Overview#
ExtraCells 2 (EC2) is a massive utility addon for Applied Energistics 2 (AE2) in Minecraft. While AE2 focuses primarily on item management, ExtraCells 2 expands the ME Network's capabilities to include fluids and gases. It provides the infrastructure to store millions of buckets of liquid, automate fluid-based crafting, and manage massive item inventories with storage cells far exceeding the vanilla AE2 64k limit.
Key features include:
- Fluid Storage: Full integration of liquids into the ME Network, including terminals, buses, and storage cells.
- Massive Item Cells: New storage tiers ranging from 256k to 16,384k (16MB).
- Gas Support: Integration with Mekanism gases, allowing them to be stored and transported via ME cables.
- Specialized Automation: Blocks like the ME Fluid Assembler and ME Item Dropper for advanced factory setups.
- Blast Resistance: Reinforced storage options for high-risk environments.
Fluid Storage Mechanics#
Fluid storage in ExtraCells 2 follows the same logic as item storage in AE2 but uses different units. Fluids are measured in milliBuckets (mB), where 1,000mB equals 1 bucket.
Storage Math
By default, the mod uses a conversion ratio where 1 Byte = 8,000 mB (8 Buckets). However, this is highly configurable. Each fluid storage cell can hold up to 5 different types of fluids.
| Cell Tier | Byte Capacity | Total Fluid Capacity (Default) |
|---|---|---|
| 1k Fluid | 1,024 | 8,192,000 mB (8,192 Buckets) |
| 4k Fluid | 4,096 | 32,768,000 mB (32,768 Buckets) |
| 16k Fluid | 16,384 | 131,072,000 mB (131,072 Buckets) |
| 64k Fluid | 65,536 | 524,288,000 mB (524,288 Buckets) |
| 256k Fluid | 262,144 | 2,097,152,000 mB |
| 1024k (1M) | 1,048,576 | 8,388,608,000 mB |
| 4096k (4M) | 4,194,304 | 33,554,432,000 mB |
Note: Unlike item cells, fluid cells do not have a 'type limit' penalty that consumes bytes; they simply have a fixed capacity for up to 5 types.
Storage Cells and Components#
ExtraCells 2 adds several tiers of storage cells for items, fluids, and gases. Each cell consists of a Storage Component placed inside a Storage Housing.
ME Item Storage Cells
These cells function exactly like AE2 item cells but offer significantly higher capacities.
- 256k ME Storage: Holds 262,144 bytes.
- 1024k (1M) ME Storage: Holds 1,048,576 bytes.
- 4096k (4M) ME Storage: Holds 4,194,304 bytes.
- 16384k (16M) ME Storage: The largest cell available, holding 16,777,216 bytes.
ME Fluid Storage Cells
Used to store liquids within the network. They require a Fluid Storage Housing (blue-tinted).
- Tiers: 1k, 4k, 16k, 64k, 256k, 1024k, 4096k.
ME Gas Storage Cells
If Mekanism is installed, these cells allow the storage of gases. They use the same tier system as fluid cells but are specifically for chemical gases.
Specialized Cells
- Adjustable ME Storage: A cell that can be partitioned and limited to specific amounts of items via a GUI.
- Encryptable ME Storage: A security-focused cell that can be locked to specific users.
- ME Block Container: A specialized cell designed to store entire blocks (often disabled in standard 1.7.10 builds pending rewrites).
