DIY Aquarium CO2 Generator System Kit – Fish Tank Reactor
Transform your planted aquarium into a lush underwater garden with this DIY Aquarium CO2 Generator System Kit. Designed for freshwater fish tanks and aquatic plant enthusiasts, this carbon dioxide reactor kit delivers a steady, controllable supply of CO2 to supercharge plant growth, improve water clarity, and create a thriving aquatic ecosystem — all without expensive refillable cylinders.
Made in Mainland China.
Why Your Aquatic Plants Need CO2
Carbon dioxide is the primary building block of photosynthesis for aquatic plants. A stable CO2 supply encourages faster, denser plant growth, outcompetes algae for nutrients, and supports healthier fish by maintaining stable water chemistry. This DIY kit lets you generate CO2 on demand using simple, widely available household ingredients (citric acid + baking soda + water — materials not included).
Key Features
- Corrosion-Resistant Valve: Available with either a stainless steel valve or an aluminum alloy valve, both with surface oxidation treatment to effectively prevent long-term corrosion and extend service life.
- Built-In Safety Valve: Automatically opens when internal pressure exceeds the set maintenance threshold, keeping your setup safe and reliable at all times.
- Microporous Filter Element: Acid- and alkali-resistant filtration screens out impurities from the generated gas before it enters your aquarium, ensuring only clean CO2 reaches your plants.
- Pressure Gauge (0–50 kg/cm²): At-a-glance monitoring so you always know your system's output level.
- Free Spare Seals Included: Replacement seals are bundled in the box so you can maintain an airtight system even after extended use.
- Water Injector Included: Simplifies refilling the reaction chamber without disassembling the unit.
- Dual Capacity Support: Compatible with both 1 L and 2 L reaction bottles (bottles not included).
Recommended Mixing Ratios (Materials Not Included)
- 1 L bottle: 150 g citric acid + 150 g baking soda + 200 g water
- 2 L bottle: 300 g citric acid + 300 g baking soda + 400 g water
Specifications
| Material | Aluminum alloy + Plastic |
| Pressure Gauge | 0–50 kg/cm² |
| Applicable Bottle Capacity | 1 L, 2 L |
| Battery Required | No |
| Origin | Mainland China |
What's in the Box
- 1 × CO2 Generator (carbon dioxide reactor unit)
- 1 × Sealing Gasket (spare)
- 1 × Water Injector
Learn More About Planted Aquariums
For guidance on aquatic plant care and water quality management, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's water resources page for general water quality information relevant to home aquatic environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What materials do I need to operate the DIY aquarium CO2 generator system kit?
A: You will need citric acid, baking soda, and water — none of which are included with the kit. For a 1 L bottle, use 150 g citric acid, 150 g baking soda, and 200 g water. For a 2 L bottle, use 300 g citric acid, 300 g baking soda, and 400 g water. Both sets of materials are easily found at grocery or hobby stores.
Q: Is this CO2 generator kit safe for use in a fish tank with live fish?
A: Yes, when used as directed. The built-in safety valve automatically releases pressure if it exceeds the safe threshold, and the microporous filter element removes impurities from the gas before it diffuses into the aquarium water. Always monitor CO2 levels and ensure adequate surface agitation to maintain healthy dissolved oxygen levels for your fish.
Q: What bottle sizes are compatible with this aquarium CO2 system?
A: This kit is compatible with standard 1 L and 2 L plastic bottles (sold separately). Choose the size based on your tank volume — a 2 L setup will generate CO2 for a longer period before needing a refill.
Q: How long does one batch of CO2 mixture last in this generator?
A: Duration varies depending on your ambient temperature, the ratio of reactants, and the output valve setting. In general, a well-mixed batch can provide a steady CO2 supply for several days to a couple of weeks. Warmer temperatures accelerate the reaction, while cooler temperatures slow it down.
Q: What is the difference between the stainless steel valve version and the aluminum alloy valve version?
A: Both valve types undergo a surface oxidation treatment to resist corrosion effectively. Stainless steel valves offer slightly higher corrosion resistance, while aluminum alloy valves are lighter. Both versions feature the same safety valve, microporous filter, and included spare seals and water injector.