Setting up new Apeks system - hose ?'s

[GoBlue!]

Hello-

I've got a new ATX200 & it's now time to order some replacement hoses. This is going to be my 1st long-hose setup, and I'm excited to get it together.

First, I'm diving BP/W, single-tank only at this point.

I've read several posts, and the 1/2" hose is NOT a big issue in my mind. If I'm going to travel to remote locations, I'll get another 1/2" hose to travel with. So, I don't plan to plug the 1/2" port at this time & go with all 3/8" hoses.

Now, I've read that some have done the following: 1) put the backup necklace on the standard "primary" 1/2" hose that comes with the reg (mine measures about 27" I guess); 2) get a 7' x 3/8" primary hose to run off of the other R-side LP port (that had yellow hose from factory).
Questions:
1. Does the 27" seem unwieldingly long? I know that the only way I'd find out for sure is to just dive it, but if I'm ordering a bunch of hoses (I'm going to setup my wife's system also), I'd rather just bulk order all in one delivery....
2. I haven't taken off the 2nd stages yet, but is the ATX200 2nd stage a 1/2" connection & the ATX40 a 3/8" connection at the stage itself? That is, am I going to need an adaptor on each of the 2nd stages if I switch these?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Scubaroo]

The second stage thread is standard across almost all scuba regulators, with the exception of some earlier Poseidon models (and probably a couple of other older regs I'm not aware of). The 1/2"-3/8" difference is purely at the first stage.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Yes, I think the 27" hose for your backup on a single tank is going to be too long for you. Try it and see, but I would recommend a shorter one. 22" or 24" should be good.