Any experience with the Dr.'s fully automatic CO2?

[WinnipegDragon]

I'm trying to decide whether to go SW or planted FW on my big basement tank, and I'm getting an idea of all the costs involved.


Has anyone used this system from Drs. Foster and Smith before:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9933&N=2004+113779

It looks pretty complete, but I'm wondering if anyone has used this before?

[legendaryfrog]

I purchased the full system, but Im not using all the parts that came with it.

Im using the controller, diffuser, powerhead, and bubble counter that came with the kit. All of the parts are great, especially the CO2 diffuser.

The silicone tubing is bad, it leaks co2, and I havent used the solenoid that came with it. I use a solenoid from Rexgrigg.com.

However the solenoid does look like its quality material.

[WinnipegDragon]

Good to hear. It's quite reasonably priced, and I like the fact that I won't need to worry about getting the right fittings and such. I'll get better tubing locally when it arrives, I guess.

I was really wanting to do a reef tank this time, but the cost is about triple what the FW is going to be, even with higher end stuff like this CO2 kit.

The reef is going to have to wait I think :)

[Mgamer20o0]

i think its overpriced. check out here.

http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/co2.html

you can also just buy the regulator at another site and the reactor. for the co2 tank i would look for a local welding shop.

[J double R]

overpriced maybe, but it looks pretty! :p:

[Rex Grigg]

Cons:

Poor quality tubing (I just noticed they now include vinyl tubing, better than silicone but still not what I would choose)
Poor quality check valve
Iffy quality on the regulator
Too much crap in the tank (IMHO)
Questionable bubble counter

Pros:

One stop shopping.

[WinnipegDragon]

I knew that you would weigh in Rex :) Glad you did.

I'd be willing to get yours as well, I just need to know what else I would require in order to get the full automation.

Is it just the pH meter, CO2 tank and Reactor that I would need? This will go on a tank with Rena canisters so I should be able just to splice this into the return from the Rena using your 5/8" nylon hose barbs with 3/4" threads for direct injection and skip the reactor entirely, right? The pH controller and tank I'm pretty sure I can get locally anyhow.

If you don't mind, please drop me a PM on this along with a price including shipping to Canada. I'd appreciate it!

[Plecosterone]

I ordered my regulator and controller from aquariumplants.com, which I believe is based in Winnipeg (for canada).
I don't believe it is as good as Rex's but I have had no problems with them and shipping in Canada is fairly resonable.
Regulator - http://www.aquariumplants.com/product_p/pr333.htm
Controller - http://www.aquariumplants.com/Automated_pH_Co2_Controller_MILWAUKEE_SMS122_p/pr209.htm

[WinnipegDragon]

Looks like a good kit too Plecosterone... They have a complete automated bundle here:

http://www.aquariumplants.com/product_p/pr4026.htm

I do hate the stuff hanging in the tank though, this one includes a 'Reactor 200 with Rio pump' that seems to be internal. Are there external reactors or reactors that are unobvious in the tank? Can you just splice into your canister return line with Rex's kit?

Hmm, just noticed, they have a local pickup option since I am in Winnipeg... $11CDN shipping charge so total, picked up with a 10lb Aluminum canister is about $500CDN. That's not bad at all...

[jart]

Doesn't Rex sell external reactors?
That may be the best way to go. Easy to set up inline with the output of a Rena cannister. I have my reactor and my Hydor heater set up this way.

You say you need a "meter". What you need is a pH controller for a fully automated system.

And while Rex says: "Pros: one stop shopping", I really don't think this would be a huge advantage over the setups he is offering (Rex correct me if I'm wrong). You need to find a place that will refill your CO2 tank anyway, so chances are they may sell tanks as well. Order a controller from another source and then you'd be good to go.

Have you checked to see if Drs Foster/Smith ships to Canada and how much it would be?

[Rex Grigg]

You will need a cylinder, pH controller and diffusion method. Since I know that PVC is hard to get in Canada for some strange reason you can either hunt around and try and find what you need or I can build you a reactor.

Just email me the specifics and I can get you a price. The controllers I don't sell.

[jart]

Just my 2 cents here again. You can build a reactor similar to what Rex sells. I did so myself. It's not that hard. But figure in the time that is necessary to find all the fittings etc and IMO it would be best to just buy one from Rex. Whatever the extra cost, IMO it would be worth it. Plus you get a proven design with the right sized barbs.

[Plecosterone]

External reactor is the way to go. The problem with building your own is that the pvc piping comes in longer lengths than is needed so unless you plan on making many of them it brings the cost up on one unit. It might be cheaper to buy one off Rex. The tank can be bought at any fire extinguisher company and is usually a lot cheaper than buying it off an "aquarium stuff retailer".

[Rex Grigg]

From what I have heard if you get out of the major metro areas in Canada the PVC pipe and fittings are almost impossible to find. Seems that PVC pipe is not approved for household plumbing use in Canada.

That's what I've been told. And I ship a lot of reactors to Canada so it could even be true.

[discusman54]

I picked up a 5lb tank at a welding supply, About $65 to lease the tank, $16 to fill it. They take care of keeping the inspection up to date.
I had a lot of problems putting my DIY reactor in the filter lines and problems with RedSea's in-tank reactor. Finally did a DIY with an old Littlegiant pump and siphon parts, seems to be the best yet. I can do around 3 bubbles a sec with nothing escaping.(It is in the tank)
I've worked with air-cylinders, regulators, valves etc for 25 years, Rex has some quality stuff. Prices seem real good too.