FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Is this a good deal : http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4634&Ne=40000&R=12136&N=2004+113219

I've been interested in getting a co2 system and this is the cheapest i have found that actully includes the tank. Does it have everything i would neeed? and if not what does it lack. Would you buy it why or why not?

Doesn't look horrible, but the bubble counter and valve have a "cheap" looking quality to them. I would probably consider buying it if 1) shipping wasn't outrageous 2) I had some place local that would fill and refill the canister ( some places won't refill canisters that are not theirs) 3) The manufacturers warranty was halfway decent. Since it says there is a 60 day only warranty by the website, you'll want to make sure of the manufacturers warranty before purchasing.

It makes me nervous that they mention nothing about a needle valve. They mention silicone line, the selenoid ( which is good to have), and other little features, but a needle valve is like one of the most important things. Co2 isn't worth a dang if you can't get it adjusted right, lol. Adding a needle valve would be at least 25 bucks, so ask the website about that.

Make sure you check locally to ensure someone will fill and refill the tank for you, even though it's not one of theirs.

I would say it has basically everything you need though ( unless it does NOT have a needle valve). Again, some of the parts look kind of cheap, especially that bubble counter, but as long as it works, no big deal. Same with valve. Kind of sucks that the reactor is additional money though... because you WILL need some kind of reactor or diffusion method or the co2 setup will be for naught. I recommend powered reactors at any rate, because if you're spending the money for the co2 setup, ya might as well make sure that co2 doesn't get wasted.

thanks they do look cheap i think i will find a place where i can get my own bottle because it is so much more money to ship. because of the wieght.