hiding CO2 reactors and bubble counters

[TomFromStLouis]

Hi folks! I am new to the Forums and am glad to have found you.

I am diving back into this hobby after 20 years away. It is amazing how much has changed. My goal is to set up a 75 gallon Amano-style freshwater tank in my office. While I build the stand, I am trying to gather together what else I need and how it works, especially this CO2 thing. I am keenly interested in keeping gear out of the tank if I can. Can I hook up my CO2 line right before or after my canister filter inside the cabinet? (I will likely be using pressurized CO2) If so, do you just mount a bubble counter and reactor somewhere in there and let the flow pass through or what? Any advise appreciated.:confused:

[Timmain42]

Welcome to AC! I'm sure you'll be getting the "official" welcome form an administrator at some point in the near future, but until then... HI!

And I can't help you with your problem (mostly because I am a new player to the plant scene myself) , but we're all glad you're back in the "business" after a couple decades away. Things sure have chnaged since we were keeping goldfish in unfiltered water in small glass bowls, eh?

[Jared]

Here is a setup with the CO2 circuit powered by a separate small pump. All the CO2 equipment is outside the tank. http://www.brainyday.com/jared/aquarium/discus/co2.htm

Some folks put the CO2 line into their canister, but you can get a gas lock at the impeller.

HTH,
Jared

[Richer]

Welcome to the board =)

In general bubble counters are located on the outside of tanks anyways, so those shouldn't be a problem. As for the reactor, there are several designs out there. Some involve having the reactor within the tank, others are located outside of the tank. In general, I believe the ones within the tank are cheaper to buy/make, whereas the ones located outside of a tank are more expensive to buy/make.
Tom Barr (aka. Plantbrain) makes his own HOB (hang on back) CO2 reactors, drop him a line if you are interested.

HTH
-Richer