CO2 - reactor or diffuser?

[maxthedog123]

Well, I've finally decided to throw in the towel on the yeast based CO2. (I've been using the refillable Red Sea cannister.) I've purchsed a 5 lb. tank, I've got the Milwaukee all in one regulator on order, but what to do about the delivery in the tank?

I realize that reactors and diffusers are doing 2 different things, but can they accomplish the same goal? Is a reactor that much superior to a diffuser for raising the ppm of CO2 in the water? Has anyone had success with a diffuser and pressurized CO2.

On a realted question - could I use the powerhead/venturi diffuser that came with the Red Sea yeast system? I'm wonder if the fact that it creates a suction would make it inappropriate to use with a pressurized system.

 

[UCF-Planted]

Should be fine to use the same powerhead diffusor for pressurized. Plenty of people have had success with diffusors in pressurized, but powered reactors like the one you have are pretty well established as more efficient.

 

[maxthedog123]

I would call it more of a powered diffuser than a reactor. If it would work it would save a few bucks, but is this what you had in mind?

http://www.redseafish.com/Product.asp?dir=y&CatId=99&SubID=61&proID=229

 

[UCF-Planted]

Ah, I didn't look up the system being used. I would agree that's a powered diffuser rather than a reactor. I'm sure that pump could be used to make a reactor though. I suppose it would probably work well enough in a deep enough tank, but I don't know, something about all those bubbles escaping bothers me a little. My Hagen ladder for my DIY CO2 is bad enough about letting the bubbles get away at the top, but at least with that I can see the bubbles shrinking as they slide up the ladder.

 

[phanmc]

Diffusers work well, especially if you put them under the outlet spraybar so the tiny bubbles are carried with the current for additional exposure to water. Reactors are better but we're not talking about a big difference here.

 

[maxthedog123]

Has anyone used the aquariumplants "best" regulator?

http://www.aquariumplants.com/AQUARIUMPLANTS_com_s_Co2_Regulator_The_BEST_p/co2-1.htm

Seems to be a similar price to Rex's setup, but includes bubble counter.

 

[jflng]

Has anyone used the aquariumplants "best" regulator?

http://www.aquariumplants.com/AQUARIUMPLANTS_com_s_Co2_Regulator_The_BEST_p/co2-1.htm

Seems to be a similar price to Rex's setup, but includes bubble counter.

I got this in the mail a couple days ago. Unfortunately I won't be able to set it up for a long while; and that's the main reason I got this one. It has a three year warranty, so I can take my time with it and not worry about defects.
I read some good reviews on it too.