CO2 system question

[markbob]

I am getting ready to set up a 45 gallon tall planted tank and have decided that I want to try my hand at the use of a CO2 system. I went shopping on line at Big Al's and bought this product
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...eactor500wpump
thinking that it was an all in one kind of thing. I got bored at work last night while it was in shipment and decided to look at the instruction manual on line and discovered what it really is and that it does not actually produce CO2. Is this something that I can still use with a DIY CO2 system or would I have to use a pressurized system for this to work? If I need something else, what would you recommend for this tank.

[Dave66]

I am getting ready to set up a 45 gallon tall planted tank and have decided that I want to try my hand at the use of a CO2 system. I went shopping on line at Big Al's and bought this product
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...eactor500wpump
thinking that it was an all in one kind of thing. I got bored at work last night while it was in shipment and decided to look at the instruction manual on line and discovered what it really is and that it does not actually produce CO2. Is this something that I can still use with a DIY CO2 system or would I have to use a pressurized system for this to work? If I need something else, what would you recommend for this tank.

Mark,
A reactor mixes the Co2 with water for absorption. I am unfamiliar with that product but I see no reason why it couldn't be used with a pressurized system.
As far as a Co2 system goes, it depends on if you want an automatic or semi-automatic system. The financial outlay is fairly daunting either way, but after that initial cost, pressurized Co2 is very, very cheap to run.
The fully automatic system is here and the semi-auto system is here. The major difference in the two is the more expensive one comes with a good pH controller to run the Co2. The other you'll have to sit on a bit to make sure things are working OK.
If you go to aquariumlandscapes.net you'll see in the product list a small blown glass indicator that you put in your tank. It'll indicate when the Co2 is optimal.

Dave

[digital3]

Hey Mark, I have a pretty detailed Co2 setup write up on my blog, if you want to check it out. I'm trying to get something going myself...

click here