How Long Does Paintball CO2 Tank Aquarium: 2022 What You Don’t Know

How Long Does Paintball CO2 Tank Aquarium: 2022 What You Don’t Know

CO2 Tank Aquarium. If you have a paintball CO2 tank and are using it in an aquarium, there is likely a valve that allows you to restrict the flow rate of the gas out of the tank. This is a safety feature so that if your tank ever were to become over-pressurized, excess gas would be vented back into the tank instead of leaking out into your room. This is called a regulator.

 

What is the proper CO2 flow rate for an aquarium? – CO2 Tank Aquarium – CO2 Tank Aquarium

The proper CO2 flow rate for an aquarium depends on the size of the aquarium and the amount of fish in the tank. The level at which the fish are comfortable should be maintained, and the CO2 flow rate should be adjusted to maintain that level.

The proper CO2 flow rate for your aquarium will be below the threshold at which plants begin to be negatively affected. Whatever the flow rate of your regulator is, it is somewhere in that range that I believe many PMI’s uses.

 

What You Should Know About CO2 Tank Aquarium:

While a low flow rate will keep your parts running a little too freely, a high flow rate ensures that your part is not so heavily gushing out into the air that it begins to damage or fatigue your fish. Before we get into what your CO2 range should be, it would be a good idea to re-read what is covered on page 165 of this guide, where I discuss “How Fish Are Tested”.

Not only do you want to see that there is some sort of flow rate listed, but you also want to know your system heat rating. This is oftentimes stated in the “Information About Your Tank” column and claims how many watts run through your heater.

Most of the modern tanks should be able to achieve between 120 and 150 watts. If your tank does not have a flow rate per part listed, look in the “CO2 Information” column. If none of the numbers there alone are enough for you, simply ask your local dealer for a flow rate chart and a PMI that can make the proper adjustments for your setup.

A rule of thumb, when using an aquarium to house your fish, is to maintain the right amount of space between your plants. This will ensure that the fish have a place to live, but it will also prevent algae from growing on your plants.

Nothing prevents your plants from sucking up water with their roots and desiccating the aquarium. Keeping the space between your plants about 1-1.5 inches will keep most plants away from your aquarium and away from your fish.

 

What causes paintball CO2 tanks to leak? – CO2 Tank Aquarium

As paintball CO2 tanks age and are exposed to temperature changes, the seals can become brittle and crack, causing a leak. Paintballs are temperature sensitive, so it’s important to store them in a cool, dry location. CO2 tanks are also temperature sensitive.

The gases released from the tank when it’s filled with paint will have a certain temperature at that time. If your paintballs ever get too hot, the pressure of the gas will rise up and vent in excess into your room. It’s best to keep your paintballs in an area away from sources of heat (sink, fridge, heater, HVAC, etc) as temperatures can get pretty hot in a room filled with paintballs.