Name: Nano CO2 Kit
Brand: Ultum Nature Systems
SKU: UNSCO2-KIT-MINI3
Price: 197.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Ultum Nature Systems UNS CO2 Nano Cylinder Kit for Planted Aquarium Tanks - Glass Aqua

Nano CO2 Kit

$197.99 USD ~~$209.95 USD~~

Usually ships in 1-2 business days from our fulfillment center

IMPORTANT: If your order arrives damaged, please take photos and contact us right away—we’re here to help. Due to the nature of certain products, returns are subject to approval. For full details, please visit our FAQ.

The Nano CO2 Kit is a compact, complete system designed to make CO2 injection (carbon supplementation) simple and accessible for planted aquariums. Featuring the Ultum Nature Systems Mini Dual Stage Regulator paired with a disposable CO2 cartridge (a dynamic duo we use often!), this setup offers a reliable and approachable introduction to CO2 injection for nano and small planted tanks.

With all essential components included, the Nano CO2 Kit is best for hobbyists with small tanks, or anyone looking to introduce CO2 without the complexity of larger pressurized setups.

What This Kit is Best For
- Nano and small planted aquariums (typically 1–10 gallons)
- Beginner-friendly CO2 setups
- Desktop and compact aquariums
- Hobbyists looking for a simple, complete CO2 solution

Planted Aquarium Tank 95G Mini CO2 Disposable System Kit

Product Highlights
- Complete CO2 System: Includes all essential components needed to begin CO2 injection in a planted aquarium
- Dual-Stage Regulator: Helps maintain consistent CO2 output levels and reduces fluctuations, supporting stable, healthy aquarium plant growth
- Compact and Space-Efficient: Designed for nano tanks and small setups where space is limited
- Beginner-Friendly Setup: Disposable cartridge allows for quick installation and easy replacement without refilling

What’s Included
- UNS Mini Dual Stage CO2 Regulator
- 95g Disposable CO2 Cartridge
- CO2 Pressure Proof Tubing
- CO2 Diffuser
- CO2 Cartridge Base Stand

This kit is designed to simplify CO2 injection for smaller aquariums. With proper setup and adjustment, it provides a consistent carbon source to support plant growth, coloration, and overall health. A single cartridge typically lasts 2–3 months depending on tank size and usage. Replacement is quick and straightforward, making it easy to maintain consistent CO2 levels.

Important Information
- Ships within the lower 48 states only
- CO2 cartridges ship via UPS Ground due to pressurized contents

Ultum Nature Systems UNS CO2 Nano Cylinder Kit for Planted Aquarium Tanks - Glass Aqua
Shop all CO2 Kits or Build Your Own!

Ultimate Planted Aquarium CO2 Guide

Adding CO2 to a planted tank might seem complicated at first—with all the gear and technical terms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, once you understand the basics, setting up a CO2 system for your planted tank is just as straightforward as setting up a filter or light. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know step-by-step.

Aquario Neo CO2 Diffuser Normal Large injecting micro CO2 bubbles

What is CO2 and why is it important in a planted aquarium?

Just as we need oxygen to survive, aquarium plants rely on carbon dioxide to thrive. CO2 is naturally produced by fish, humans, and other animals, providing plants with what they need. In a freshwater tank, fish naturally produce small amounts of CO2, which can give the impression that some aquatic plants don’t need it. In reality, all plants require it, just at different levels. This is why CO2 injection systems are strongly recommended—Popular beginner plants like Anubias, Bucephalandra, Java Fern and aquatic mosses are commonly labeled as “low-tech” because they can handle minimal levels. However, even hardy plants benefit greatly from added CO2 and will grow more quickly and vibrantly with it.

Aquascaper’s Notes: During photosynthesis (lights on), plants release oxygen, which helps keep the water well-oxygenated for livestock. As a result, most aquascapers skip traditional airstones or bubblers.

Easy beginner low light aquarium plant Java Fern Trident

Microsorum pteropus AKA Java Fern 'Trident' producing oxygen

Okay, so aquarium plants need CO2, but what does it really do?

For proper growth, aquatic plants require a balanced mix of light, nutrients and CO2. Think of it like a pie—each slice represents one of these elements. If any slice is too small, large or missing, the pie is incomplete and represents an imbalance aka ideal conditions for algae to take over. Injecting CO2 into a freshwater planted tank improves plant health, and stability. That’s why we recommend CO2 systems even in low-light or beginner-friendly tanks. It completes the pie, creates balance and reduces the risk of algae problems.

