Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Kelly Colon photo
United States of America
1 Level
532 Review
0 Karma

Review on Gulfstream Tropical AGU00529 Ista Max Mix CO2 Reactor (Large) for Aquarium – Enhanced SEO by Kelly Colon

Revainrating 5 out of 5

99% CO2 absorption!

12/14/17 Changed to 5 stars. I haven't found anything better. I used the built in deactivator/reactor but didn't like the high pressure and cloud effect I got when it was in my return line. I tried it on my Fluval 306 suction line, it pooled in the filter and then bubbled up about every 30 seconds. I just didn't like it so I decided to try this style. I've read reviews of how well it put CO2 in the water and I 100% agree it's amazing! I only get a few very small bubbles in the tank and the pressure on my CO2 regulator is almost zero. I've read that some people are complaining about the noise, sorry but I can't hear anything, it's very quiet. Some people have complained about air in the system during setup, I found a very simple way to remove air that isn't in the instructions, just disconnect the CO2 line and bleed while running, or adjust a small air valve. Only the assertion that it flows out of complete fittings is justified. But that's also an easy fix, buy a tube of clear RTV and use it on the fitting connections you will be using, let it sit for 24 hours and then attach the hoses. The leak wasn't a problem for me since it's built into my sump. Can't recommend it enough, very satisfied, if the fittings provided didn't leak I would give it 5 stars. If you go that far Your tank, you have some engineering skills so leaking issues are very easy to fix, or just put it in a sump and don't worry. 35 ppm and heavily planted. Update - I am ordering two more for a newly planted 350 gallon tank. They are also installed in the swamp.

Pros
  • Pleasant to use
Cons
  • Faulty