Best CO2 Diffusion Options?

[Brian Feeder of Fish]

I'm in the process of getting CO2 set up for my 29 gallon tank. What would be my best option in your opinion to get the CO2 into my tank most efficiently? I have a HOB filter not a canister, so I can't do an inline setup, which seems to be the best option from what I have read. After that, it seems kind of fuzzy what the best setup is.

My HOB is a Aquaclear 55 (not positive on the size, but I'm pretty sure it's 55) and it has a long 'straw' intake I could take advantage of possibly. I have heard mixed opinions about putting CO2 through an HOB one way or another. Maybe as a secondary source of diffusion for any bubbles that aren't absorbed before reaching the top?

I've heard good things about chopsticks/wood, and lots of different things about glass/ceramic diffusers.

Bottom line I suppose, what will work the best and are there any other options I should consider? Budget friendly and easy maintenance are a plus, but I can be flexible.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[fishorama]

HOBs, from what I've read (but not done yet) break the water surface & co2 will be mostly lost to off gassing. A canister filter is preferred by far...but maybe if your water level is kept very high so there is vigorous surface movement without actual splashing & breaking of surface it "might" work...I would just get a canister & spray bar...Rena XP2 maybe or similar (Fluval 205 or 305? etc).

I was given a "basic" co2 set up with a ceramic lily pipe diffuser, that's what I'll be trying soon (ish) but if you go canister filter you could add the co2 on the return side of things to spread out the co2 & not have gas in the filter.

As far as maintenance goes, to me HOBs are much easier than canisters but need cleaning much more often...but that may just be my comfort zone.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Brian, if you haven't gotten your gas CO2 equipment yet, you can try glutaral products for CO2 first. API liquid CO2, Seachem flourish excel, Metricide 14, etc. A lot of it depends on what plants you want to keep, the lighting you want have, etc.