CO2 bomb
The CO2 production by fermentation is not ideal because the bottle lasts for about three days. It is then necessary to add sugar or prepare another bottle. Such process is too challenging. It also requires switching on the valve in the morning and switching off in the evening to apply the CO2 only at light. Because the fermentation process can’t be easily stopped, there must be another valve to avoid the bottle's explosion when the CO2 is not being delivered to the aquarium. This could be automated using an electrically controlled valve that costs about 1000 Kč (US$ 42) with a time-controlled outlet for approx. 200 Kč (US$ 8). However, at such investment the use of low-cost solution of CO2 generation by fermentation would not make sense. On eBay, I’ve seen such a valve for about 300 Kč (US$ 13). But I don’t have too much confidence in products targeted for the Chinese market because they don’t keep the isolation gaps required by the Czech regulations. If I twas for the voltage of up to 24 V, I would consider it. But for 230 V? It is too risky.
After considering all the arguments, I decided to buy a CO2 bomb. The Sklorex store sells sets of already refilled bombs with electrical valves for 3200 Kč (US$ 133). At the same time, one can buy a time-controlled outlet to switch the CO2 valve in the store. I chose a digital version. It is important so the outlet keeps the time and setup in case of power outage. Because I had to go to Brno to collect the stuff, I preferred ordering everything on internet with the option of collecting in the store. At the opportunity, I ordered a bubble counter as well.
To the order with the CO2 bomb I added additional needed items to be able to solve the situation of sick fish: eSha Exi 20 ml treatment which has good references to treat the Whitespot disease. I also ordered the Diversa ThermoPlus 50 W heater and the Diversa Claro 300 filter to have some equipment for the quarantine aquarium. Finally, I ordered the Rataj Bivoj fertilizer balls that are usually put into the sand.
By the way, none of those sick Serpae tetras (Hyphessobrycon eques) survived. Moreover, the disease appeared on other fish – on the Ram cichlids (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi). They came from the Dr. Šponar’s store too. I’m afraid that it was the last time I visited the Dr. Šponar’s store.
On Friday 23/12, we collected the ordered items in the Sklorex store in Brno. Moreover, I bought 4 m of high-pressure tube and 100 g of Sera filter wool. It is a substitute for the Juwel Paly Pad filter wool. At the price of 68 Kč (US$ 2.50) per 100 g it is much cheaper than the original one. It only requires cutting.
I immediately applied the eSha Exit treatment at home. It is usually applied for three days. The disease really disappeared from the hit fish after the third day.
I connected the CO2 bomb on Monday 26/12.I waited until the already running bottle with fermentation terminated. I connected the check valve to the bomb and then via the bubble counter to the sand stone in the aquarium. I programmed the outlet to turn on at 8.00 am and turn off at 5.30 pm.
