C02 generators

[faceplant]

Hey...ok I am starting to set up my 46bow palnted tank...yep been down this road before but seems things have improved over the years...Question...I am more than likely gonna have to go with some sort of CO2 set-up...I have done the DIU suff in the past but was kinda looking through big al's suff and was wondering has anyone else had any expierence with the other non pressured systems?...The red sea CO2 reactor 500 looks interesting...any thoughts out there?....thxs

[thegrandpoohbah]

The Red Sea reactor works pretty well (we use them at the LFS where I work) but has to be kept clean for it to work properly. They tend to get gummed up pretty easily. I used to use the Red Sea kit at home but had the same issue with the little powerhead that comes with it. I've now switched to the Hagen CO2 bubble ladder and so far no complaints.

[faceplant]

hummm interesting....so big poohba...ur the guy huh...so if u had a choice away from the pressure system...which ya i know seems the best without question,,,you would go with the hagen??...I have been frustrated with DUI stuff in the pasf...heck...we did things with hoses and such that some may not believe...pain in the A really...plus i like my tank to at least look sorta natural...I hide as much mechanical as possible...god I wish we all had tons o $$$...but we do the best we can...think on it an maybe this thread can prove interesting and educational...thxs much

[thegrandpoohbah]

The only problem with the Hagen (Nutrafin) system is that the bottle is pretty small, about half the size of the Red Sea bottle. As far as hiding the bubble ladder, once the plants fill in a bit you won't even notice that it's there. Here's two of my planted tanks:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y121/thegrandpoohbah/Aquarium/DSCN5502.jpg

This one is newer so you can still see the ladder. In another month or two it won't be visible from the front:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y121/thegrandpoohbah/Aquarium/DSCN5629.jpg

I like to place my bubble ladders on the side. That way there is less of a profile when viewing from the front so it is easier to hide. Also, you can more easily see it from the side of the tank and know when the CO2 production drops off.

[faceplant]

poohbah...dam fine looking tank U got there..can't tell how many gals it is but I like the 2nd pic..well as you mentioned...hiding the hardwear is important...gotta let planty stuff grow for sure...I guess this question has been beat 2 death...I'm just trying to get the feel for things again over the years...thxs again for responding...

[thegrandpoohbah]

No problem. The tanks are a 20G bowfront and a 24G JBJ Nanocube.

[Gramma]

I use the Hagen (Nutrafin) system and have always put the ladder on the back of my tank. After seeing your pics and post, I will now move mine to the side of the tank. Sure looks much better. I have looked at your photos before and never even noticed it. FYI, I have not had any problems with it.