filter. This process makes the dissolution of carbon dioxide in the water much more efficient.

It is a very important part because it makes the gas that is contained in the bottle assimilable by the inhabitants of the aquarium. The problem with equipment that does not have this pump or that is not of the best quality is that the gas ends up being expelled into the atmosphere. Here it enters the gas exchange stage and not all the gas can be absorbed. 3400

The problem that some aquarium keepers may have is the aesthetics of this equipment. It can be a somewhat large appliance that offers some difficulties when integrating it into the decoration. There are models that can be placed indoors or outdoors. Those that go outside are usually located to one side of the pressurized filter outlet.

CO2 ATOMIZERS

These equipments are placed outside the aquarium, in a similar way to where the reactor was placed. Inside, there is a very porous stone through which the gas must circulate. Due to the pressure with which the gas is expelled, it manages to cross the spaces between the rocks and enters the water circuit. Although an atomizer is not designed to completely dissolve the gas, it does manage to create small bubbles that when they reach the water stream generate a certain movement.

CO2 DIFFUSERS

If you have seen an air diffuser, you can get an idea of ​​how CO2 diffusers work. It is made up of a ceramic piece that has many pores through which the bubbles come out. Depending on the structure of the ceramic, the bubbles can be the same size or irregular. This is usually an option that wastes a lot of oxygen because the gas is not dissolved and most of it escapes to the upper layer of the aquarium and is lost in the gas exchange.

Another type of bubbles end up being trapped in the leaves of the plants because they are dragged by the movement towards these areas.

There are several ways to add more CO2 to the aquarium. Although they may be a bit more expensive, the best option is the one that offers you to control several parameters such as pH and the amount of carbonates. This is a way to maintain a higher coltron in the quality of the aquarium water, especially if the species that inhabit it have very specific requirements.

There are many products that offer to increase CO2 levels, but they have large amounts of phosphates. Carbon is not the only nutrient plants need, and although they also need phosphate to live, when it is at very high levels, it is very likely that there is an algae infestation. Heavily lit aquariums tend to have high levels of phosphates and other nitrogenous compounds. In these circumstances the algae take advantage to appear. If the phosphate levels are raised higher trying to increase the CO2, it is the recipe for the success of the algae.

Some wet-dry filters promise to increase the carbon dioxide in the aquarium, but the big problem is that they help gas exchange and most of the gas goes to the top and ends up melting with the water in the atmosphere and losing the gases. fish and plants. Pressurized filters are more efficient because they do not cause gas to escape to the top of the aquarium.

As a popular belief, it is believed that placing the filter outlet on top will produce much more movement and more carbon dioxide, but this is not the case. The effect is similar to that of wet-dry filters. It does generate more carbon dioxide, but most of it ends up escaping out of the aquarium.

LIGHT AND CARBONS

The amount of light and carbons are directly proportional, so aquariums that need a lot of light will also need much more carbon. If you have an aquarium that does not require a lot of light, there is no need to worry because with the natural carbon dioxide supplement for the plants it will be more than enough for the entire aquarium.

COMMERCIAL TYPES OF CO2

On the market there are several CO2 solutions that you can use in your aquarium, but they have some significant problems. You must bear in mind that when it is necessary to keep CO2 under control, we are talking about aquariums that require a little more experience and care. We cannot leave this controlled parameter unattended. In this sense, it is important to bear in mind that there are solutions on the market that, although they increase CO2, do not offer the guarantees of control over the product, which means some risks.

CO2 PILLS

Also known as dry CO2, these are effervescent tablets that you can use yourself. Like any effervescent tablet, the CO2 in this case begins to dissolve and the levels in the water rise, but there are several drawbacks. The first is that the control is not really effective in these cases because there is no way of knowing how much CO2 is being released compared to the needs of the aquarium. In other words, it is a method in which it cannot be measured accurately and we already know that the inhabitants of the aquarium can suffer from poisoning of this gas.

Homemade or pump-controlled methods are much more efficient and there are fewer health risks for the fish. There are also certain pads that require an installation method, that if it goes wrong, the gas starts to release uncontrollably and it is not possible to know precisely what has gone wrong.

LIQUID CO2

 

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This is another of the most common options. Offers some controversy because not all aquarium experts recommend it, but based on experience, an efficient way can be found to do it. Most of these products are usually high in glutaraldehyde, so it is not a true replacement for CO2. If used in small doses, it can go a long way toward eliminating the algae problem, but you have to be careful.

If you have Riccias, they may be harmed. Prawns can also be very susceptible to this component. Although this method may be more recommended than dry CO2, it is important to take precautions. Unless you have a CO2 meter, it is difficult to know exactly how much daily amount our plants and fish need. You must also bear in mind that not all aquariums are the same and depending on the type of plants and fish that live, you must take into account the stress reaction to the product.

