View Full Version : what reactor for 55?
mtdewlover
11-14-2003, 4:39 PM
If you haven't heard my story yet here is.....I'm setting up a 55 gallon planted cichlid aquarium. I realize this is a challange with cichlids but I'm up for it. ;) Anywho, I think I'm going to go with a pressurized co2 tank. It sounds like it's less of a hassle. My question is, what kind of reactor do you recomend for this kind of tank? I'm thinking of one that goes outside of the tank, but I don't know much about reactors to begin with. Any advice would be great! :)
What type of chiclids are you going for? CO2 will probably lower your PH too much for african cichlids. I don't know what PH SA cichlids need...
I've never bought a reactor, but have made my own with a gravel vac tube at the end of my canister filter return line. It works great and costs about $5.
Timmain42
11-16-2003, 9:13 AM
SA cichlids run around 7-7.2 pH, if I'm not mistaken.
mtdewlover
11-16-2003, 9:17 AM
Yes I understand that co2 lowers the ph of my water. I'm aware of this. I've seen many tanks with plants and co2 living beautifully together. A little crushed coaral will help that out. Thanks for the concern. I'm worried about what kind of co2 system to get if I even need one??????
djlen
11-16-2003, 10:47 AM
Tom Barr makes a nice external reactor but I've mis-placed the link for it. Maybe someone else has it?
Whether you 'need' CO2 system depends on a bunch of stuff.......lighting, plant load and how much work you want to put into your aquarium.
CO2 will assist greatly in the growth of plants in any lighting situation, but also requires more time, as the plants need more trimming/pruning etc. Especially if the lighting is on the bright side.
Also, if the tank is 20 - 25gals. or smaller, you can use Flourish Excel for your carbon source at a somewhat reasonable cost. IMO, for tanks above that size Excel begins to lose it's cost effectiveness.
Len