questions on supplies

[sir_dudeguy]

ok i'm ordering some stuff but i got a few questions about what i may order.

1st, is the visa-therm stealth heaters. Are they any good?

second is this stuff...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4200&N=2004+113810

what are your opinions on it? If it is no good, what would be some similar products that would actually be good?

Next, what exactly does "Chemi-Pure" do?

Opinions on this carbon?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4268&N=2004+113805

are things like this any good?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

I think thats all for now...if i come across something else i'm unsure about i'll post a link

 

[sir_dudeguy]

and how bout this refractometer?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

 

[sir_dudeguy]

anybody?

 

[drummereef]

I use a Stealth and have had no problems. I actually prefer it in my system since it's sumpless and blends into my background better. I would use a controller though. Seagel works well. I've used it before with satisfactory results. It's basically carbon and Phosguard mixed together. I have heard Rowaphos is better though for phosphate reduction. That refractometer is ok. Maybe check out www.premiumaquatics.com too. I got mine from there. From what I know about carbon it's all about the same. The more expensive gac just has less dust. A lot of people use Black Diamond from Petsmart. I've used Seachem Matrix and really like it.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

Thanks drummer the stealth will stay in my shopping basket then. The price is like a buck difference between each size, so i just went ahead and added the 250w one to my basket. It is only gonna be for a 16g bowfront w/maybe a 20g sump (hopefully i can get a bigger sump tho) so it wouldnt be overworked at all thats for sure.

For the controller..which one would you suggest? Are there any good quality (and priced) ones on drs f&s?

I was somewhat lookin at rowaphos. But i'm kinda on a $250 budget for all my supplies at this time (christmas money ) so i was trying to cut back on a couple of the prices here and there. Its only like 5-10 bucks more tho to get rowaphos and actual carbon rather than just the 2 mixed, so i may just do that.

Any good nitrate reducer things?

 

[sir_dudeguy]

and are Kent products good? I've never dealt w/them before

 

[sir_dudeguy]

TTT