powered co2 diffuser options

[Mr. Gone]

Just added DIY CO2 to 2x10 gallons, and have a few questions.


1.since i have a HOB filter, can i still run the CO2 straight up the intake? is that as effective as running it into a submersible filter, or will its contact with air at the top of the filter waste the CO2?

2.How is the DIY power diffuser (pump hooked to gravel vac) better than simply using a submersible filter with the CO2 stuck in the intake?

3.How is using a DIY power diffuser better than sticking the CO2 output in my HOB?

[twig]

I'd just use a bubble ladder for that sized tank. They make great diffusors in small tanks.

[Mr. Gone]

thats great for you, but i'm not buying a bubble ladder thats only going to work if the snails and plants don't touch it.

[Goatman]

I run my DIY CO2 in my 10 gallon through a ceramic airstone into the intake of an Aquaclear 20 powerhead. I sprays a mist of CO2 bubbles and diffuses quite well. I hold around pH 6.8, which is perfect for me.

[Mr. Gone]

I run my DIY CO2 in my 10 gallon through a ceramic airstone into the intake of an Aquaclear 20 powerhead. I sprays a mist of CO2 bubbles and diffuses quite well. I hold around pH 6.8, which is perfect for me.

Is an Aquaclear 20 Powerhead a type of Hang on BAck? sorry if thats a silly question, i just thought a powerhead was submersible

[Mr. Gone]

I was worried that the HOB's exposure to atmosphere would cause the co2 to de-gas. Is that not the case? Are they somehow able to get trapped in the filter media?

should I just stick the co2 tube in the intake of my HOB, or should I buy a small submersible filter and put the co2 line in there?

If I went with the second option and bought a submersible filter, would it be any more effecient to use a gravel vac tube and stuff to make a power diffusor, or would running the co2 line into the submersible be just as good.



see,,,,,i need to try 'em and use a test kit to answer my question. BUT, my Big problem is that i don't have a good liquid KH test kit, just the lame one on the 5 in1 combo strip that wal-mart sells. It tests in ppm instead of dg/h (which i'm still pretty fuzzy on) and my water is the highest it goes.

[Mgamer20o0]

i think it should be fine with the hob. yes co2 will be losted but its a really small tank. i would go with like excel or something for the co2 and not worry about diy.

[Goatman]

Powerhead = submersible pump. I also use a whisper 10, but was pointing out that a powerhead does an excellent job of diffusing CO2 in my 10 gallon. It cost like $12 at petsmart. I can't vouch for success with excel, but I haven't heard anything bad about it unless you're keeping inverts. Maybe that's a better option. You definitely need top pick up a liquid kH kit too. A gH/kH kit generally costs about $8 for more than enough tests. Also, get a liquid pH kit too, the strips are horribly inaccurate (speaking from experience).

[BowMaster]

I recommend a Red Sea Reactor 500 diffusor. They run about $25 on ebay, they have a built in powerhead, are super small and are unaffected by snails/plants. They are also good for 10-125 Gallon, incase you want to upgrade.

Lyle