Recent content by spilzer

Full tank pics here

I think the reason I can't find the parts is that I live in Manhattan and the HD here doesn't carry "real" hardware. My local place didn't have 2" PVC. I haven't given up hope yet, because there are a million different hardware stores here, so one of them MUST have what I'm looking for.

Sorry that I've been quiet for a while. Not much is happening on the CO2 front because I haven't had time to get anything done. I'm going out of town next week and have been getting ready for that. Things I'm waiting to work on: Filling up the CO2 cylinder - the place I want to go to is only...

Sounds like a good plan, Drew. The drop-checker I ordered came in yesterday, yippee! Next step, making 4 dkh solution to go in it. Slowly, but surely, this is coming together.

Thanks for posting those pictures AquaDrew. Your tank is beautiful BTW. So, let me see if I understand how the vortex works. The powerhead pumps water in near the top of the inverted bottle. The CO2 also enters at the top of the bottle. The water from the powerhead creates a vortex that...

Wow, AquaDrew's DIY reactor is pretty cool looking. I was definitely thinking more along the lines of the Rex Griggs one. Tim do you have any pictures of the way yours is hooked up?

Is a vortex generator one of those PVC reactors with the bioballs in them? I'm definitely considering making one of those. But I was also attracted to the added bonus of more water movement from the powerhead, so I'm still undecided.

Hooray, the CO2 cylinder arrived last Thursday. It's very shiny and brand new. I'm very pleased. Now I need to get it filled up, but I'm not sure when I'll be able to do that because the place near me is only open 8-4 on weekdays and I work during those hours. I'm still trying to figure out...

Update: still stocking supplies. I just purchased a brass check valve and a drop checker on ebay. I still need to get a powerhead or make a DIY reactor. The CO2 cylinder should arrive today or tomorrow. Hopefully I can get the cylinder filled this weekend, or possibly next week. Then I'll be...

I emailed with Able Fire Extinguishers in Manhattan, T.W. Smith in Brooklyn and Liberty Gases in Brooklyn about obtaining a cylinder and none of them had what I was looking for (a brand new cylinder for less than $100). You're right that I probably could have found one on eBay but I decided to...

Okay, powerhead it is. I probably could use the extra water movement as well. Still working on obtaining a cylinder. All the places I've contacted either don't sell them or only do trade-ins.

Thanks for all the great replies! I didn't get a chance to work on the project during my vacation (the days fill up so quickly) so I don't have any real news to report. I think I agree that the cab is probably the way to go here. It'll also get me home faster so I can set up the system sooner...

Hi everyone, So, I finally decided to bite the bullet and setup a pressurized CO2 system for my 29 gallon planted tank. I've been researching it for over a year now so I'm pretty sure I understand the theory behind it, but I'm worried about making mistakes when it comes to reality. Here's...

Amazing, Neil, simply amazing. I'm curious about why you think you'd prefer the black? I really like the blue, but I bet you have good reasons, so just wondering about your thoughts.

Yes, please!