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Re: Dupla Cables & New Tank Setup Advice?



> Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2002 18:34:48 -0800
> From: "Gregory Gooden \(Annex\)" <ggooden at exc1_annex.com>
>
> For the Dupla Cables, they're quoting me either 550.00 that includes the
Delta controller, or 750.00 that includes the Alpha controller. This seems
VERY expensive! Are there any sites where I can "comparison shop" this item?
I can't seem to find them! If that's what I gotta pay, then I'll have to
just go for it, but I don't wanna be a dumb consumer. ;>

The cables should be around $100-150 depending on the wattage. A Dupla
transformer is very expensive (not sure how much) but worth it. If you work
at it, you can find suitable transformers for a lot less - you may have to
wire two in parallel to get the current you need. You can get a very nice
controller from M3 for about $110.

> 1 - Which do you think is better for a long-term tank setup; First Layer
Laterite as first inch, or Seachem's Flourite? How many inches SHOULD a
substrate be for a tank of 135gallons (18 fronttoback x 72 wide x 24 high).

I would use Dupla "Duplarit-G" laterite mixed with gravel for 1 1/2" then
plain gravel for the rest of the substrate (4 to 4 1/2" total). See the
heating cable article on my website for complete details.

> 2 - Is there anything "special" I should know about using wet/dry with
planted tanks, i.e., special covers, some particular brand that's good for
FW... Should I use ehfimech instead of bioballs, etc.?

Bioballs are fine - you don't need much bio-filtration in a planted tank.
Some sources recommend pumping air into the media chamber - you should NOT
do that - it blows off too much CO2. More details on my website.

> 3 - Do I appear to be missing any elements if I want to achieve an
optimimum setup for a planted discus tank? I wanna do this right the FIRST
time! :)

I assume you are doing proper nutrients and trace elements.

George Booth in Ft. Collins, CO (gbooth at frii dot com)
  The website for Aquatic Gardeners by Aquatic Gardeners
    New updates in Dec '01! Discus article, new links, large photos
      http://aquaticconcepts.thekrib.com (mirror)
      http://www.frii.com/~gbooth/AquaticConcepts/