Surely, the CO2 cylinder is not a strange issue for aquascaping enthusiasts, but it is always a hot topic of lively discussion. However, not everyone has the experience or the means to purchase a proper CO2 cylinder. Today, we would like to introduce you to a way to provide CO2 for plants using a fire extinguisher at the most optimal cost.
Fire extinguishers are currently very common. They are sold almost everywhere. But we need to consider which fire extinguishers can be used and which cannot:
Type 1: Powder fire extinguisher
On the cylinder, there is usually the inscription MFZ or ABC, and the valve has a gauge!
For powder fire extinguishers like this, they cannot be used to DIY a CO2 cylinder. Due to the low pressure of the powder cylinder, the shell is quite thin, so ABSOLUTELY DO NOT USE POWDER FIRE EXTINGUISHERS TO PUMP CO2 GAS.
Type 2: Gas fire extinguisher
There is no gauge valve on the cylinder with the inscription MT2, MT3, or MT5.
For this type of fire extinguisher, the shell is quite thick. Gas fire extinguishers use CO2 gas to extinguish fires directly, so we can use the gas in the cylinder for aquariums.
DIY Method:
- For cylinders that still have gas, you should utilize all the gas in the cylinder. At this point, you just need to buy an additional adjustment valve, and you’re good to go. Note that when purchasing, you should bring the cylinder to the valve store to check if the adjustment valve fits the cylinder’s valve.
- For empty cylinders, take the cylinder to mechanical shops to install an additional main valve. Note that when buying the main valve, you should choose a type with a pressure adjustment screw as shown in the picture (the adjustment screw is the small screw opposite the gas outlet valve).
After installing the valve, you can buy an additional adjustment valve as shown in the picture to use. Note that when purchasing, you need to check that all types of valves fit together!
Total Cost
- CO2 Cylinder: 300k-350k (3kg cylinder) Full gas
- CO2 Cylinder: 100k-150k empty
- Main valve: 200k-250k (economical type)
- Adjustable valve: 150k – 200k
- Regular adjustment valve: ~100k
- Electric valve (for those who use it with a timer): 125k-200k
WISH YOU SUCCESS
Tag: Aqua Plants Hub
Aqua Plants Hub Editorial