Common examples of planted aquarium imbalances:

Too much light, but not enough CO2 or nutrients
Too much nutrients, but not enough CO2

What equipment do I need to start injecting CO2?

The process is simple, once you understand must-have gear. Here are our four essentials every planted tank hobbyist should have.

1. CO2 Regulator

Controls overall output levels. Each regulator will have at least one gauge that will display the maximum output pressure. We typically set this anywhere between 25-40PSI (safe range) on the main valve and fine-tune the flow with the needle valve (the smaller one) to dial in levels being injected. Dual-gauge regulators show both working pressure and available gas reserves in the cylinder. Higher-end models may also include a solenoid. A solenoid lets you shut off CO2 manually or with a timer—usually synced with the lights, since aquarium plants will not require it when lights are off.

Shop UNS Mini CO2 Dual Stage Regulator CO2 - Glass Aqua

Almost all CO2 regulators will have a gauge that displays maximum output pressure

Shop UNS Pro CO2 Dual Stage Regulator CO2 - Glass Aqua

While other CO2 regulators will have dual gauges

Main pressure valve on an Ultum Nature Systems Mini CO2 Regulator

Needle Valve on an Ultum Nature Systems Mini CO2 Regulator

Ultum Nature Systems UNS Dual Gauge CO2 PRO Regulator for Planted Aquariums

CO2 Regulator solenoid example

2. Cylinders & Cartridges

These store CO2. How long do they last? This is one of the most common questions we get—and the honest answer is: it depends. Every aquarium is different. Factors like tank size, aquarium water chemistry, plant variety, plant density, and CO2 injection levels needed all impact how quickly a cylinder or cartridge is used up. Here are some guidelines:

Cartridges: Single use, compact and convenient. They are the perfect desktop solution for nano tanks between 1 - 8 gallons.
Paintball Cylinders: Budget-friendly option that is popular for convenience, size and ease of use. Most can be refilled at related hobby (paintball) stores. A great option for aquariums up to 20 gallons.
Standard CGA-320 Cylinders: Don’t let the name intimidate you! A CGA-320 is a North American standard that can be refilled at most welding, air-supply or local brewery shops. This is our top recommendation for all aquascapers who are invested in the planted tank hobby. This type of cylinder holds the most and will require less refills in between uses.

Planted Aquarium CO2 Injection Equipment

3. CO2 Diffuser

Delivers CO2 in the form of ultra-fine bubbles into the aquarium. Some aquarium airstones may look similar to CO2 Diffusers, but these aim to produce larger bubbles for surface agitation and gas exchange. The larger the bubbles, the more the aquarium will be oxygenated. CO2 needs to be easily dissolved in a planted aquarium, which means the smaller the bubbles, the better.

4. CO2-Proof Tubing

This is important. Normal airline tubing for aquariums cannot handle the higher pressure of CO2 systems. Specialized CO2 proof tubing is built to withstand pressurized CO2 and allows it to travel safely into an aquarium without leaks.

Ultum Nature Systems Pro CO2 Tubing | Planted Tank CO2 - Glass Aqua

Optional CO2 Equipment

1. Bubble Counter: Not required, but a helpful tool! Bubble counters provide a visual reference in the form of bubbles for how much CO2 is being injected into the tank.

2. Drop Checker: This small glass accessory hangs on the rim of the tank or suctioned to a glass panel inside the aquarium. They typically include a liquid solution that changes colors based on the amount of CO2 injected.

Yellow means too much CO2, blue indicates too little, and green means the levels are just right. It can take a few hours following installation or a water change to change colors!

Ultum Nature Systems Micro CO2 Bubble Counter | CO2 - Glass Aqua

Ultum Nature Systems UNS CO2 Drop Checker

If you’ve read this far, we hope you now have a better grasp on planted aquarium CO2 injection. If you’re still not sure and a full setup feels like too much, we recommend starting out with a simple CO2 Kit. It’s easy to use, beginner-friendly and great for many tanks! But if you’re ready to make that leap and full send into CO2 injection, check out our bundled CO2 Kits at discounted prices. As always, if you have any questions, our team is always happy to help!

Shop Planted Tank CO2 Kits

Overall rating: 4.869565 / 5 from 23 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: ["size","instructions","quality","kit","customer service","looks","system","unit","co2","regulator"].

