Calcuim Reactor media + Co2 bottle size???

[fish_who?]

I recently purchased an Aqua C Calcium Reactor, and plan on setting it up this weekend. What media does everyone use? Also I was thinking of getting a 2.5lb C02 tank to use on it (space reasons). How long does the Co2 tank usually last?

 

[golfish]

I have been using CaribSea ARM for the past 8 months, I like it. My 5 pound bottle last about 3 months. I'm sure others will differ in their C02 use.

Mark

 

[myreef]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by golfish:
<strong>I have been using CaribSea ARM for the past 8 months, I like it. My 5 pound bottle last about 3 months. I'm sure others will differ in their C02 use.

Mark</strong><hr></blockquote>

I use the same as Mark....CaribSea ARM. He is right, everyone uses CO2 at different rates, since it is based on your bubble count. I have a bubble count of about 30/bpm and my 5-6 lb bottle lasts about 5 months.

 

[npaden]

I can't imagine a 2.5lb co2 bottle. I used up a 10lb co2 tank in around 4 or 5 months on my 120 and have upgraded to a 20lb tank on my 415.

Crazy thing is that it only costs $2 more to fill a 20lb co2 tank than it did to fill a 10lb tank. (About $12 for the 10lb tank vs $14 for a 20lb tank)

 

[M.E.Milz]

I have been using Caribsea Geo-Marine Aragonite with good success. Be sure to rinse it very well to get rid of teh really fine particles.

Get a 5lb or a 10lb CO2 tank. The 10lb is probably a better bet since refilling the tank is a hassle and they charge about the same for either size (at least by me).

 

[Bryan]

My 5 lb lasts a good 6-7 months. I hear a lot of people like the 20 lb bottles, but you have to be careful. If the bottle should suffer a catastrophic leak or a broken neck if it falls the escaping C02 will quickly displace the available oxygen in a room and cause suffocation. I live in a small condo and was paranoid about this happening while I was asleep. Would be the best sleep I ever had<g>

 

[Anonymous]

hi.
My 10 pounder lasted for about a month. That's because of the leaky regulator. Usually, it last for about a year.

How long your 2.5 pounder last depends on the bubble rate. I guestimate maybe 2 or 3 months.

 

[fish_who?]

Thanks for all your help. I picked up a 10lbs Co2 tank and setup for pretty good price. I will wait and see how long it lasts.