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US # CO2 fertilization system
US Information for use
Aquatic plants are living beings. Like fish, they need reg-
ular and proper nutrition to ensure healthy growth and
lush green leaves. One of the most important nutrients
for plants is carbon dioxide (CO2). Every day plants
absorb large amounts of CO2 and release oxygen. Nat-
ural waters always have sufficient dissolved carbon di-
oxide, but this important nutrient is lacking in most
aquariums. Consequently, despite sufficient fertilization
and correct lighting, regular addition of CO2 is the only
way to achieve optimum plant growth. A continuous
carbon dioxide supply, however, will accomplish even
more. The pH value, for example, can be kept at an opti-
mum level between 6.8 and 7.5 in most aquariums,
which is more comfortable for the fish. CO2 fertilization
with the sera CO2 fertilization system creates the basis
for stable water conditions, lush green varied plant
species, and healthy fish.
Assembly: (Please read thoroughly!)
Before assembling, give the sera CO2 fertilization sys-
tem at least 2 hours to adjust to room temperature.
To begin, attach the holder for the CO2 bottle at an ap-
propriate location near the aquarium (fig. 1). Do not
install the CO2 bottle close to furnaces or other heat
sources. Remove the pressure reducer from the pack-
aging. Insert the Allen wrench into the threaded screw
(fig. 2.1) on top of the pressure reducer. Unscrew this
approx. 1 cm-long screw completely. Now hand-tighten
the screw until you feel the first light resistance. Next,
check the adjustment knob (fig. 2.2) of the built-in fine
adjustment valve, to ensure it is closed snugly (turn in
the “–” direction). Do not over-tighten! Hold the CO2
bottle in a vertical position (valve facing upwards!),
unscrew the protection cap (fig. 3) and screw-on the
pressure reducer snugly (fig. 4). Very slowly, tighten the
small threaded screw (top) with the Allen wrench (insert
short shaft) until the gauge (fig. 2.3) shows a pressure
between 0.8 to 1.0 bar. When operating the CO2 ferti-
lization system, never exceed the GREEN range. The RED
range indicates overpressure. In this case, loosen the
adjustment knob (fine adjustment valve, fig. 2.2) imme-
diately, to relieve the overpressure.
Now the pressure (operating pressure) on the hoses
and components is set. It is automatically kept constant
until the CO2 bottle is empty. Remove the Allen wrench
and keep it in a safe place near the system.
Check the sealing ring for condition and fit before
mounting the pressure reducer to the CO2 bottle after
refills. Replace ring if necessary. To install refill, return to
the step “Insert the Allen wrench into the threaded
screw (fig. 2.1)” and follow-through.
Warning:
The bottle must have the protection cap screwed-on
during transportation. Transporting the CO2 bottle
mounted with the pressure reducer is prohibited!
Next, place the CO2 bottle into the holder on the wall
(fig. 5). By means of the suction cups, attach the reactor
to a clean inner aquarium pane in a vertical position
with the hose connectors facing up (fig. 5). A location
with good circulation is ideal, although not too close to
the filter inlet (fig. 6). Insert one end of the CO2 hose into
the left-inlet side of the reactor. Prevent hose kinks by
cutting enough hose length to form a “U-shape” and
insert the hose end into the outlet of the flow regulator.
Measure and cut the CO2 hose to suit the chosen loca-
tion for the safety valve in your aquarium. Carefully
insert the valve between the two lengths. (Caution: The
“in” and “out” nozzles must be installed in the proper
direction for the valve to function correctly) (fig. 6).
Then insert one end of the thicker hose to the larger
nipple of the reactor.
Installation with external filters (fig. 7):
Switch off your external filter and empty the filter inlet
and outlet filter hoses. This prevents the water in the
aquarium from overflowing during further assembly.
Close “shut-off” valves on hoses if applicable. Cut the
outlet filter hose just past where it enters the aquarium.
Insert the straight pipe section of the T-piece into the
outlet hose still attached to the filter. Insert the thicker
corner-pipe of the T-piece into the cut piece of hose.
Insert the thinner corner-pipe of the T-piece into the
reactor hose. Switch-on the filter. The water flow to the
reactor can be adjusted by using the shut-off valve on
the T-piece. For thicker hoses (16/22), a larger T-piece
(item no. 8028) is available from your specialty retailer.
For external filters with a low-volume pump – sera rec-
ommends operating the CO2 reactor with a separate
pump. The sera internal flters F 400 adjustable and sera
F 700 adjustable are ideal.
Installation with internal filters or separate submersible
pumps:
Using a piece of the 12/16 hose, you can connect the
reactor directly to the outlet of your internal filter. Use
the T-piece as described in “Installation with external fil-
ters.” To install, connect the T-piece inlet to the pump
outlet with a 12/16 length of hose. If the pump volume
is insufficient to provide adequate water pressure for
the reactor, reduce the water return with the shut-off
valve on the T-piece.
With correct installation of the CO2 fertilization sys-
tem, the safety valve will work properly, and water
will be unable to enter the CO2 hoses. If water should
get in, remove the electrical plug immediately. Check
and tighten all the hose connections. Switch the fil-
ter back on.
Assembly of the CO2 long-term indicator (fig. 8):
Remove the pyramid-shaped cap and fill to the rim of
the inner slope with aquarium water (approx.
1.5 ml). Add 3 – 4 drops of the CO2 indicator solution and
3
replace the bottom part. Invert the testing device and
attach it vertically with the suction cup to the inside
glass of the aquarium. Make sure that the hollow cap is
partially filled with aquarium water. The water level in
the testing device will change over time, but this does
not affect its function. Do not let it exceed the level
shown in the diagram.
Start-up (fig. 9):
Temporarily disconnect the CO2 hose from the reactor
and hold it under water. Slowly open the adjustment
knob of the fine adjustment valve. Turn in the “+” direc-
tion until it releases a minimum amount of CO2 from the
hose connector (fig. 2.4). This allows you to see the bub-
bles and make a rough pre-adjustment. Then return the
hose to the reactor. The first bubbles will appear in the
reactor a short time later – be patient. Depending on
the length of hose the delay can run from 1 to 15 min-
utes.
Once the bubbles have flowed for a few minutes, adjust
the number to the correct level by using the adjustment
knob on the fine adjustment valve. For every 10 liters
(2.6 gal.) add one bubble. For example, 160 liters (42 gal.)
= 16 bubbles. Any adjustments to the count will be
time-delayed as noted. Readjusting the operating pres-
sure might be required a few hours later in some cases.
Note: This calculation of bubbles per liter is based
on a carbonate hardness value of 4°dKH. If the carbonate
hardness is lower in your aquarium, increase it to 4°dKH
with sera kH-plus.
Important: The fine adjustment valve (adjustment knob)
must be closed before making corrections to the oper-
ating pressure. To make the adjustment, remove the CO2
hose slowly. Refer to the “Assembly” section for details
(fig 2.1 and followings).
Next, attach the color comparison chart decal to the
outside glass of the aquarium, close to the long-term
indicator. Compare the color in the cap with the colors
on the chart.
blue = insufficient CO2
dark green = correct level of CO2
light green = too much CO2
Depending on the required quantity, readjust the CO2
amount with the pressure reducer and the bubble
counter integrated in the reactor. Color changes in the
long-term indicator take 30 to 60 minutes. Wait approx.
one hour before making further adjustments. Over time
the liquid in the long-term indicator will fade. Replace
the water and add the CO2 indicator solution as before.
This is a good time to clean the indicator with the brush
provided in the set. From time to time the reactor
should also be cleaned of algae and dirt with this brush.
Note: – The bubble count can fluctuate according to
room temperate changes.
– For the first few days after installing a new fine
adjustment valve, check the bubble count fre-
quently and readjust the rate as necessary. The
rate will soon stabilize.

