Would this work with DIY co2?

Absolutely. I got one of these when I bought my pressurized CO2 kit from Redsea. No reason it wouldn't work with DIY CO2 just as well. It's an "okay" reactor.. not the best. The suction cups are small and weak. I wish it had a bracket instead because it just doesn't want to stay put. But it's easy to clean and does the job.
 
Absolutely. I got one of these when I bought my pressurized CO2 kit from Redsea. No reason it wouldn't work with DIY CO2 just as well. It's an "okay" reactor.. not the best. The suction cups are small and weak. I wish it had a bracket instead because it just doesn't want to stay put. But it's easy to clean and does the job.

Thanks for the info. I am currently using two of these, http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+14711&pcatid=14711, with what I would say are fair results. I would combine the two containers into the reactor. Does that sound like a plan?
 
you could be those are giving off even less then a regular diy co2 bottle would give off.

Sorry, I am a little confused. Are you saying that the setup I currently have is less efficient than the 2 liter bottle setup. If I plan on getting the reactor do you think the two bottles into the reactor would be sufficient or should I grab some juice bottles. I don't want to go with pressurized so which method of diy would work best with that reactor?
 
those things are smaller so less co2 is going to be made. i dont think 2 of those will cut it. you might have to add a juice bottle or two. i would start with what you have and see how it goes. when i get home ill post the link so you can figure out how much co2 is in your water.

basically you want the ph to drop one point.
 
Here's a link that will help you...

http://www.fishfriend.com/aquarium_co2_calculator.html

But keep in mind that this will not be accurate if you have phosphate buffers in your water or other things that will throw off pH. A better way to determine co2 or to see if this calculator will work for you, is by taking a pH test, recording the pH and letting it sit out overnight and see what pH it drops to. If it drops by 1, you're in the right range. Also if you take the final measurement of pH (after it drops) and plug it into the calculator with your KH, it should come out to 2 or 3ppm. If it does, the calculator will work for you. If it doesn't, it won't.
 
those things are smaller so less co2 is going to be made. i dont think 2 of those will cut it. you might have to add a juice bottle or two. i would start with what you have and see how it goes. when i get home ill post the link so you can figure out how much co2 is in your water.

basically you want the ph to drop one point.


So if it doesn't cut it I could use the regular recipe and start with two 2l bottles?
 
I have 2 - 2L's on my 32g and it's barely enough. You will probably need more like 4 or 5 bottles on a 55. Or get 3 - 1 gallon jugs.
 
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