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HOME CO2

A very popular option in fish care is to add extra CO2 to the aquarium through a homemade formula and system. In the vast majority, plastic bottles are used because this is a very resistant and stable material to support the formula. The mixture between sugar, yeast and water causes a fermentation that works in a similar way to how CO2 pressure pumps do.

The release of CO2 is done in large quantities, but the gas is going to be dosed through a small tube that has a diffuser at one end that is placed inside the aquarium. This is how the diffuser creates microbubbles that can be absorbed by plants and fish without the gas eventually escaping to the surface.

 

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Although this is a very efficient alternative to not buying other more expensive and complex devices, you must take some precautions. The mixes usually have a shelf life of between 7 and 15 days. You should also know that the production of CO2 decreases with the passing of the days. This is an option that works very well, but it takes patience and dedication.

In the value for money, the domestic options are much more attractive. There are many commercial oxygenators on the market, but the prices are between 125 and 180 euros. Although it is a fairly wide range, the quality and performance of the bottle and gear will affect the total price. The bottles must have a duration of at least 10 years according to current legislation. On the other hand, the regulator should also last a few years.

Oxygen refills also vary quite a bit, but the range is between 10 and 20 euros and the duration depends on the size of the aquarium. If you have an aquarium of about 100 liters, a bottle should last for about 2 months. The need for extra oxygenation required by the aquarium inhabitants must also be taken into account.

Opinions on whether or not to buy this type of device are very divided. The best thing is to look at the particular situation of each aquarium. In any case, if you have an aquarium with high requirements and you have the possibility of buying equipment, it is a good idea. You should also bear in mind that it is going to be an investment that will last several years. In addition, many models offer meters for other parameters such as general hardness and pH, which makes one of these devices an investment that will help you keep the aquarium balanced without too much effort.

The great advantage of the homemade method with sugar, yeast and water is its cost. Compared to the 180 euros that a kit to oxygenate the aquarium can cost, the few euros that a bottle costs and with some yeast and sugar, the homemade option is much cheaper. But you should keep in mind that it requires much more care and maintenance. It also does not offer very precise control over the amount of CO2 that is being released. If you take into account that carbon dioxide alters other parameters, you will have to be careful to maintain the balance of the aquarium.

In the event that you do not want to spend so much money on all the equipment, you can buy a CO2 meter. These are much cheaper and can help you get a bit more accurate. Because the amount of carbon dioxide directly affects the pH levelMany of these meters include a pH meter that will indicate whether the water becomes acidic or alkaline.

These meters are submerged in water with a reagent that is replaceable. The most basic models indicate the pH level with colors. Yellow means an excessive level of CO2, while green indicates that it is in its correct measure, finally, blue means that there is a lack of carbon dioxide in the water.

The problem with these models is that the indicators are general. If you have an aquarium that does not have inhabitants with too much sensitivity to these parameters, this can be a functional option. However, for High Tech aquariums, this is going to fall a bit short.

On the other hand, there are much more accurate digital models that indicate much more accurate levels for each liter of water. Again, the choice of a meter will depend on the particular requirements of each aquarium.

TIPS FOR USING AN AQUARIUM OXYGENATOR

An extra accessory that is not very expensive and that some equipment has built-in is a bubble counter. By installing one of these it is much easier to know how many bubbles are being released per second. On the other hand, if you want to manually regulate the amount of CO2 in the aquarium, this makes the job much easier.

To make the most of the equipment, it is necessary to turn it on 30 minutes before starting the light cycle. When the lights go out, the oxygenator should be off 30 minutes before.

Finally, do not forget to use the solenoid valves well with a pressure reducer that can be connected with a timer to establish the oxygenation cycle according to the aquarium's need.

MIXTURE OF SUGAR YEAST AND WATER TO PRODUCE CO2 IN AN AQUARIUM

First of all, you should know that chemical yeast does not work in cases where you want carbon dioxide for your aquarium. Fresh yeast or baker's yeast should be used. You will also need plain sugar and water. The process consists of a fermentation in which the yeast begins to feed on sugar and CO2 begins to be produced, along with some types of alcohols. This reaction that produces carbon dioxide ends as soon as the yeast has no sugar or when the fermentation takes too long and the alcohol ends up killing the yeast.

PREPARATION

The first thing is to put the sugar in a plastic bottle. The measure is about 100 grams for every half liter of raw water in the bottle. That is, if we have a 2-liter plastic bottle, we must add 400 grams of sugar. It is important that these measurements are calculated as accurately as possible. If you can use a scale, so much the better. The scales used in the kitchen will work without any problem.