Troubleshooting:
Problem
CO2 consumption too high
The fish at the water surface are
breathing heavily or make abrupt
swimming movements
The fish are breathing heavily, but only in
the morning
Hissing noise does not disappear when
installing the pressure reducer to the
bottle
In spite of a large number of bubbles,
long-term indicator shows “blue” color,
i.e., not enough CO2
➜
Possible cause
Leakage in the CO2 hose system;
incorrect hose
Operating pressure too high
Sealing ring between pressure reducer
and CO2 bottle is defective
Reactor dirty or not enough water
pressure; CO2 bubbles are coming up
Aquarium is too heavily aerated; no lid
or cover
Tightening nut at adjustment wheel
of the sera CO2 pressure reducer has
become loose
Threaded screw (on top) of pressure
reducer was over tightened (display
reads in the RED area); safety valve
opens and CO2 escapes with a hissing
sound
CO2 gas escaped from the water is
trapped below the aquarium cover
Not enough oxygen in the water
Sealing ring is defective
CO2 leak
CO2 gas is expelled from water by air
stone, air diffusor, etc.
Possible solution
Replace hose
Lower operating pressure at the
pressure reducer
Replace sealing ring (item no. 8016);
contact specialty retailer
Clean reactor or let more water into the
reactor
Reduce loss of CO2 with a hood
Fasten tightening nut firmly by hand
Loosen threaded screw immediately.
Open the fine adjustment valve (adjust-
ment knob) to release built-up pressure.
Close fine adjustment valve and tighten
threaded screw very slowly, so that the
operational pressure range is between
0.8 and 1.0 bar
Provide better air circulation
Reduce CO2 amount slightly or increase
aeration
Replace sealing ring (item no. 8016);
contact specialty retailer
Check hose connections
Avoid air bubbling in the water

