co2 reactor

Booswalia

Booswalia

AC Members
Apr 16, 2003
183
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Prince Edward Island
www.sonnys.ca
Me with a few questions again.

What would people recommend to buy for a Co2 reactor. My tank is only 25 Gallons, so I don't want one that's too large.

What's the scoop on those membrane diffusers?

Is there a difference between a reactor and a diffuser?

Tanks
 
A reactor uses a water pump to push the co2 bubbles around and into the bio balls to break into smaller particals to be absorbed into the water. A diffuser works much like a air stone in that it releases a fine mist of bubbles to be absorb into the water. With you size tank a diffuser would work. Reactors are said to be better but I always have the problem with the pump getting clogged.
 
DIFFUSORS

I think diffusors run of higher pressure in order to force the gas through the membrane ??? I have also heard that they have to be cleaned (the membrane) every two weeks or so. Not sure tho since I've never owned one.

Punch - do you use one then? Does it have to be cleaned that much?
 
I do have a membrane and the instructions dosn't say anything about cleaning. It does say putin a shaded area of tank so not to get algea on it. If it is to me cleaned a would say just wipe it as I would thing anything harsher might ruin the membrane. as ro running on higher presure I couldn't tell you as I have a tank and
have basicly run the same presure with a reacor and a diffuser.
 
Thanks, I never thought of looking inside the box as it came with the instruction sheet I thougt it would be on that. Now I hope I didn't thro that box away.
 
Punch-
If you plug the powerhead into the light time, every night the powerhead intake is freed of debris. Never clogs. Also a good reason not to use reactors/disc 24/7.

Also, put a small sponge if you clog it often enough. I never have needed to do this yet.

Ceramic disc can be soaked in bleach for 10 minutes, rinsed etc and returned to the tank.
Bells, membranes and other passive forms of diffusion except ceramic disc are only mildly useful IME with tanks 20Gal and above. Better than nothing but if you want good results, folks should consider either disc and clean these monthly or so, or go with powerhead based reactors. You can use internal gravel vac style reactors or externals. These are the main types for larger tanks and make it easier for folks to get enough CO2 into their tanks.

Regards,
Tom Barr
 
So far, what I've done, and it seems to be working great, is just feed the line into my Fluval 1 "Plus" Underwater Filter.

It has a place for attaching an air line, so I just plugged the Co2 line into it and it's working great.

fluval.jpg
 
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