in-line CO2 reactor

debaric

debaric

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was thinking of doing an in-line co2 reactor to run off my fluval canister. I dont really have time to make one so does anyone know a good one that I can buy? Reason for wanting in-line is more space in the aquarium.

Remember I never did co2 before so I am a complete newbie. Feel free to talk me out of in-line if you like.
 
The aquamedic is a great inline reactor, but if you ar dealing with anything less than 100 gallons, I would just stick a small to medium sized poer head in the tank with a venturi. Connect your CO2 line to the venturi and place the power head about 2/3 deep in the tank. The power head current truogh the venturi distributes your CO2 in fine bubbles and most disappear in to the water column before they hit the water surface. I use this in my 110 and it works great!
 
im going to have a lot of current in the tank anyway because its a 29 gallon with a fluval 404 canister. Do I still need the powerhead?

Yes I decided to go pressurized, cant wait to get it set up.
 
debaric said:
im going to have a lot of current in the tank anyway because its a 29 gallon with a fluval 404 canister. Do I still need the powerhead?

Yes I decided to go pressurized, cant wait to get it set up.
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The power head is just a cheaper way to diffuse the bubbles in to the tank. $20 Vs. $100. Yes, the power head will cause more circulation. It's a power head. The inline version does a bit more of an efficient job delivering more of the CO2 into the water column. Basically what it does is captures the CO2 in a chamber and holds it there while the water flows through, collecting the CO2. The only issue with the power head is that some bubbles of CO2 will actually make it to the surface of the water and be outgassed, especially if your tank is shallow.

Fish-Addict said:
Can some one tell me what an 'in-lne reactor' is? Ive only ever used normal reactors.
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An inline reactor is just a sealed tube, usually filled with some bio balls or other water flow disruption. Basically it has a tube that connects to your CO2 system and that tube bubbles CO2 into the sealed tube that the water is flowing through. The CO2 is held in the tube as the water rushes by, collecting the CO2 as it goes. The "in line" part just means that it is in line with the filtration system. Typically on the return side you can connect the chamber by cutting the return hose and connecting the reactor "inline".
 
JAY973 said:
Does that mean you are doing pressurized Co2? I can't see an inline working w/diy due to back pressure.

I use this one off of my 405 but I believe you can find it cheaper. I did remove the diffusing balls because it really reduced the flow. I haven't had a problem maintaining Co2 levels.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9918&pcatid=9918
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I use the exact same bioreactor (with the balls) in my 125 gallon SE Asian planted and love it but it is overkill for your application. The other solution mentioned would be just as effective.
 
DrVader said:
I use the exact same bioreactor (with the balls) in my 125 gallon SE Asian planted and love it but it is overkill for your application. The other solution mentioned would be just as effective.
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debaric: I completely agree with DrVader it's over kill but if the aesthetics is a concern and you don't want to DIY IMO with the convenience there is a cost. If you are going the powerhead route Petco sells a small pump http://www.petco.com/product/13796/Hagen-Elite-Mini-Underwater-Filter.aspx that a few people have taken one step further modifing with great results and isn't to unsightly. I believe some are using on tanks as big as 50 gallons. I've see video's on UTube when I was researching.

If noise is an issue as with any of the powerhead solutions (some less than others) and the aesthetics isn't a concern then why not get a glass diffusor on a small tank? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9915&pcatid=9915 the current from the 404 should spread those fine bubbles around nicely.

Hope the info. helps.
 
I'm toying with the idea of using a small needle wheel pump.
 
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