take a look at the info on my web site on co2 equipment and suppliers.
http://members.cox.net/tulsaalstons/AquaticPlants.htm#High Pressure CO2
Bob
http://members.cox.net/tulsaalstons/AquaticPlants.htm#High Pressure CO2
Bob
list of pressurized CO2 systems please
- Thread starter Alaric
- Start date
As cpr said, you don't need a solenoid(although many use them) if you monitor your CO2 in the morning and make sure it remains in the 25ppm range over night. This is easy to do with a good accurate needle valve.
I use a Hagen 402 power head to diffuse into the tank. If you have a power head use it. It should mash the bubbles into a fine mist that you'll see go into the tank for absorption. The finer the mist the more effective your diffuser is.
Len
I use a Hagen 402 power head to diffuse into the tank. If you have a power head use it. It should mash the bubbles into a fine mist that you'll see go into the tank for absorption. The finer the mist the more effective your diffuser is.
Len
Other than DIY Reactors, perhaps it would be useful if we could get a list of Diffusers & Reactors that people are using. Opinions would help too!!! 
the ones that I'm running across online are:
[I am not recommending this site, it was just convenient. you probably should shop around for prices and selection]
Aqua Medic Membrane Reactor - In tank
http://www.ereeftank.com/amreactor.html - $25
Aqua Medic CO2 Reactor - In Tank
http://www.ereeftank.com/amcoreactor.html - $26
Aqualine Buschke External CO2 Reactor 1000
http://www.ereeftank.com/abreactor.html - $55
**Personally, I am looking for an EXTERNAL reactor i think. I dont want to clutter up the inside of my tank any more than I have, and if you have suggestions for commercially available reactors (Or DIY -- however, I'm feeling intimidated by such projects for some reason), I would appreciate it, and I hope others could benefit too**
I hope that a list of such products would help everyone at this forum, and I think it is what Alaric was asking for, perhaps?
thanks!
the ones that I'm running across online are:
[I am not recommending this site, it was just convenient. you probably should shop around for prices and selection]
Aqua Medic Membrane Reactor - In tank
http://www.ereeftank.com/amreactor.html - $25
Aqua Medic CO2 Reactor - In Tank
http://www.ereeftank.com/amcoreactor.html - $26
Aqualine Buschke External CO2 Reactor 1000
http://www.ereeftank.com/abreactor.html - $55
**Personally, I am looking for an EXTERNAL reactor i think. I dont want to clutter up the inside of my tank any more than I have, and if you have suggestions for commercially available reactors (Or DIY -- however, I'm feeling intimidated by such projects for some reason), I would appreciate it, and I hope others could benefit too**
I hope that a list of such products would help everyone at this forum, and I think it is what Alaric was asking for, perhaps?
thanks!
Thanks to all who have posted so far. A lot of good info, but Im sure there is a lot more to list. Yes nanahachi has the right idea. I was hoping to compile a list of all components involved in a co2 injection (not necessarily the parts and how they work but more the "brand" or manufacturer) and an opinion on the quality.
That last reactor is for tanks up to 500 gal it is LARGE. Just had someone return one because it was to large i sell all of those products and can price beat em all if needed. Some of them are already cheaper on my website. Just remember
marc
Http://www.Aquatic-store.com
Co2, Plants, Substrate, Filters, Heaters, UV and more
marc
Http://www.Aquatic-store.com
Co2, Plants, Substrate, Filters, Heaters, UV and more
A lot of CO2 is DIY and most folks experience is going to be with systems they've rigged together themselves after prowling Beer Distributors, Welding Shops, and Lowe's/Home Depots. The AquaMedic regulator is the only "aquarium" thing I bought. Compact, works well, comes wih a decent needle valve.
Bob Alston's page has a lot of really good info and is probably as close as you'll find to a buyer's guide for some of this stuff -- valves, tanks, regulators.
The reactors are their own kettle of fish. I'm in the middle of assembling one now that's based on the Tom Barr DIY model and which vaguely resembles the Buschke -- same general principle. This seems to me to be the reactor of choice among the serious plant folk. The DIY model is a waste of time and money unless you like to do DIY. For all my trouble I might have saved $15 -- not worth the two trips to Lowes, never mind the pile of parts in my living room. But I like DIY
. Otherwise I'd get the Buschke or write to Tom offboard -- I think he makes/used to make these for about $30.
