I am picking up a 65 next weekend, and would like some equipment suggestions. I am on a budget, so keep that in mind.
I have an XP3 on stand-by.
I'm aiming for medium to bright lighting. Not necessarily trying for the carpet look. Recommendations?
Also, what's a decent beginner CO2 system?
Heater? I'm eyeing the Hydor in-line. Pros? Cons?
Anything I'm overlooking?
Finally, for those who have used the mineralized substrate, is it too late in the summer to start making some?
Blaise
New tank suggestions
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B Considine
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- Location: HoCo
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Ltrepeter2000
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- Real Name: Rob Peterson
- Location: Sterling, VA
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now we are two interested!! thanks blaiseNot too late to do mineralized soil - I just finished a batch, took me 12 days.
Lighting - 4x39 T5? Check a Catalina price. I think rich_one was interested in a light too, maybe you guys could buddy up on pricing and shipping.
Tank is too big for DIY I think, and it gets so old, so quick, changing it every other week.... 80 bucks for a regulator, get it shipped with a 5 pound tank co2-canisters.com. Can DIY an awesome reactor with a tiny in tank filter or one of those Ario bubble things.
Lighting - 4x39 T5? Check a Catalina price. I think rich_one was interested in a light too, maybe you guys could buddy up on pricing and shipping.
Tank is too big for DIY I think, and it gets so old, so quick, changing it every other week.... 80 bucks for a regulator, get it shipped with a 5 pound tank co2-canisters.com. Can DIY an awesome reactor with a tiny in tank filter or one of those Ario bubble things.
Dave
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B Considine
- Posts: 549
- Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:13 pm
- Location: HoCo
Rob, size is 36 x 19 x 24. Kind of an oversized 20 or 25 in shape.
Dave, thanks for the tip. How would you compare the Catalina 4 x39 T5 to something along the lines of a 2x96 PC (both catalina and coralife have one).
For the mineralized substrate, I'm guessing it wouldn't lose any nutrients if I kept it in storage as long as I didn't make the "mud" yet? That is, I might just start the topsoil part now and do the mixing later.
Blaise
Dave, thanks for the tip. How would you compare the Catalina 4 x39 T5 to something along the lines of a 2x96 PC (both catalina and coralife have one).
For the mineralized substrate, I'm guessing it wouldn't lose any nutrients if I kept it in storage as long as I didn't make the "mud" yet? That is, I might just start the topsoil part now and do the mixing later.
Blaise
You can store it for as long as you want. Sean has even put it in a tank with water for a year before planting it and it worked just fine.B Considine wrote: For the mineralized substrate, I'm guessing it wouldn't lose any nutrients if I kept it in storage as long as I didn't make the "mud" yet? That is, I might just start the topsoil part now and do the mixing later.
Blaise
Personally, all my tanks are T5 exept three - two can't be (too short), and the other I already had the fixture.
Run cooler, bulbs last longer, better watt/lumen efficiency... I won't run out and replace every fixture I can, but at the same time I sure won't buy PC again (unless I don't have the T5 option like the 33g cube).
I priced co2 canisters and regulators out like everywhere - co2-canisters.com was the best deal I could find,and the shipping was super cheap. They were so good on tanks that it was cheaper to buy new, ship it, get it filled, than it was to buy a used one locally. You are close to laurel gas, so can keep the shiny light aluminum tank and get it filled instead of swapping to an older tank, too!
Run cooler, bulbs last longer, better watt/lumen efficiency... I won't run out and replace every fixture I can, but at the same time I sure won't buy PC again (unless I don't have the T5 option like the 33g cube).
I priced co2 canisters and regulators out like everywhere - co2-canisters.com was the best deal I could find,and the shipping was super cheap. They were so good on tanks that it was cheaper to buy new, ship it, get it filled, than it was to buy a used one locally. You are close to laurel gas, so can keep the shiny light aluminum tank and get it filled instead of swapping to an older tank, too!
Dave
Dave it really cost less then 25 bucks?ingg wrote:Personally, all my tanks are T5 exept three - two can't be (too short), and the other I already had the fixture.
Run cooler, bulbs last longer, better watt/lumen efficiency... I won't run out and replace every fixture I can, but at the same time I sure won't buy PC again (unless I don't have the T5 option like the 33g cube).
I priced co2 canisters and regulators out like everywhere - co2-canisters.com was the best deal I could find,and the shipping was super cheap. They were so good on tanks that it was cheaper to buy new, ship it, get it filled, than it was to buy a used one locally. You are close to laurel gas, so can keep the shiny light aluminum tank and get it filled instead of swapping to an older tank, too!
I had an old 10lb tank, I traded in for a 20lb filled and it total cost me right about 25 bucks.
The other Jeff
Master of growing algae and getting better at plants
Master of growing algae and getting better at plants
I purchaesed this system for my 90 gallon (for $119) from DrsFosterSmith.com and so far I'm happy with it.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=9935
I purchased a 5lb CO2 tank from BeverageFactory.com. They have very good prices too.
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbee ... /co2.shtml
I also go to Laurel Bottled Gas and they refill while you wait.. It takes only a few minutes and costs about $12.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=9935
I purchased a 5lb CO2 tank from BeverageFactory.com. They have very good prices too.
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbee ... /co2.shtml
I also go to Laurel Bottled Gas and they refill while you wait.. It takes only a few minutes and costs about $12.
