Looking for a good CO2 diffuser/reactor

tfish

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Feb 6, 2003
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I was diffusing my CO2 by placing the line into the intake of my old power filter, but I have gotten rid of the power filter and am awaiting my new Eheim canister filter. I am now looking for a new (and hopefully low cost) way of diffusing my CO2. I've looked on the net and haven't found too many ways to diffuse the CO2 using a canister filter. I am then looking at some other options. I have looked at some different DIY plans(http://www.plantedtank.net/co2reactor.html) and am thinking of trying it. I was also looking at the Plant Guild's Power reactor on Aqua Botanic. Any advice on what I should try? Thanks to all!
 
I run the air line into a tube connected to the bottom of a Hagen 402 Power Head. That way I can see how many CO2 bubbles are feeding into the powerhead. I stuck a piece of siphon tubing(about 7") into the out-flow of the powerhead and bought a small siphon which I connected to the other end of the tubing. Then I stuck an Aqua Clear sponge into the larger siphon tube and it works great! The bubbles come out in a mist. Roughly the whole system cost about 18 dollars. Buy the power head at Big Al's. You'll save about 1/3 that way. This system if for a 55 gallon tank. If you have a smaller tank you can pick up a smaller powerhead and do it even cheaper.
Len
 
100 % Diffusion !

In my Opinion....

These are the Best Reactors out...... : IMO

CO2 Diffusion :)
 
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Err ...best _internal_ CO2 reactors all of which look suspiciously like something I made about 10 years ago.

I'll tell you this, the suction cups on the Rio's stink after a few months and the vertical pump placement is better with those better suction cups on the side.

You can make a similar thing from a gravel vac tube and a powerhead for about than 20-30$

Ghori has an external reactor from PVC that works well according Ghori and cost about 10$ and then you don't have that tube in the tank.

Regards,
Tom Barr
 
Unfortunately, I'm sooooooo poor I can barely afford to feed my fish, let alone take pictures of them. But I enjoy looking at other folks' shots.
It's really easy to put together, and if you don't want to spend a lot of bucks, I think it's the way to go.
Len
 
Originally posted by plantbrain
Err ...best _internal_ CO2 reactors....................You can make a similar thing from a gravel vac tube and a powerhead for about than 20-30$ ........Regards,
Tom Barr
True --- I paid an extra $10 as at the time, I didn't have the time for a DIY.. Excellent CO2 reactor.. :)
 
Plantbrain -- do you have a suggestion for a good powerhead? Djlen uses the Hagan 402. I also have a 55, so that should work for me, yes? Also, you said,

"Ghori has an external reactor from PVC that works well according Ghori and cost about 10$ and then you don't have that tube in the tank"

Where can I get more info about this? I ran the name "ghori" on a search through the forums and also on the net and didn't find anything.

Thanks to all! Lots of great advice!
 
tfish, Tom Barr(Plantbrain) builds one that hangs on the outside of the aquarium and is supposed to be a real good unit. I think it goes for about $40.
The quote from Tom that Joe refers to is the one I use, only mine is a home made version.
Len
 
This is what I did to make my DiY CO2.

I just took a 2 liter bottle, filled it half way with warm water, put 4 tablespoons of sugar in and 1 teaspoon of yeast. Then, I drilled a hold in the cap, placed an air tube through it, sealed it with hot glue, then screwed it on the bottle tightly. It works very well.

Total cost: $0.
 
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