I fretted over the choices for a couple weeks. Finally took the plunge yesterday.
First off, this is for a 70 gallon corner tank, about 24" deep. Substrate heat. Sand over the heat cable, then about 3" of Flourite. 2.75 wpg, 50% 10,000k, 50% 6,700k (SunPaq pc bulbs). Rena Xp3 filter.
I ordered the 5lb aluminum cylinder from a beer/tap/keg supply place called micro-matic. Paid about $70 shipped.
I also ordered the #4 Combo "meal" from www.aquatic-store.com (http://www.aquatic-store.com/en-us/p_3030.html). I went ahead and got the CO2-friendly hose, bubble-counter fluid (silicone fluid, I assume, but didn't want to take a chance), and the calibration fluids. Came to about $250 shipped. It includes the Milwaukee regulator/gauge-set, solenoid, counter, and needle valve; the Milwaukee SMS 122 controller,; and the AquaMedic Reactor 1000.
I think the reactor is too much for a little 70, but it seemed the best engineered of the ones I found. I plan to adapt the fittings to fit 5/8" tubing from the return line of the Xp3. Hopefully it runs quiet. I was concerned about the in-tank passive diffusers getting crapped up with algae and stuff. I was also concerned about the in-tank clutter. I know this set-up will require me to run the probe into the tank, but that's a lot easier to hide than a big ladder or something.
Any comments?
I try to buy equipment that will be low-maintenance and long-life. I've found the extra money is usually well-spent...
I know it's too late now, but how did I do pricewise and quality-wise? Anybody else running a similar setup (especially that reactor)?
I won't have it all up and running for a week, probably, but I'm excited anyway!
First off, this is for a 70 gallon corner tank, about 24" deep. Substrate heat. Sand over the heat cable, then about 3" of Flourite. 2.75 wpg, 50% 10,000k, 50% 6,700k (SunPaq pc bulbs). Rena Xp3 filter.
I ordered the 5lb aluminum cylinder from a beer/tap/keg supply place called micro-matic. Paid about $70 shipped.
I also ordered the #4 Combo "meal" from www.aquatic-store.com (http://www.aquatic-store.com/en-us/p_3030.html). I went ahead and got the CO2-friendly hose, bubble-counter fluid (silicone fluid, I assume, but didn't want to take a chance), and the calibration fluids. Came to about $250 shipped. It includes the Milwaukee regulator/gauge-set, solenoid, counter, and needle valve; the Milwaukee SMS 122 controller,; and the AquaMedic Reactor 1000.
I think the reactor is too much for a little 70, but it seemed the best engineered of the ones I found. I plan to adapt the fittings to fit 5/8" tubing from the return line of the Xp3. Hopefully it runs quiet. I was concerned about the in-tank passive diffusers getting crapped up with algae and stuff. I was also concerned about the in-tank clutter. I know this set-up will require me to run the probe into the tank, but that's a lot easier to hide than a big ladder or something.
Any comments?
I try to buy equipment that will be low-maintenance and long-life. I've found the extra money is usually well-spent...
I know it's too late now, but how did I do pricewise and quality-wise? Anybody else running a similar setup (especially that reactor)?
I won't have it all up and running for a week, probably, but I'm excited anyway!