I am currently researching about co2. I am going to add a pressurized system and think I'll need a 10lb tank,regulator,bubble counter etc. I wanted to see everyones thoughts on how to "inject" it into the tank? Should I use a reactor? Diffuser? I have a 55 gallon tank? This forum is great for infornation and I appreciate any/all thoughts?
Best method for injecting co2...
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I have tried glass diffusers, the Hagen ladder, and regular air stones. Although they were all effective at diffusing some CO2 into the tank, none were nearly as efficient as even the smallest power reactor I own. I'm currently using the Red Sea Reactor 500 in a 40gal using the Paintball CO2 kit, and I have no problems keeping the CO2 levels where I need them with only a 2 or 3 bubble per second count. Others may not share my opinion, but I think a power reactor is the only way to go.
i use a internal filter with a air line in. http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...aquariumsystemsduettomultiinternalfilterdj100
If you have a canister filter, I have read that one of the better ways is to use a reactor. Rex Grigg has instructions for building your own here:
http://www.rexgrigg.com/diy-reactor.htm
It goes on the outlet line of your canister filter so it will prevent gas lock and extra noise in your canister.
I am not sure where the line is, but I think there is a size line where diffusers (smaller tanks) and reactors (larger tanks) start and finish.
I think that the fact alone that the clutter is not in the tank with the reactor is a good selling point alone for me.
http://www.rexgrigg.com/diy-reactor.htm
It goes on the outlet line of your canister filter so it will prevent gas lock and extra noise in your canister.
I am not sure where the line is, but I think there is a size line where diffusers (smaller tanks) and reactors (larger tanks) start and finish.
I think that the fact alone that the clutter is not in the tank with the reactor is a good selling point alone for me.
There's so many ways to inject CO2 it eventually comes down to preference. I think it's fair to say that most folks will try a bunch of different ways over time and settle on something that suits them.
I ran an inline reactor for a while and it was prettty good but took up too much space under the tank. I switched over to an Azoo diffuser sitting under a powerhead for almost two years. That was really good but I accidentally cracked the diffuser. So, I ended up splashing out for an ADA glass diffuser. Not cheap but the microbubbles are unbelievably small and it works like a charm.
I've read a lot of good things about the sweetwater stones and they're pretty darn cheap.
I ran an inline reactor for a while and it was prettty good but took up too much space under the tank. I switched over to an Azoo diffuser sitting under a powerhead for almost two years. That was really good but I accidentally cracked the diffuser. So, I ended up splashing out for an ADA glass diffuser. Not cheap but the microbubbles are unbelievably small and it works like a charm.
I've read a lot of good things about the sweetwater stones and they're pretty darn cheap.
I have nano glass diffusers in my tanks. I like the spray of bubbles. =)
Tom Barr has made a point about having gaseous bubbles of CO2 actually stuck onto plant leaves since they contain the highest concentration of CO2. It's a little more complicated than this, but the main point is that he argues that having gaseous bubbles blown around the tank is more beneficial to plants than having a 100% diffusion rate and having all the CO2 dissolved.
Please correct me if I'm wrong on this, Tom.
Tom Barr has made a point about having gaseous bubbles of CO2 actually stuck onto plant leaves since they contain the highest concentration of CO2. It's a little more complicated than this, but the main point is that he argues that having gaseous bubbles blown around the tank is more beneficial to plants than having a 100% diffusion rate and having all the CO2 dissolved.
Please correct me if I'm wrong on this, Tom.
We did a semi-scientific comparison on another forum and it came down to Glass diffusor being number one, and second most efficient was an in-line reactor. The way we checked for efficiency was using an ADA drop checker. If ever any of you have question of how much CO2 is actually getting into your water column, I suggest getting one of these or one of the knockoffs you can get on ebay. It is called a CO2 drop checker and uses a reagent in a glass apparatus in your tank. Color changes denote differing CO2 concentrations, and using it, there is never any question whether or not you are getting enough CO2 for your plants.
I believe Aquaticmagic has them on their online store. If not they get them from time to time so check ebay using that as a search, or bite the bullet and get an ADA one.
As for diffusor clutter, you will find the glass ones to be aesthetically pleasing <I have a Rhinox 5000> and you will find yourself watching the bubbles <pretty cool> I just sold my Aqua Medic 1000 reactor. I find my canisters work better without that extra thing in the line.
I believe Aquaticmagic has them on their online store. If not they get them from time to time so check ebay using that as a search, or bite the bullet and get an ADA one.
As for diffusor clutter, you will find the glass ones to be aesthetically pleasing <I have a Rhinox 5000> and you will find yourself watching the bubbles <pretty cool> I just sold my Aqua Medic 1000 reactor. I find my canisters work better without that extra thing in the line.
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