Fluid Management Blocks#
These blocks allow the ME Network to interact with the world and external tanks.
| Block | Function | Image |
|---|---|---|
| ME Fluid Terminal | The primary interface for viewing and manually extracting/inserting fluids using buckets. | |
| ME Fluid Storage Bus | Connects external tanks (like Iron Tanks or Bedrock Drums) to the ME Network. | |
| ME Fluid Import Bus | Pulls fluids from an adjacent tank into the ME Network. | |
| ME Fluid Export Bus | Pushes specific fluids from the ME Network into an adjacent tank. | |
| ME Fluid Interface | Acts as a buffer for fluids. Can hold up to 6 types and interact with pipes from other mods. | |
| ME Fluid Level Emitter | Emits a redstone signal when a specific fluid in the network reaches a set threshold. | |
| ME Fluid Annihilation Plane | Breaks fluid blocks in the world and sucks them into the network. | |
| ME Fluid Formation Plane | Places fluids from the network into the world as blocks. |
Advanced Automation Blocks#
ME Fluid Assembler
This block is the fluid equivalent of the Molecular Assembler. It allows the ME Network to perform autocrafting recipes that involve fluids (e.g., crafting Fresh Water from Pam's Harvestcraft or filling buckets) without needing physical buckets in the system. It uses ME Fluid Patterns to define recipes.
ME Fluid Auto Filler
Automatically fills empty buckets or containers with fluids from the network. If the network contains empty buckets and water, the Auto Filler can be used to provide 'Water Buckets' on demand for crafting.
ME Item Dropper
A block that connects to the ME Network and drops items into the world when it receives a redstone pulse. The item to be dropped is configured in the block's GUI.
ME Backup Battery
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for the ME Network. It stores a large amount of AE energy and ensures the network stays online if the main power source fails.
Storage Infrastructure#
Blast Resistant ME Drive
A reinforced version of the ME Drive. It is completely immune to TNT and Creeper explosions, protecting your valuable storage cells. To balance this, it only contains 3 slots for storage cells instead of the standard 10.
Certus Quartz Tank
A multi-block capable fluid tank. Each block holds 32 buckets (32,000 mB). They can be stacked vertically to create a single large tank. If broken with a wrench, the tank retains its fluid.
ME Drive Fixture
A compact, wall-mounted version of the ME Drive. It can be placed on the side of a cable like a terminal. It holds 6 storage cells and is ideal for small sub-networks or aesthetic storage rooms.
Wireless and Portable Tools#
Wireless Fluid Terminal
Allows remote access to the fluids in your ME Network. It must be linked to an ME Security Terminal and requires Wireless Access Points to function. It consumes energy from an internal battery which can be charged in an AE2 Charger.
Wireless Universal Terminal
An all-in-one tool that combines the Wireless Item Terminal, Wireless Fluid Terminal, and Wireless Gas Terminal. Users can switch between modes using a keybind (default 'Shift + Mouse Wheel').
Portable Fluid Storage
A handheld device that acts like a portable tank and an ME Terminal. You can fill it by placing it in an ME Drive or by right-clicking fluid blocks. It allows you to carry and place fluids manually anywhere in the world.
Miscellaneous#
The Walrus
A decorative block added as an easter egg. It is a small, stationary walrus that can be placed in the world. It has no functional purpose other than being a walrus.
Soldering Station
A legacy utility block used to upgrade storage cells. By placing a lower-tier cell and the necessary components into the station, players can upgrade the cell's capacity without losing the items or fluids currently stored inside.
Recipes and Crafting#
Most ExtraCells 2 recipes follow the standard AE2 progression, requiring a Pattern Terminal or Molecular Assembler.
Storage Component Crafting
- 256k Item Component: 3x 64k Storage Components + 1x Logic Processor + 4x Sky Stone Dust.
- 1024k (1M) Item Component: 3x 256k Storage Components + 1x Logic Processor + 4x Glowstone Dust.
- 1k Fluid Component: 1x 1k Storage Component + 1x Lapis Lazuli.
Block Crafting
- ME Fluid Terminal: 1x ME Terminal + 1x ME Fluid Interface + 1x Lapis Lazuli.
- Blast Resistant ME Drive: 1x ME Drive + 4x Obsidian + 4x Iron Bars.
- Certus Quartz Tank: 4x Certus Quartz + 4x Glass + 1x Iron Ingot.
