If you are a newbie in fish keeping hobby, you may have realized one thing. Planted aquariums are something you must have on the top of your list. Also, you cannot deny the importance of CO2 regulators in your aquarium.
But do you know which regulators are the best? Your favorite shop or even online platform may make you go crazy with its thousands of options.
But be cautious while choosing the best. Do a quick research on selecting the best CO2 regulator for planted aquariums.
But where should you start? Don’t worry; this article will help you to make your choice easier.
So here you go.
9 Best CO2 Regulator For Planted Aquarium and Buying Guide
Now we will discuss the best aquarium CO2 regulator:
1. FZONE Aquarium CO2 Regulator
The Frozen aquarium seems to be on the top of the list of CO2 regulators in the market. It has two gauges. One gauge helps to read the pressure of the inner tank, and the other gauge measures the outgoing pressure.
Also, the updated solenoid prevents overheating. It includes a check valve and other necessary tools in the kit for perfect CO2 regulation.
What We Like:
- Have dual gauges.
- Contains an updated solenoid.
- These regulators are very accurate.
- Check valves and tools are also present.
- Very budget-friendly.
What We Don’t Like:
- The gauges are small.
2. VIVOSUN Hydroponics CO2 Regulator-
For long-lasting durability, this company uses high-quality brass components. The gauge reads from 0-400 PSI, suitable for almost every situation.
The solenoid operation ensures a long-lasting regulator which has various functionalities as well.
What We Like:
- Contains double brass components.
- One of the most significant advantages is that the gauge reads 0-400 PSI.
- Includes plastic.
What We Don’t Like:
- The whole setup is susceptible.
3. AQUATEK CO2 Regulator
It also contains two gauges for controlling pressure. Also, accurate adjustments are done by precision needle adjustments.
It includes a cool-touch solenoid. It does not get hot and also stays very quiet while running. These regulators last long and also have a high-quality professional look.
What We Like:
- Precision needle setup leads to accurate adjustments.
- Contains a dual gauge.
- Has cool touched solenoid.
- This regulator is multipurpose.
What We Don’t Like:
- Though it has many features, it isn’t easy to adjust.
- The bubble counter and check valve are not of decent quality.
4. Titan Controls CO2 Regulator
It contains all brass components, which make the regulator long-lasting and durable. It has a precision flow meter that helps you know the pressure of CO2 at the moment.
Also, the heavy-duty solenoid helps to last long without needle replacement. This regulator also makes very little noise while operating.
What We Like:
- Contains brass components.
- Precision flow matter helps to keep track of CO2 pressure.
What We Don’t Like:
- It comes with poor packaging.
5. Manatee Co2 Regulator
The regulator has stainless steel as a building material. It is long-lasting and resists corrosion.
It also consists of a dual gauge that helps track CO2 regulation. The presence of a bubble counter adds an extra advantage to this regulator.
What We Like:
- Dual gauge is present.
- Made up of stainless steel.
- It has a bubble counter.
What We Don’t Like:
- The most critical drawback is that it is pretty expensive compared to others.
- The solenoid gets hot.
- Also, the solenoid makes sound while operating.
6. Double Sun Aquarium CO2 Regulator
It is effortless to install, and the needle output valve helps you adjust the output rate from 30 – 60 PSI. It uses a D.C. solenoid, which means the regulator runs without any harm and consumes less power.
The solenoid does not get hot, so there is very little chance of overheating. You can also regulate the amount of CO2 that enters your tank because it contains a high precision fine-tuning valve.
What We Like:
- It contains Dual Meters
- It contains a D.C. solenoid which keeps the regulator safe.
- High precision fine-tuning valve regulates the amount of CO2 entering the regulator.
What We Don’t Like:
- The meters are tiny.
- It is a little challenging to set up this regulator.
- Absence of bubble counters.
7. YaeTek Aquarium CO2 Regulator:
It contains two mini gauges, which help you keep an eye on the pressure inside and leaving your tank. It is also available in four colours – gold, silver, red, and blue. The presence of a CO2 regulator is an extra advantage.
What We Like:
- Two gauges help track the pressure inside and outside the tank.
- Available in four colours, which gives a choice to the customers.
- Bubble counters are again an added advantage.
What We Don’t Like:
- The gauges are so small that it becomes challenging to read them.
- Also, there are no instructions mentioned to use the regulator.
- This regulator is noisy as compared to others.
8. ZRDR CO2 Regulator Aquarium
This regulator comes with a wide range of advantages. It contains a dual gauge, A.D. solenoid, and runs without making much sound. The materials used in the regulator makes it long-lasting.
What We Like:
- Has dual gauge.
- DC solenoid is present in this regulator. It lets the regulator consume less power.
- This regulator performs its task with high precision.
- The materials used in the regulator make it durable and long-lasting.
What We Don’t Like:
- The major drawback of this regulator is that we cannot get the actual flow rate.
