CO2 Injection Control

[Dave Cushing]

Okay, I am convinced I need CO2 injection, and I want the easiest to maintain. To me that means gas bottle and reactor.

I have read the DIY articles on building a reactor, I am also considering the Reactor 1000, I like the clear plastic.

The regulator and bottle I understand. I even understand using a solenoid for timed control.

What I don't get is how to set the initial rate. I see mention of bubble counters, but usually only in diffuser systems. Should I have a bubble counter to set the rate? Where would this go in the system?

If you don't use a bubble counter, do you just go by pressure and measure the CO2 periodically, then adjust until you have ~25ppm on average?

What does everyone do?

Dave

[125gJoe]

You Need to count the bubble rate as well as test the water to know how much CO2 is in the water column.

Bubble counts make sure you don't initially kill the fish with too much CO2. Also, needle valves can "drift" allowing too much or not enough CO2. So you can't just depend on the needle valve alone. Glancing at the bubble counter from time to time is a nice thing to do...

[Dave Cushing]

My tank is plumbed throught the bottom and my filter is hidden in the cabinet. I was planning an inline reactor on the outlet of the filter, so it would be hidden in the cabinet. Where would a bubble counter go?

Dave

[Tempest]

If you go to www.aquabotanic.com, he sells all the parts you need at a cost that seems quite reasonable. The Aquamedic gauge has a built in needle valve. I even use a bubble counter on my DIY CO2 which is similar to what he sells. I got mine and my small Vortex reactor from PlantGuild.

[Tempest]

The bubble counter would go after the needle valve so it would most likely be in your cabinet also.. The one I got from Plantguild has *stickies* on it to stick it on something.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Dave Cushing
My tank is plumbed throught the bottom and my filter is hidden in the cabinet. ...The reactor can be placed in the tank, then you will be able to count the bubbles. I have my counter on the side of the tank where I can see it. It's toward the back of the tank and doesn't distract, or look bad..

I have Aquamedic (second one - and brand new), I'm not impressed with stability of it. I'm glad to have and see my bubble counter. I would not recommend anyone using pressurized CO2 to go without some way to count CO2 bubbles --- that's only my opinion though -- each his or her own way is fine too. I prefer not to guess too much at this stuff..

[Dave Cushing]

I agree with you. I am an engineer and we hate guessing at anything. I like things where I have full control.

I am looking over my cabinet and I think I can route the CO2 lines to a bubble counter outside the cabinet. Us there a limit to the length of the lines to and from the counter.

Thanks

Dave