My diy co2 reactor was modified from this example. Instead of the clear cylinder, I simply used black pvc pipe and did away with the bio balls. $8 to make sounds about right or you can buy one off the shelf at your lfs.
Finnex are great lights. For less headaches get a pressurized system. Not to knock the DIY route I know many people start out with those because of cost , but you get more consistent CO2 with pressurized. CO2 fluctuations will cause algae issues in the long run. A good regulator will cost you around $150, and in the grand scheme of keeping fish I don't think that's bad at all.
Just to clarify and not confuse the OP...a CO2 reactor is in addition to the CO2 tank with a regulator and is linked to a canister filter or in my case, linked to a return pump from my sump. Simply put, the water is infused with CO2 before returning to the tank. No problems with my diy reactor whatsoever and its been in use for nearly 2 years now.
If I've said something that isn't right, please correct me. I'm only sharing from personal experience and I'm here to learn as well. OP is a 14 year old asking questions.
I apologies for that last comment. I'll try and have it deleted.
DIY works well for some, but not for others. It can cause big fluctuations in C02 levels which will lead to algae issues. BBA is one that can be a big headache. I'm very surprised that you've been using it for 2 years on a 75 with continued success. From what I have gathered from spending too much time on forums is that most people use it on smaller tanks. You use less bottles that way which seems to be one of the reasons for that. Your tank shows that it can work and work well on bit larger tank.
I have only ever used pressurized C02. Like i said before, in the big picture of keeping fish, the $150 or so for a good regulator, plus the $50 or so for the rest of the equipment needed, seems reasonable to me, but maybe not to others. Cost always seems to be the reason to go the DIY route rather than the other. The OP did not seem to be concerned with cost and was asking about lights. I always find it strange that when people start to inquire about pressurized C02, as in lighting, where to find a good regulator, etc. someone will chime in about DIY. That's not what this thread was about.
I see the mixup here. My apologies for not discussing my entire setup. The only diy piece of equipment I’ve been using is the CO2 reactor. My CO2 comes from a pressurized 20 lb tank. I know what you’re referring to with multiple bottles in producing one’s own CO2...never gone that route and appears too much of a headache as you’ve mentioned. I totally agree with you in that a good pressurized system is a good investment. Cheers!