4
 The maximum aquarium size for approx. Install an additional sera CO2 fertilization
➜

400 liters (106 gal.) is exceeded system

Despite a low number of bubbles,
the long-term indicator shows “light
green” color, i.e., too much CO2
No CO2 bubbles in the bubble counter
Water level in the long-term indicator
changes rapidly
Cap of the testing device cannot be
removed, or only with great difficulty
Pale colors in the long-term indicator
High amount of CO2 inside the reactor
Big rising bubbles escape from the
reactor
If there are only a few plants in the aquar-
ium and/or increased bacteria activity, an
excess of free CO2 can build up
Snails or fungi inside the long-term
indicator
Pressure reducer is closed
Pressure reducer is incorrectly adjusted
(insufficient or no operating pressure)
CO2 bottle is empty
Non-return safety valve incorrectly
connected
Leakage in the hose system or in the
hose fitting
Non-return safety valve clogged or
defective
Cap is not completely pushed-in
The silicon lubrication of the sealing ring
has dried-out
Indicator solution is too old
Pump performance is too low
Pump performance is too high
Reduce number of bubbles conduct a
partial water change and use the sera
gravel washer; add plants
Clean the long-term indicator
Open the closed valve carefully
Increase operating pressure
Refill CO2 bottles; contact specialty
retailer
Check valve fittings and correct
connection if necessary
Check hoses and fittings and replace
hoses if necessary
Replace; contact your specialty retailer
Check sealing ring
Carefully lift the cap with a small
screwdriver and lubricate the sealing
ring with silicon grease
Refill the long-term indicator
Reduce or close the water outlet on the
T-piece
Reduce water flow to the reactor

Contents: Item number (Replacement parts):

1 sera CO2 pressure gas bottle 500 g/17.6 oz. with internal valve (A) 8010
1 sera CO2 protection cap for bottles with internal valve 8008
1 sera CO2 pressure reducer for internal valve (B) 8013
1 sera bottle holder for wall mounting (C) 8021
1 sera non-return safety valve (D) 8818
1 sera CO2 reactor with suction cups and integrated bubble counter (E) 8025
1 sera sealing ring for CO2 bottles 8016
1 sera T-piece 2 x 12/16, 1 x 6/8, adjustable (F) 8027
1 sera CO2 long-term indicator with indicator solution 15 ml/0.5 fl.oz., 4320
CO2 color chart and suction cup (G)
1 sera CO2 hose 4/6 (diffusion-proof) 5 m/16.5 ft. 8022 (length 10 m/33 ft.)
1 sera water hose 6/8 1 m/3.3 ft. 8026 (length 10 m/33 ft.)
1 sera cleaning brush for long-term indicator and CO2 reactor 8019

Optional parts (not included in the set):

sera CO2 indicator solution 15 ml/0.5 fl.oz. 4330
sera CO2 filling adapter for bottles with internal valve 8020
sera O-ring for filling adapter item No. 8020 8023
sera CO2 pressure gas bottle 2 kg/70.5 oz. with external valve 8014
(Attention: requires other pressure reducer, item No. 8035)
sera CO2 pressure reducer for external valve 8035
sera adapter for bottles with external valve 8032
sera reduction piece 10-6 8024
sera T-piece 2 x 16/22, 1 x 6/8 (adjustable) 8028

Warranty:
The sera CO2 fertilization system performs reliably when
following to the instructions. Warranty for the CO2
bottle, the pressure reducer and the reactor are valid
for 24 months from the date of purchase. Please note
that the sales slip will function as a warranty voucher!
Damages and/or malfunction due to mishandling
and/or misuse are not covered under warranty. Parts
subject to normal wear, such as sealing rings, suction
cups, hoses are not covered under warranty. Liability is
limited to the purchase value of the unit only.
In case of a malfunction please contact your retailer.