Best Methods of CO2 Detection?

[Mono]

Anyone have any tips on detecting CO2 if, for example, you're are using a CO2 tank with your Calcium Reactor?

Best way to detect leaks? Do commercial spray products have any advantage over just dish soap and water?

Nu-Calgon 4182-24 Gas Leak Detector Spray Bottle

Is it worth purchasing a CO2 Meter to monitor leaks or ascertain ambient CO2 levels in the room?

Carbon Monoxide CO2 Meter

Just curious what people's experience has been and any advice you might have.

Thanks

 

[Waters]

In my freshwater planted tank days, I always just used soapy water. I don't see the need for anything else. If your tanks start requiring refills quicker than normal, than maybe look further into a potential leak.

 

[Quietman]

Same - soapy water - Dawn diluted is fine (we used it in Navy for pressurized gas leak detection). Plus, after a while with my planted tank, I could tell over a few days by consumption due to pressure and regulator adjustments (I preferred smaller - 20oz CO2 tanks for this reason actually). If it didn't last 45 days I had a leak somewhere.

 

[Mono]

Thanks all.

 

[bettatail]

if there is suspected leaks, you can block the co2 air hose, turn off the regulator and co2 cylinder tank.
now you have pressurized co2 locked in two sections of the co2 system, and the pressure gauges on the regulator tell you how much co2 in each section.
wait 6 hours, if pressure drop more than 1/8 of the gauge reading on the high pressure side, there is leak in this section.
if pressure drop more than 1/4 of the gauge reading on the low pressure side, there is leak in this section.

make your own soapy water to test different points of connection, or get a bottle of bubble fun liquid from dollar store.