Any advice on getting started with a CO2 system?

[Machele]

I want a beautiful plant aquascape & am tired of losing plants to the algae battle so I’ve ordered a CO2 tank with regulator. Any advice on successfully getting started?

[Keeg]

Do lots of research on your own. Use a timer so human error is reduced. Test your water regularly. Dont skimp out on a good light and fertilizer. 

And welcome to the forum!

Edited September 17, 2021 by Keeg

[ARMYVET]

My advice....limit your expectations.  A lot of people think Co2 is the magic solution.  When used correctly it is a excellent tool.  When not...it can have disastrous effects. 

I can tell you I have plants in 20 plus tanks....and only one has any form of algae(green hair) in it and its a pleco and guppy fry grow out tank.  Can you say poop factory.  That coupled with I do not vac it the way I should which is why I have the hair algae.  The rest of the tanks including my main display have no algae to mention and none run on Co2.  I tried it years ago with all the best equipt and at first all was going well ....or so I thought.   I definitely did not use it correctly and then the problems started. All kinds of issues... Including killing off an entire tank to Co2 poisonings

I am not telling you this to dissuade you in any way. Just the opposite. Just want you to be aware of the potential problems so you may avoid them. 

I am happy to answer any questions you may have

[JoshStover]

Use a timer for sure 

[Mmiller2001]

The biggest mistake people make is not using enough co2 out of fear. Don't do that.

Here's everything you need to know in a nutshell.

https://www.2hraquarist.com/blogs/choosing-co2-why