Time for a major plumbing job. Need Help

[Gomer]

Time to gut the plumbing and insert some goodies. I am Just not sure the best way to do it and what size tubing/couplings to get.

Here is the equipment to hook up:
Filstar XP2
Custom Sealife Double Helix UV-9watt
AB1000 CO2 reactor

1) What size are all the ends? I think the AB is 1/2" on both sides, but I do not know about the CS or the XP.
2) What is the best way to run the plumbing?

I will be getting the stuff from BigAls online, so if anyone also has parts# lists for couplings/clamps/tubing, that would be MOST welcomed

Thanks for the help!

[Momotaro]

Have you considered running the UV or CO2 reactor off of a separate powerhead? I don't know much about the Filstar line, but it may be asking much for that XP2 to "power" all of that equipment.

Mike

[Rex Grigg]

The XP tubing is metric but 5/8" fitting will work great in it.

[Gomer]

Thanks peoples.
I wanted a UV to deal with GW and other "bugs" should they arrise. The other option would be a diatom filter. it is a tough choice

[Guttboy]

Gomer,

I dont run a UV sterilizer but if I had to choose.....and you are debating both....I would go with the sterilizer. A diatomaceous earth filter is actually pretty inexpensive to run and can be made using an existing Magnum HOT filter or even some of the pop on quick clear ones you can attach to a power head. The Diatomaceous earth can be purchased at local pool stores very cheaply for 25 lbs I paid around 11 or 12 bucks! There is a link to a discussion on it here....I have done the quick connect diatomaceous earth powerhead method the other day and it works well too for a smaller tank. Just my opinion but thats what I would do...the sterilizer I would think could take care of the nasties that might get into the tank!

http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2279

Hope that helps!

Mike

[Wasserpest]

I am facing the same tough choice, not because of GW, but some little buggers in the water (possibly some kind of tiny copepods, ciliates or even paramecium, not sure).

Looking at the different options UV sterilizer, dedicated DE filter, and HOT Magnum, I decided to go with the latter, since it is the least expensive ($40), should do it's job with the micron filter cartridge, and can be charged with DE in case it's necessary. UV seems to be the easiest, but I keep reading comments about what it might do to the water/nutrients, plus replacing the bulbs as often as every 3 months could get expensive in the long run.

[Momotaro]

I had a bout of a "mystery illness". I believe it may have been Neon Tetra Disease, however I am not sure. I can tell you I have lost several fish and have had an almost empty aquarium for a couple of months. The aquarium will remain empty for a couple more months, to be sure whatever may have caused the illness is gone. I added a UV sterilizer. Would the UV have prevented the NTD or whatever caused the outbreak? I am not sure. Will it prevent future outbreaks? I am not sure, but I am willing to take the chance. The UV is like an insurance policy. The cost of the unit is almost equal to two treatments of Paraguard or Maracyn II for my 75G. To me, after all the aggravation I went through, it is worth it. I have had no noticeable nutrient deficiencies since I added it.

Just my two cents (maybe more) on the topic of UV sterilizers.

Mike

[Guttboy]

Mike you may have stated this before but how much did the UV run? How is it installed on your system? Have you noticed ANY change since adding it?

Regards,

Mike

[Momotaro]

The UV sterilizer was $75.

It's installation is detailed here:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/vie...&start=105


Mike

[Gomer]

Can you tell me where you got all those nice quick disconnects.
That is a nice, clean hookup!

[Momotaro]

The disconnects are all Eheim double tap connectors. They can be pricey. I pick them up on the cheap whenever I can.

Mike