For ingredient treatment, it is best to use a funnel because it is a practical and easy-to-use tool to avoid accidents and waste. After the sugar, you have to introduce the water at room temperature and fill it ¾ parts of the bottle. You have to shake everything very well until the sugar is completely dissolved and there are no grains at the bottom of the bottle.

Yeast cannot be mixed directly in the bottle, you must use a pre-mix. In a little water, you should add a dessert teaspoon full of yeast. Baking powder absorbs more water, so it is necessary to add a little more water so that it can dissolve. To prevent lumps from forming with baker's yeast, wait about two minutes before stirring. When the yeast has dissolved, you can pour this mixture into the bottle.

The bottle should not be filled with water because when fermentation begins, the water level begins to rise as it fills with gases. It is also possible that a foam is created on top of the water. When there is not enough space, the mixture begins to seep from the bottle into the aquarium. Keep in mind that the fermentation process is not immediate.

The best is that the water is at room temperature, but fermentation occurs faster when the water and the ambient temperature are warmer. The CO2 begins to be produced when the fermentation is advanced and you can tell when the foam begins to appear on top of the water.

VERSIONS OF THE HOMEMADE MIX

There are a few ways to improve the quality and performance of this mix, but always know that this is a method where the mix should be changed when it is no longer capable of producing CO2.

To extend the pot life of the mixture, the water must be freed from the chlorine. For this, it must be left to rest for 24 hours before mixing it with the sugar and yeast. If the water that comes out of the filter does not have chlorine, it is not necessary to carry out this step, but in many of the processes of purification of water for human consumption, chlorine is used.

The yeasts used for these mixes are bakery, but there are other types of yeasts that can be used and they will not alter the result. One way to extend the shelf life of the mixture is to use wine yeast or champagne yeast because this is much more resistant to the presence of alcohols than baker's yeast. When using this type of yeast, it is not necessary to use so much.

The problem with these yeasts is that they are a bit more expensive than powdered or baker's yeasts and are also harder to come by in some places. Brewer's yeast is what is used in many fermentations of various types of alcohols. It is also more resistant to alcohols and will make the home CO2 system much longer..

Some versions of these types of mixes use an addition of baking soda to stabilize the mix and extend its use. Food grade bicarbonate found in supermarkets works as a buffer to keep the yeast more stable. It also becomes more efficient because the potency of the bubbles last a few days longer compared to mixes that don't use baking soda.

The average time that this type of mixture lasts is between 7 and 15 days, because common sugar is used. However, there are other types of refined sugars that remain much more stable and longer so that the yeast can feed itself much more.

Neutral gelatin can be used in these cases because it helps the yeast absorb the sugar in a much more stable way. That is, the sugars are released gradually so that the supply of sugars is extended for a few days. Although unflavored gelatin is often used, flavored gelatin can also be used and these cases work in the same way as neutral gelatin to achieve fermentation and CO2. Agar is also used in these formulas and works the same way.

An advantage that these types of gelatins have is that you can see how the gelatin acts on the water and it is easier to know when it is necessary to change the mixture. If you are going to use gelatin or agar-agar to substitute the sugar in the mixture, you have to match the amount of sugar to the needs of the mixture because not all the mixtures have the same amount of sugar and it may be necessary to add to get to the necessary level according to the capacity of the bottle.

To replace sugar with gelatin, use half the capacity of the bottle. That is, only half the bottle should be filled according to the manufacturer's instructions. If mixing is necessary, it must be balanced with granulated sugar. Mix the sugar and water while it is still hot to avoid lumps. After everything is dissolved, you have to wait until it is cold to be able to empty it into the bottle, but do not have to wait too long because the mixture can set.

Since the mixture between gelatin and water will only fill half of the mixture, it must be filled with water until it reaches ¾, but leaving a margin before ¾ because gelatin tends to increase in volume as the temperature starts to go down. When it is already at room temperature, you have to put the bottle in the fridge to solidify. When the gelatin is ready, the water and yeast solution is introduced. Because the gelatin is going to be cold when it comes in contact with the yeast, and fermentation is going to take a little longer.

Some success stories that we have seen with the home system have shown that the most stable mixtures that work well for the longest time in aquariums are those that include agar-agar. Depending on the availability of this ingredient and its cost, it will be easier to define if this is a method that can be maintained in the long term. The time this mix can last with a good supply of CO2 with agar-agar can go up to a full month in a 100 liter aquarium.

To use the mixture with the agar-agar it must be done in a heat source. If you are going to use a two-liter bottle, you have to bring 1 liter to the boil and when it is at this point, 400 grams of sugar begins to dissolve until it is completely dissolved in the water. It is best to add the sugar little by little. After this, and while the water is still boiling, place the agar-agar according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Before transferring the solution to the bottle, wait for it to cool down a little to be able to handle it more easily and prevent the bottle from warping and burning. As the water cools, the cold water can be added up to medida of the capacity of the bottle. Like other versions, you have to leave a little space because the mixture gains a little volume when it cools and when fermentation begins.