Review highlights

Reviews

Good kit

"This is working perfectly and I love the compact size. However, the bubble counter came a bit loose so I had to swap it out with one of my old ones for it to work properly. Another thing I notice is the pressure valve has some residue glue on it from manufacturing. It doesn’t affect functionality but it looks a bit off."

— Phong N. (4/5)

Really nice kit!

"My first co2 setup and I’m glad I chose this kit. Really nice and easy to use."

— Justin C. (5/5)

Nano Co2 kit

"Good build quality and easy to dial in"

— Christophe C. (5/5)

Awesome little CO2 set up.

"I really like this mini system. The kit was easy to put together and the control unit is easy to use and adjust. If I had one suggestion, make the bubble counter pivot a little stiffer. Just a little. It works great, but I would feel a little more comfortable about the glass not tipping if my cat or something else bumps it."

— Matthew T. (5/5)

Nono C02 setup

"The nono C02 kit was very easy to set up and is working great. And given it's compact size, it was very easy to conceal. Thank you!"

— Jeromy R. (5/5)

I really appreciate how professional

"I really appreciate how professional the entire set up was it was not hard at all the system instructions and entire kit was so nicely packaged and well arranged definitely glad I purchased this product it has never let me down."

— Marina T. (5/5)

Great value, adds a great

"Great value, adds a great aesthetic to my tank and easy to install. I love how it gives me options to switch to mini canister to a bigger one."

— Marvin G. (5/5)

Awesome

"Awesome"

— James H. (5/5)

Simple and effective

"Nano CO2 kit was super easy to set up, and my plants are thriving since I added it. Will be purchasing another for my second tank."

— Forrest L. (5/5)

Super mini kit.

"The video was excellent. System is up and running well. My first co2, so taking tiny steps. The kit is excellent, so far."

— Luann J. (5/5)

Q&A

Does this kit include a Dymax Crystal CO2 Drop Checker and Solution Bundle: Hello and thanks for your interest, this is for the Nano CO2 Kit only which includes: UNS MINI Dual Stage CO2 Regulator 90G Disposable CO2 Cartridge 5FT CO2 Pressure Proof Tubing Twinstar Acrylic CO2 Diffuser Mini CO2 Cartidge Stand Holder What you are looking for can be found here: https://shop.glassaqua.com/collections/planted-aquarium-co2-kits/products/dymax-crystal-co2-indicator-and-solution-bundle
Does this kit also come with the paintball adapter incase i want to upgrade to a larger tank in the future?: Hello and thanks for your interest. The UNS Mini CO2 Regulator comes included with a paintball adapter already so all you would need to do is install the provided adaptor when you switch cylinders. Hope this helps!
Since there’s no solenoid is this safe to use with a 12 gal long and a betta?: Hello and thanks for your interest! The UNS Mini CO2 Regulator in this kit does indeed have a solenoid so it is completely safe to use in a planted aquarium and can be plugged into an outlet timer to turn the CO2 on/off. Hope this helps!
Does this system come with a solinoid to allow it it be connected to a timer? Can the system be placed 4 feet from the tank? Thank you.: Yes the Soleinoid can be connected to a timer. I am not sure if it can be placed four feet apart due to the co2 tubing
What is the tubing size incase one wants to get a bubble counter?: I haven’t received mine yet, but the Aquario NEO diffuser with the kit says it has a built in bubble counter.
what else would you need to buy with this to succesfully set it up ? if anything ?: Hello, thanks for your interest! The great thing about this CO2 kit is that it'll come with everything you need to get started with planted aquarium CO2 injection :)

Shipping
Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days M-F. However, additional time may be required during peak seasons and federal holidays. For orders containing live plants, we exercise extra caution and assess factors such as travel distance and weather to ensure safe transit.

To avoid delays, please ensure all order information is accurate and complete. We cannot offer refunds and are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses due to errors in provided information. Once an order has been shipped, delivery times are determined by the carrier and are outside of our control. On average, shipments arrive within 2–5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Returns
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Approved returns must be shipped back within 14 days of approval. Returned items must be unused, unopened, and in their original packaging. Specific return requirements, if applicable, will be listed on the product’s page. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Refunds
No worries, we’ll take care of everything as long as it fits the guidelines above.Most answers to general questions can be found on our FAQ page.