I know this has been bantered some in other threads but wanted to get the current thinking. I am about to restart my 120G tank and want to see if I can't improve CO2 delivery from the git go. I would like to understand, for my situation, what I should pursue.
Previously I have used a Dupla S reactor driven by an old 2213 Eheim (which btw is the best filter ever.. almost 20 years old at this point). This worked ok but I was barely able to get in enough CO2 - high lighting drives the issue. I do like the reactor for the fact that it is simple and it has been trouble free for almost as long as the Eheim.
I tried to experiment with a Mazzei 384-x and had less than pleasing results. First off, I did not have a powerful enough pump to drive it and so based on advice from others bought a big ol eheim canister which also did not have enough umph so gave up on this expensive experiment. In the end, ended up with a non working Mazzei, the same CO2 delivery as prior, and a huge Eheim which I had to buy another tank to use
I would like to just build one of Tom's venturi reactors, hang it outside the tank and add a sufficient powerhead and sit back and enjoy pruning plants. This option is my favorite due to its simplicity and relative inexpensive nature but.. I want to do things right from the start. If I go Mazzei, it means a more powerful pump, eg $$$$, plumbin, and perhaps a different model of Mazzei.
Now to my question.. I would like to know what people would do if they were in my position. For example, I know Tom, Gerryd, VaughnH, MrKrookM, and Helgymatt have all been down a similar road. If you were to do it again from scratch, what would you do?
Thanks,
Will
Previously I have used a Dupla S reactor driven by an old 2213 Eheim (which btw is the best filter ever.. almost 20 years old at this point). This worked ok but I was barely able to get in enough CO2 - high lighting drives the issue. I do like the reactor for the fact that it is simple and it has been trouble free for almost as long as the Eheim.
I tried to experiment with a Mazzei 384-x and had less than pleasing results. First off, I did not have a powerful enough pump to drive it and so based on advice from others bought a big ol eheim canister which also did not have enough umph so gave up on this expensive experiment. In the end, ended up with a non working Mazzei, the same CO2 delivery as prior, and a huge Eheim which I had to buy another tank to use
I would like to just build one of Tom's venturi reactors, hang it outside the tank and add a sufficient powerhead and sit back and enjoy pruning plants. This option is my favorite due to its simplicity and relative inexpensive nature but.. I want to do things right from the start. If I go Mazzei, it means a more powerful pump, eg $$$$, plumbin, and perhaps a different model of Mazzei.
Now to my question.. I would like to know what people would do if they were in my position. For example, I know Tom, Gerryd, VaughnH, MrKrookM, and Helgymatt have all been down a similar road. If you were to do it again from scratch, what would you do?
Thanks,
Will