excuse my ignorance since I am a Noobie to co2, but what is the reactor for?
some systems seem to use it and others don't?
some systems seem to use it and others don't?
pressurized CO2 or liquid concentrate?
- Thread starter kooter
- Start date
the reactor is to help defuse co2 into the water if i remember correctly.
i perfer excel, but i only have a small tank, i agree tht if u have a larger tank go with pressurized. ive seen some use a paintball gun tank filled with co2 and a reactor....couldnt find artical on it, maybe on another site. i think tht would be the cheapest way if u can find a steady supply of co2 to refill the tank. im off to google to see if i can find it
i perfer excel, but i only have a small tank, i agree tht if u have a larger tank go with pressurized. ive seen some use a paintball gun tank filled with co2 and a reactor....couldnt find artical on it, maybe on another site. i think tht would be the cheapest way if u can find a steady supply of co2 to refill the tank. im off to google to see if i can find it
Reactor is used to dissolve the CO2 into the water column.
The other Red Sea regulator designed to fit the valves on paintball 20 oz cylinders (for paintball guns) are available also. Here's one http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18478/si1431675/cl0/redseaco2prosystempaintball
On your size tank, I'm guessing the little paintball cylinders would last you about 2 months, as oppose to using a regular large 10 lb cylinder that should last a least a year. People like the little paintball regulator and cylinder option because it's small size, and it's easier for them to find the 20 oz CO2 cylinders at their local walmart, as oppose to finding a welding or fire supply shop for a large cylinder.
-John N.
The other Red Sea regulator designed to fit the valves on paintball 20 oz cylinders (for paintball guns) are available also. Here's one http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18478/si1431675/cl0/redseaco2prosystempaintball
On your size tank, I'm guessing the little paintball cylinders would last you about 2 months, as oppose to using a regular large 10 lb cylinder that should last a least a year. People like the little paintball regulator and cylinder option because it's small size, and it's easier for them to find the 20 oz CO2 cylinders at their local walmart, as oppose to finding a welding or fire supply shop for a large cylinder.
-John N.
I actually have a Hagen co2 system in the tank right now, (I was told that it would be ok for my tank..... :duh: 
now I know better), anyways, the co2 comes out as a bubble and rides up the ladder, then rises to the top and pops.
How does the water get the co2 out of the bubble? when it pops at the top of the water - there goes all the co2?! so is it better to have the ladder or plugged directly into a powerhead?! How do plants benefit on the other side of the tank if the bubble floats straight up?(Hence the regulator dissolving and/or dissipating the co2.)
now I know better), anyways, the co2 comes out as a bubble and rides up the ladder, then rises to the top and pops.How does the water get the co2 out of the bubble? when it pops at the top of the water - there goes all the co2?! so is it better to have the ladder or plugged directly into a powerhead?! How do plants benefit on the other side of the tank if the bubble floats straight up?(Hence the regulator dissolving and/or dissipating the co2.)
the ladder slows the bubbles rise to the top. have you noticed the bubbles start out big then shrink to a really tiny bubble?
that is the CO2 diffusing into the water column.
once it is dissolved the movement of the water will distribut the CO2(surface turbulance tends to diffuse the CO2 into the atmosphere.
that is the CO2 diffusing into the water column.
once it is dissolved the movement of the water will distribut the CO2(surface turbulance tends to diffuse the CO2 into the atmosphere.
ah ha. now it makes sense. I will have to check the size of the bubbles at the top of the ladder. I also put a powerhead right next to it in hopes the dissolved
co2 will be dispersed more throughout the tank.
co2 will be dispersed more throughout the tank.
naps said:
Yeeks thats expensive. But dont blame it on the Excel. I have a 45G that I am using only Excel on it and figure it will be $20/year or less. You might want to look at this if you have a big tank: http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18480/si1380292/cl0/seachemflourishexcel4liter would probably last you a year or so for $38, plus a few on shipping.
But yeah, when your talking a 3 digit tank, I'd be looking into pressurized. I actually do both, I use Excel right after my weekly water change. I fgure that it might help more instantly replenish carbon in the water plus its suppose to help against algea too, and I do spot treatments with excel.
Last edited:
naps said:
wow. If I add the amount I'm suppose to, (10ml. every other day), I can dose excel for a year @ $24.00 US. (Pet Solutions - 2L)
Yeah... I am not saying Excel is ever the best option but everyone says its way expensive and thats just not true... unless you buying the small bottles or from an lfs or someplace that way overcharges for it. I calculated it out one day roughly, and I overdose excel 1.5X-2X and I should still get nearly 2 years out of 1 bottle on my 45g tank.
That reactor is small but they will diffuse the CO2 100%
Might work best with 2 of them on a tank that size though...
Don't go with a paintball setup on a large tank, jsut go ahead and get teh 10 lb or more cylinder. And get a solenoid.
Might work best with 2 of them on a tank that size though...
Don't go with a paintball setup on a large tank, jsut go ahead and get teh 10 lb or more cylinder. And get a solenoid.
