CO2 diffusors - Nature Aquarium Society of Houston (NASH)

Phil Edwards · 10-25-2005, 07:10 AM

Hey guys,

I'm having some difficulty in getting CO2 into a 20g high light tank efficiently. How do you get CO2 into your small tanks and what specific hardware do you use?

Thanks,
Phil

STAANA · 10-25-2005, 08:14 AM

Hi, Phil:
I use the Aqua Medic/AB Reactor 1000 hooked up to an Eheim 2217 to stir the CO2 inside the reactor and a long term CO2 tester inside the tank to approximate the required CO2.
You can use any brand or even a DIY as long as the pump power is at the minimum, comparable to a 2217.
Hope this helps you.

SnyperP · 10-25-2005, 09:00 AM

I tried making an inline reactor for my 20g tank and had issues getting it about 18ppm. I believe that it's because i made it from 1 1/2" tubing. The bubbles would quickly accumlate into the top portion of reactor. I added a airline tubing from the reactor tot he venturi loop, but it made too much noise for me. I just put back in my ceramic diffuser that i had used with dyi for some time. I'm adjusting the flow quickly slowly to protect my shrimp. I'll keep you updated.

CrownMan · 10-25-2005, 10:38 AM

I use a Duetto DJ50 small internal filter with the CO2 line connecting on top of the filter where you would normal run an oxygenating line to the surface. This provides a fine co2 mist that is circulated around the aquarium via the duetto output current. I use this in a 10gallon and 30 gallon setup.

I also have an external bubble counter hooked inline.

Mike

plantbrain · 10-25-2005, 11:10 AM

I used the internal DIY CO2 reactor design on my site.
I also have used a Azoo disc.
An external reactor of various designs and loops.

Regards,
Tom Barr

Bert H · 10-25-2005, 12:11 PM

On my 10's my AC HOB is my reactor and I have no problems getting it up there around 30+ppm.

plantbrain · 10-26-2005, 12:10 PM

Phil you might try using the disc and blowing it around good as I've suggested for the mist idea.

Regards,
Tom Barr

www.BarrReport.com

SnyperP · 10-26-2005, 12:32 PM

I'd suggest that too simply because i believe my external reactor was much too small to handle the amount of CO2 i wanted it to dissolve. Since i changed to a disc type diffuser, I have been able to hold 33-36ppm in my 20g.

Phil Edwards · 10-27-2005, 03:12 PM

I've tried the RedSea and Boyu diffusors are they're not doing much. I guess it's just a factor of circulation as much as anything. I have a hard time getting the bubbles to travel around the tank without sacrificing circulation to portions of the tank. I think I'm going to try just hooking it up to my filter instead, thank you for your opinions guys.

Simpte 27 · 10-27-2005, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Edwards

I've tried the RedSea and Boyu diffusors are they're not doing much. I guess it's just a factor of circulation as much as anything. I have a hard time getting the bubbles to travel around the tank without sacrificing circulation to portions of the tank. I think I'm going to try just hooking it up to my filter instead, thank you for your opinions guys.

That is/was the same problem I was having. I ended up putting the ceramic diffuser under the filter intake, and keeping the output towards the top for water circulation. Seems to be working well.