Just ordered a Milwaukee reg.

[Adrian]

Hey Yall,

Just ordered a Milwaukee all-in-one unit and want to know what it basically takes to get optimum performance out of it. A 5lb cylinder is in the works.

Its for a 90 gal.--would my Hagen ladder be enough, or should I make a reactor? (already have pump, hosing and Python vacuum tube) Are there any external reactors that I can use which would'nt be such an eyesore?

I have an AquaClear 500 hang-on (I Know, I know, but I like it) so would this mean that I can run Co2 all night because of the tank's surface disturbance?

I know there is a thread around here with full operating instructions, but any input would be helpful since I've never had pressurized.

ThanksAlot

[Jason Baliban]

Adrian,

Your best bet for a tank that size is really and inline reactor with some type of canister filter.

If this is not an option for you, then some type of power reactor will have to be put to use. I think you would struggle to get co2 steady and high with just the ladder. Especially during the day when the plants are really kicking out O2.

Again I would look into a canister filter for a tank that size....then you could conveniently use an inline reactor. Also, an inline heater is a great way to get hardware out of the tank.

jB

[Georgiadawgger]

Jason is right on...that is a pretty large tank and a ladder won't really make much of a dent in the CO2 requirement you need. You could essentially run the co2 hose into the intake of your aquaclear, and set your bubble rate to keep that constant, but I think a lot of us would agree that you'd be wasting a whole lot of gas. But...if the cost of a refill is cheap and you'd rather keep the AC, see how that works and report back to us.

IMO invest in a canister filter (Eheim 2026, 2028 or Filstar XP3) and build a simple external reactor out of PVC.

[Cheeseybacon]

I agree, definately get yourself a canister filter and then build an external reactor out of PVC. You'll get better filtration than what you have now, AND one less peice of equipment residing inside your tank.
As with any other hobby, if you want to play, you hafta pay, simple as that.

[Bonsai]

I used to run CO2 into my 120g w/ two Emperor400's and an internal reactor. The 5lb. tanks lasted about 2 months (max). Now I've got two 2026 canister filters and the tank has lasted about 9 months and still going. It was a real pain going back and forth to the welding store on my lunch breaks!

[Adrian]

Thanks for all your answers.

Then I must do what I must do... get a canister filter

How's a Fluval 404?

[Marc]

or you can run 2 diffusers in the tank....then you can keep the HOB filter

[unirdna]

Originally Posted by Marc

or you can run 2 diffusers in the tank....then you can keep the HOB filter

This is a good point, and something I think we (the forum) frequently overlook. Diffusers are gaining popularity, and with good reason. They are easy, small, and relatively inexpensive. Both of my tanks have reactors, and yes, they work perfectly. But, I've also seen diffusers in action, and they do a heck of a job as well (especially in tall tanks). If you don't want or can't afford a canister setup, I would highly recommend looking at getting a diffuser. Put it at the bottom of your aqarium, right below the filter output, and the flow from your filter will disperse the CO2 around your tank. As far a HOT filters go, the aquaclear is a darn good one for planted tank; if you have your tank level low enough so that the AC doesn't create a ripple on the surface of the tank, you won't lose much CO2 at all. IME, the you lose the least amount of CO2 (using an AC) when the water level is just low enough to prevent rippling, yet high enough to prevent splashing.

[Marc]

Ted I couldnt have explained it any better.
You can get them for 15 bucks each. If you are on a budget it's the cheapest alternative.

[Cheeseybacon]

Originally Posted by Adrian

Thanks for all your answers.

Then I must do what I must do... get a canister filter

How's a Fluval 404?

I've heard more bad things about Fluval filters than good. One of the biggest problems they have is lots of filter media bypass. Take a look at the Ehiem and Rena Filstar filters. Either would better than a Fluval in my opinion. Again, you get what you pay for.

[Adrian]

That's great news guys--since I already have two Hagen ladders from the Nutrafin yeast reactors.

But tell me: how do I run two tubes from one cylinder? (just bought a brand-new 10lb) Do I use a splitter, gang-valve, what?

Thanks

[Cheeseybacon]

For two ladders, I'd just get myself an airline splitter and see how that works.

[Marc]

yep- you can pick up T's at any hardware store