[ray-the-pilot]

I use an Aqua Medic 1000. It is an in-line reactor that is connected to the outflow from my filter. It is really efficient. I guess that it dissolves close to 100% of the CO2 output from my regulator. I started with an Eheim CO2 diffuser and it was… well not very efficient. With the Eheim I had to refill my 5# CO2 bottle in about 3 weeks. I have no clue how long my bottle will last with the Aqua Medic. I’ve had it for 4 weeks and there has been no significant decline in CO2 pressure yet.

BTW this reactor is recommended for use with a pH controller. Because it is so efficient you can easily overdose your tank if you don’t have a feedback system to control the flow.

 

[ray-the-pilot]

I don't believe the aqua medic 1000 manual says that. You are grasping at that conclusion. Aqua medic is suggesting there's an advantage to keeping the ph constant so they suggest a ph controller.

Well you may be right but they clearly recommend using a controller. They say that pH could get too low without one (ie to much CO2). If you look at their manual they even show how to set the thing up using a controller.

http://www.aqua-medic.com/products/docs/CO2_Reactor_1000.pdf

I can also tell you from my own experience that this reactor is almost 100% efficient. If you set your bubble counter too high your tank will quickly reach excessively high levels of CO2.

A ph controlller has been proven not to be necessary as the majority of planted aquarists do not use them and many including myself have had sensitive schooling fish for years without keeping the ph by shuting co2 off at night.

I don't say you have to have a pH controller. You don't even need CO2 to have a nice planted aquarium. What I'm saying about this equipment is that they add a tremendous level of control to your tank. Wild changes in your tank profile are the root of algae plagues. If you cannot afford a pH controller that's OK you can still enjoy the hobby at a different level.

 

[ray-the-pilot]

I guess your opinion and my opinion are not the same as to why AH recommends using a controller. But they do and they even show how to set it up even though they don’t sell a pH controller.

If you use a AH 1000 reactor without a controller, what bubble rate do you set it at and what size tank do you have?