10. S.T. International CO2 regulator:
The area which makes it unique is the presence of a magnetic solenoid valve. It helps to reduce energy consumption.
The S.T. Solenoid has one of the best solenoids in the regulators. And also, the regulator does not make noise while operating.
What We Like:
- The regulator comes with a 2-year guarantee.
- The materials used in the regulator make it long-lasting.
- Do not make a sound while operating.
- Minimized energy consumption also results in less excess heat.
What We Don’t Like:
- Sometimes, the pressure reading becomes difficult. The rainbow coloring of the gauge makes it so.
- Though not a significant problem, the regulator comes without a user manual.
- Little expensive as compared to other regulators.
What about Cheap CO2 regulators?
Be it anything, there is a popular notion that cheap products are not worth it compared to expensive ones. But this notion does not fit in every situation. And when it comes to CO2 regulators, what matters is not the price tag, but the quality of materials used.
If the regulator comes with all the essentials in the kit, then even a low-priced regulator can go a long way.
But yes, expensive things always come with extra advantages. It is valid for CO2 regulators as well. Expensive ones come with the kit, making the work more accessible and durable.
Definition of the best:
You may have enough knowledge about CO2 regulators for aquariums and their functionalities. But do you know what qualities make the best?
Let’s find out.
Following are the areas you need to focus on while buying CO2 regulators:
I. Easy to use
You may not love to call a professional every time you need to fix your regulators. So try to buy regulators that are easy to handle to connect the tubes with ease. There are two areas where you should have ease of use. First is easy installation and making all the fittings. Second, there should be ease in the amount of CO2 entering the tank.
II. Easy to read gauge
Gauges are critical to reading the levels of CO2. The regulator must have one or two meters. Two gauges do both the work and they keep track of both CO2 entering the tank and pressure in the aquarium. Also, ensure that the gauges are large enough, so it is easy to read the markings.
So before buying your set, make sure that the markings of the indicator are easy to read.
III. Dual Stage regulators for extra protection:
Dual-stage CO2 regulators for aquariums are two regulators built-in one. The first stage keeps the pressure down to a regulated PSI (unit of pressure) for the second stage. Two sets will add extra protection and prevent fluctuations.
IV. Use high-quality materials:
While choosing your regulators, always keep one thing in mind. It would help if you constantly buy regulators of high-quality materials. It will make them stay longer and also will not break. Stainless steel and brass can be the best options.
V. Some must-haves in the kit
There are many things that come along with the regulator with different functionalities. Let’s find out about them:
VI. Invest in a high-quality needle valve
Needle valves are essential parts of your regulator. They control the amount of CO2 entering the aquarium. As the liquid CO2 starts lowering, pressure decreases. It leads to an increase in the output pressure.
Also, it dumps anything left in the aquarium. A suitable quality needle valve prevents dumping.
VII. Bubble counter holds importance too
Though bubble counter may not seem to have an important role to play, it counts the number of bubbles entering your aquarium per second. It plays an essential role in allowing for fine adjustments to flow rate.
IIX. Solenoid valve
Solenoid valves are must-haves for any aquarium. They save a lot of money-saving CO2 wasted during the lights-off hours when the plants do not need CO2. Also, they come with automatic timers, which will make your work even more accessible.
- A.C. solenoid – Uses alternating current. Also, its price is a little low. But it gets a little hot and makes a sound while running. It also uses more power.
- D.C. solenoid – Uses direct current. It is a little expensive but remains calm and runs without making any sound.
IX. Check valve
Sometimes the check valve is not available in the kit. Then you should make sure that you buy it. The check valve is important because it prevents the backflow of tank water to the CO2 regulator. If the water enters the regulator, it may break it.
So, after having an idea of the essential features of the regulator, you are ready to buy one. But hold on before getting confused about which regulator seems to be the best. Read the rest of the article to have a better idea.
Conclusion
So before having an aquarium at home, it’s a must to have quick research. It is necessary to keep the aquatic inhabitants fit and healthy. So now, you might have got an idea that CO2 plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy plants.
Now, it might be clear to you what areas you need to focus on while buying CO2 regulators. Now, after getting an idea about the best CO2 regulators, it might be easy for you to decide which regulator will suit your pocket and your aquarium as well.
But let’s be more precise. The FZONE CO2 regulator seems the best option. It has two easy to read gauges, a D.C. solenoid. It also comes with a check valve. But it is a little tough to set up, as mentioned above. All the regulators mentioned above are of great value.
FZONE CO2 regulator and the S.T. International CO2 regulators can be the next best options apart from the ones mentioned above.
If you aspire to become a good aquarist, always select the best option for your fish and plants. Keeping them at their best health should be your topmost priority.
Brian wasn’t just another Civil Engineer. His passion for Aquarium life was unknown to many until he decided to showcase it for the world. It seems like he made the right decision after all!