View Full Version : Anyone using a vortex type co2 reactor
Nolapete
06-29-2007, 1:22 AM
I saw a vortex reacter and I was wondering if they work or not in comparison to one's like Rex's and other DIY with pressurized co2.
John N.
06-29-2007, 1:59 AM
I have one. It works very well. Only problem with it is that it takes up space in the tank. Otherwise it's more or less based on the same principles as DIY CO2 External reactors. Plants grow very well using either.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r122/johnapc2/th_Pic044.jpg (http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r122/johnapc2/?action=view¤t=Pic044.flv)
For smaller tanks under 10 gallons, I am using a CO2 Reactor 500. (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=15524&N=2004+113779) I like this one alot too.
-John N.
Nolapete
06-29-2007, 10:26 AM
I stumbled across them on plantedtank.net and got to thinking outside the box on building one inexpensively. The first thing that came to mind was a 2 litre soda bottle. I'm sure I'm not the first person who thought of using one as the body. I just need to work out the details to have it work outside the tank.
John N.
07-03-2007, 1:38 AM
It may be easier if you just head over to Orchard Hardware Store (OSH) and look for a item in the hardware/wood saw area called Viewtainer ($5). They are clear cylinder tubes with caps. Purchase one of them and a rio 50 ($15) powerhead and you're good to go. Also a gravel vac tube works well as well.
The 2L bottle will probably take up alot of room.
-John N.
loaches r cool
07-03-2007, 3:52 AM
The 2L bottle will probably take up alot of room.
-John N.
Dont forget many have made vortex reactors that are inline externally, so size is of less concern. I've not made any myself, but getting a good vortex to form requires matching the size of the unit (length, diameter) with the flow rate of the pump. John, I'm not really seing any vortex action in your pic?
Nolapete
07-03-2007, 2:14 PM
It's going to be external and is actually rather small once you invert the top 1/3 into the bottom 2/3. I'm having a little trouble with the thin plastic. I have to figure out a way to do the water input easily. The primary importance of this project is to make it easy to do by anyone with a lick of sense.