I looked briefly into the membrane difusers and it seemed to me they were somewhat limited in what they were able to handle and needed a steady flow of water over them to operate efficiently. Not really what I was looking for.
I always liked the spirally thing if your going to put something in your tank. But I want to keep the tank as hardware free as possible.
Briefly tried airstones and thought they were completely useless.
Getting decent results running the CO2 through my HOB and am getting used to the little brapppp the impellor makes every time a bubble hits it. But the uber-reactor is going online just as soon as I can find that one drill bit.
Bob Alston's page has a lot of really good info and is probably as close as you'll find to a buyer's guide for some of this stuff -- valves, tanks, regulators.
The reactors are their own kettle of fish. I'm in the middle of assembling one now that's based on the Tom Barr DIY model and which vaguely resembles the Buschke -- same general principle. This seems to me to be the reactor of choice among the serious plant folk. The DIY model is a waste of time and money unless you like to do DIY. For all my trouble I might have saved $15 -- not worth the two trips to Lowes, never mind the pile of parts in my living room. But I like DIY
. Otherwise I'd get the Buschke or write to Tom offboard -- I think he makes/used to make these for about $30.I looked briefly into the membrane difusers and it seemed to me they were somewhat limited in what they were able to handle and needed a steady flow of water over them to operate efficiently. Not really what I was looking for.
I always liked the spirally thing if your going to put something in your tank. But I want to keep the tank as hardware free as possible.
Briefly tried airstones and thought they were completely useless.
Getting decent results running the CO2 through my HOB and am getting used to the little brapppp the impellor makes every time a bubble hits it. But the uber-reactor is going online just as soon as I can find that one drill bit.
Perhaps someone should talk about the difference between a diffusor and a reactor.
A diffusor is a device that usually simply bubbles the C02 into the water. Most are glorified airstones. Theoriticly they give off a fine mist of bubbles that dissolves
before reaching the water surface...but the reality is this does not happen. What does happen is the bubbles reach the water surface where they evaporate into the atmosphere without saturating the water. The other problem with these devices is they get constantly clogged with algae and silt making the bubbles from the airstone much bigger which evaporate at the water surface even quicker.
There are also what is called bell diffusors. This catches the C02 bubble and holds it til it dissolves into the water. Problem is you are limited to a very slow bubble rate otherwise too many bubbles get under the bell and start pushing bubbles out...which rise to the surface and evaporate.
The membrane diffusor from Aquamedic is unique. It has thin membranes where the C02 bubbles dissolve when pushed through by the current of a filter. You have to have it in the path of a strong current. Problem with this one is the membranes get dirty very quickly.
Reactors are devices that mix the gas with water and then expel the C02 enrtiched water into your aquarium. This is by far the most effective device because none of the C02 gas escapes. Most models sit inside your aquarium, however there are a few external models that can be placed under your tank and is hooked up to a pump, cannister filter, or sump.
Diffusors not only waste gas but can be very irratic without holding a steady level of C02 in the water. I use and sell Aqua medic regulators, solenoids, and reactors. They offer fine German craftsmanship at a very affordable price.
A diffusor is a device that usually simply bubbles the C02 into the water. Most are glorified airstones. Theoriticly they give off a fine mist of bubbles that dissolves
before reaching the water surface...but the reality is this does not happen. What does happen is the bubbles reach the water surface where they evaporate into the atmosphere without saturating the water. The other problem with these devices is they get constantly clogged with algae and silt making the bubbles from the airstone much bigger which evaporate at the water surface even quicker.
There are also what is called bell diffusors. This catches the C02 bubble and holds it til it dissolves into the water. Problem is you are limited to a very slow bubble rate otherwise too many bubbles get under the bell and start pushing bubbles out...which rise to the surface and evaporate.
The membrane diffusor from Aquamedic is unique. It has thin membranes where the C02 bubbles dissolve when pushed through by the current of a filter. You have to have it in the path of a strong current. Problem with this one is the membranes get dirty very quickly.
Reactors are devices that mix the gas with water and then expel the C02 enrtiched water into your aquarium. This is by far the most effective device because none of the C02 gas escapes. Most models sit inside your aquarium, however there are a few external models that can be placed under your tank and is hooked up to a pump, cannister filter, or sump.
Diffusors not only waste gas but can be very irratic without holding a steady level of C02 in the water. I use and sell Aqua medic regulators, solenoids, and reactors. They offer fine German craftsmanship at a very affordable price.
