[JanS]

Description: The PlantGuild Vortex Reactor is a powered reactor ideal for tanks from 5 to 30 gallons. This small but powerful reactor is easy to set up. No complicated connection to other tank equipment is required. Just plug it in, connect it and you're set. Each Vortex Reactor comes with 8' of silicone tubing with a cap fitting for making a CO2 generator plus a years supply of starter yeast for those just getting started into CO2 supplementation .

The swirling vortex greatly increases the gas to water contact making the reactor very efficient. The EPDM suction cup will last through years of underwater service without distortion or hardening. The pump is made by Rio and has been proven to be very dependable. Regular cleaning of the bubble trap pad is the only maintenance required. The reactor has a built in bubble counter or external counters are available if you want to hide the reactor behind plants.

Image © Plant Guild

Keywords: Vortex Reactor

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[Mnemia]

This reactor works really well in my 20G. It appears to be much more efficient than the various passive diffusers I\'ve tried in the past and requires less CO2 to achieve the desired dissolved levels. It\'s also quite solidly built and looks as attractive as possible for something that goes in the tank.

Also, it does provide some nice secondary mechanical filtration in my tank and I imagine you could get by with this as the only filter on a heavily planted 20 gallon or smaller.

On the downside, it does take up a good bit of space (which is more of an issue in the smaller tanks this is designed for). Every month or two it also requires more extensive cleaning than just rinsing out the pad - I usually have to disassemble and rinse out the pump to keep it from getting clogged with plant debris.

Rating	9
Pros	Very efficient CO2 reactor, provides some filtration
Cons	Takes up space in tank, requires regular cleaning
Would you recommend?	yes