Post your Christmas Wishlist(s)!

[ZooTycoonMaster]

EDIT: 2009 edit - see last post!

Ok, so I need some new stuff for my tank that I'm planning to ask for for Christmas.

First off I need dry ferts, but I'm pretty sure I can buy that soon.

So my current list is:
1. Drop Checker - which one should I get? Any specific brand?

2. CO2 diffuser - looking at either this one, this one, or this one. Also, how do those glass pipes work? Do you connect the CO2 tubing to one end, then the glass end to the diffuser?

Umm I'm sort of in a hurry now, so I'll post the rest of it later

Thanks for helping!

The reason I'm doing this so early is because my parents/relatives like to do X-Mas shopping in November, and I figured now would be a good time to start

[Natty]

Originally Posted by ZooTycoonMaster

1. Drop Checker - which one should I get? Any specific brand?

2. CO2 diffuser - looking at either this one, this one, or this one. Also, how do those glass pipes work? Do you connect the CO2 tubing to one end, then the glass end to the diffuser?

I would just a limewood air diffuser that they sell at your local fish store for like $2 and that gives you two. They require less wash and they actually give you smaller bubbles than quite a few diffusers that I've seen.

The only downside is that they seem to make a tad more noise than the ceramic diffusers, like a chirping kind of sound.

I'm guessing that the pipe one in your first link works by connecting co2 line from your regulator on the bottom long end of the pipe, then the short end of that pipe you connect it with more co2 tubing which you connect the end of that tubing to the end of the CO2 diffuser. The picture shows how it is, now just turn it verticle and that's how it should be on your tank.

As for drop checkers, the one orlando sells is a decent one. Don't go for brand, just go for style because seriously, its a very simple gizmo with a very simple job....just remember to get 4dKH and ph reagent, if you buy it from orlando, you get it included too.

[ZooTycoonMaster]

You mean this one from Orlando? It says it doesn't include the pH reagent...

And uhh about those glass pipes I don't have a regulator, it's DIY CO2

[Natty]

Originally Posted by ZooTycoonMaster

You mean this one from Orlando? It says it doesn't include the pH reagent...

And uhh about those glass pipes I don't have a regulator, it's DIY CO2

Awhile back when I checked I thought it was included, just go out and buy a API ph drop tester, that'll be ur reagent.

You should not use a ceramic glass diffuser if you go for DIY CO2 because of the required CO2 pressure needed to pump CO2 through them. Not saying its impossible but not advised. I would advise the wood diffuser or a reactor, they don't need as much pressure.

Glass diffusers need this pressure in order to push CO2 through the ceramic membrane.

[Tex Gal]

I like the red sea drop checkers. They may not be as sexy but they are easy to open, refil, etc. I have used the little glass nano diffuser that you can get from Aqua Magic for $.99. I have used them with DIY They seem to clog rather easily. Perhaps it's the pressure thing that Natty is speaking of. In my 29g I use Niko super efficient CO2 diffuser. It works incredibly well.
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...2-reactor.html

Guess it depends if your more concerned about function than form or both...

[@marko@]

do you have a canister filter? if you do, get an inline reactor, IMO they are better since they are completely out of sight, and they work great (no need to worry about the CO2 bubbles getting around, because it forms hydrogen bonds with water and becomes carbonic acid).

[ZooTycoonMaster]

Nope I only have an AquaClear 30.

And atm I have this super-fine airstone for CO2 diffusion: http://www.kordon.com/kordon/mistair/index.htm

I also don't really like the test kit I have, so I'm thinking of getting the Tetra one (I have an extra nitrate test, don't worry about that). Has anyone had experience with this?

[Ebichua]

I want a fat check so I can afford rehab and get rid of my addiction of buying aquarium-related stuff.

That's all I want for Christmas.

As for a diffuser, the glass pipes work! Cleaning is a pain in the ass though...
And an ADA knockoff glass diffuser works just as well. You can usually find them on ebay or something.

[ZooTycoonMaster]

Ok seriously, which drop checker is/would be better

And I'm thinking of building this CO2 reactor that makes a vortex when you add a powerhead to it...there's a link on how to do it here, but I can't find it So anyway, with that in mind, I may want to buy another diffuser/reactor...is this or this better? And have any of you actually used it?

EDIT: Is this product worth it?

[Natty]

Originally Posted by ZooTycoonMaster

Ok seriously, which drop checker is/would be better

And I'm thinking of building this CO2 reactor that makes a vortex when you add a powerhead to it...there's a link on how to do it here, but I can't find it So anyway, with that in mind, I may want to buy another diffuser/reactor...is this or this better? And have any of you actually used it?

EDIT: Is this product worth it?

Post #2 answers it. Just get the style that orlando sells. You will need a buy the long flexible tip droppers too otherwise it's a big PITA to clean and refill...

I got an internal CO2 reactor if you're ever interested PM me. Later. Depends on how big your tank is (forgot, remind me?) for smaller sized tank get a diffuser, for larger, reactor. Not familiar with the reactors you've shown me, they're on the popular side but I never used it to give a personal input so if I did tell you, it would be based on rumor at best.

[ZooTycoonMaster]

The tank is 10 gallons; I'm not sure if the vortex reactor will cut it for optimum CO2 levels.

And uh I'm adding Super Smash Brother Brawl to my list just cause its cool

[Natty]

Originally Posted by ZooTycoonMaster

The tank is 10 gallons; I'm not sure if the vortex reactor will cut it for optimum CO2 levels.

And uh I'm adding Super Smash Brother Brawl to my list just cause its cool

Oh its for a 10 gallon??

Just get a diffuser like either the wood air diffuser that I told you about or a simple Hagen ladder diffuser would do as well, especially for a tank that small, no need for a reactor....you can get it if you want but I would say its not worth it.

[ZooTycoonMaster]

Here's the vortex reactor.

I already have a "powerhead" as well as additional CO2 bottles to add the CO2.

Would this be too much for my tank?

[ZooTycoonMaster]

Ok I've made up my mind so far:

1. Drop Checker from Orlando
2. Nature Aquarium World book set
3. Can't decide between this or this
^Or are they the same thing?

[Haagenize]

i want a logitech z-2300, oh wait, ur asking us for advice, hmm