Back pressure on DIY co2

I just installed this:


It's an inline CO2 reactor on the intake of my canister filter.

There is definitely back pressure on the co2 line. I knew this would happen based on reading other posts about where to inject the co2. Tom suggested running it into the beginning of the intake to avoid back pressure. I did not want to do this because i'd rather not have the airline going into the tank.

There is a check valve on the line so I'm not too worried. I believe the pressure created within the DIY bottles will be greater than the back pressure. But it does put more pressure on the system as a whole.

I've ordered a JBJ co2 regulator cause i'm ready to do the switch from DIY to compressed. I am assuming that the back pressure created by my inline reactor will be negligable compared to that created by the regulator. So theres nothing I shouldn't be worried about, right?

I finally got around to building this reactor the day before yesterday. Here is a list of the parts I used. Everything was found a Lowes but the parts seemed to be scattered around a bit. I spend 2 hours trying to find the right stuff.

These parts were found in the plumbing section:

23833 2" x 5' PVC Schedule 40 Pipe - $3.74
51013 2" x 1/2" SPXF Bushing - 2 @ $1.57
23282 2" PVC Coupling - 2 @ $0.32

This part was found in an isle near the plumbing section - it took me a long time to find this. I wish I had a better descripton of where it was.

22538 1/2" Male / Adapter Insert 2 @ $0.27 - This has a 1/2 threaded male on one side and a barb on the other

It all cost $8.06 plus tax not including the primer and cement.

If you cant find this stuff at your Lowes for some reason, I have no problem sending them too you. Let me know.

Sure, let me know....

I did use bio-balls, quite a few fit inside. Then again, the entire thing is quite a bit longer than the other ones i've seen.

I used primer on all pvc to pvc connections. I'm not sure why it's used on pvc, probably to prepare the surface for maximum adhesion. The instructions on the cement said to use the primer.

The whole thing could probably be assembled with epoxy.

I used 3/16" rigid tubing from the pets store for the co2 inlet.

Update:
It looks like the DIY co2 bottles do not create enough pressure to overcome the back pressure from the reactor. I just mixed a new solution so I am hoping that it will generate enough pressure. Otherwise I will have too wait for my regulater and tank to utilize the inline unit.