Since agar does not work the same as gelatin, it does not need to be refrigerated to solidify. After a night at room temperature out of the fridge, it will be more than enough for it to solidify. After this time you have to add the yeast diluted in a little water.

All these mixtures require some time for the fermentation to begin and in the case of agar-agar, you have to wait about an hour to start obtaining CO2. The beginning of this process is more gradual than the rest of the mixtures because not as much CO2 is produced at the beginning and with the passage of time the gas level begins to increase.

An indicator that the formula is no longer working is that a liquid portion can be seen on top which is composed, fundamentally, of water and alcohol. Then you can see an area that looks like whitish gelatin and corresponds to the part of the mixture that has already been used. You can see that this is a large part because it is the area of ​​yeast that has absorbed the sugars. A good way to take advantage of all the yeast and sugar is to shake the entire bottle so that the yeast moves to the areas where the sugar is located. You may find that the mixture is activated again because the components become more homogeneous.

If you see that the mixture does not activate or separate layers continue to be seen inside the bottle, a good solution is to empty a part of the mixture that has taken on a light or transparent color and add a little tap water. This is an efficient way to reduce the amount of alcohol that is retained so that fermentation can continue for a few more days. In addition, this helps the remaining yeast finish feeding and absorbing the other sugars.

The most graphic way to know that the mixture does not work is when the jelly-like part of the bottle begins to disappear. At this point it is necessary to throw the mixture and prepare another.

This is a system that works well when the aquariums have a minimum capacity of 60 liters. Dissolving CO2 works quite well with this method because the peaks are controlled until they are stabilized and all the gas produced via fermentation is used to a great extent. In the event that a larger system is needed to supply larger aquariums, just multiply the quantities.

The problem when they are larger aquariums is that the gas may run out much earlier, but in these cases a larger bottle can be used. Using a larger container can be a bit tricky to place on the aquarium cabinet and can also be unsightly due to the size.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF HOME CO2

This method is not so well known, but it can be a very good option when you do not have a too generous budget to install much more specific equipment. The biggest advantage of this method over others is that it is a much cheaper option, although there are always more efficient models that are worth the price. The second-hand market also has options that are interesting.

You can find pressurized equipment that can be found from 80 to 250 euros with very varied characteristics and functionalities, but they are equipment that has some problems in its long-term operation. Home kits have a maximum cost of 5 euros.

Refills are also easier in a home system because you do not have to take them to a specialized site where they recharge carbon dioxide for aquariums. The places where they provide these services are not so abundant and it may be necessary to travel to places a little far away.

A problem with home systems is that they do not adapt well to all types of aquariums., especially those who need much more stable and accurate monitors. On the contrary, pressurized and automated systems work well in all aquariums. When the aquariums exceed the amount of 120 liters, the gas begins to have problems because it is not distributed evenly over the entire surface and a part of it ends up escaping to the surface.

Some users choose to place several bottles throughout the aquarium to ensure that the entire aquarium can have all the necessary gas. However, this is a problem because space will have to be made in the cabinet to place the bottles and aesthetically it could be an obstacle. In the case of very large aquariums such as 300 liters, this is a system that cannot be implemented because it is not strong enough to supply the aquarium's needs.

A problem with home systems is that you cannot have exact control and you cannot regulate the amount of carbon dioxide that is in the aquarium. Homemade methods offer some control using yeast dosage, water and ambient temperatures, the use of gelatins or agar-agar, but these are not ways of stable measurement and regularization.

Pressurized systems work with mechanical and exact devices because the valves are electrical. In addition, this type of device can turn off CO2 while the light is off because they have timers that are programmed in advance. Furthermore, this is important so that the aquarium inhabitants are not poisoned with CO2.

When installing a homemade method, it is important that you look for the right diffuser. Some models of diffusers are designed to work with a pressure pump. The fermentation process does not produce as much gas as some of the diffusers need to function.

A common disadvantage of home methods is that diffusion requires more maintenance. The mixture must be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain a uniform and constant flow of CO2. On the other hand, pressure pumps can last several more weeks, depending on the size and needs of the aquarium.

Home systems tend to be less aesthetic. Some off-white matter with a cottony texture can accumulate at the outlet of the tube. This material is not harmful and will not harm fish or plants. A problem that this system can have is that this material can hinder the work of the diffuser stone. When other systems are used, this is avoided because the gear incorporates a cleaning glass that collects this matter. With the use of a filter in the oxygenator and the bubble counter, this unsightly appearance is not formed.

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