What are all the parts I need to buy to have a CO2 tank that delivers CO2 to the aquarium and shuts at night?

Question

I know I need a regulator to put on the tank, but besides that I don't know what I need. Plus I don't want to buy two different things that fulfill the same purpose, so I need to know what I need before I go out and buy everything.

Answer 1

Along with the regulator (which is essential to prevent CO2 poisoning), you will need something to actually generate CO2, which can be in the form of an expensive, pressurized canister, to a simple bottle of yeast, sugar, and water... Depending on how much money you want to spend, the size of your tank, and the kind of plants you have, your CO2 reactor will vary. A simple canister (like you would find in a paintball gun or a fire extinguisher) can be filled with pure CO2 and rigged to a timed valve. You could have a 2 liter soda bottle, but that won't shut off at night, which can be risky for your fish... There are also greatly effective "blocks" that have cords run electricity through them, oxidizing them, releasing CO2. This can be shut easily attached to a timer, does not require tubing or piping, and only needs to be refilled every 3-4 months. At less than $50 for the machine itself, and $10-15 for the replacements, it is FAR cheaper than a pressurized canister and far more effective and reliable than the soda bottle... Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi