PVC CO2 diffuser question

[FSM]

My brass check valve finally showed up so I hooked up my CO2 and it is running at about 1 bubble per second.

The reactor/diffuser thing http://www.rexgrigg.com/diy-reactor.htm
is 1.5" PVC, the filter is a fluval 404.

The tank is a 75 gallon

Apparently the flow is still a bit too strong, because not all the CO2 is being dissolved before it is blown into the tank. Previously when I was using a POS plastic check valve, I had no trouble getting the CO2 level to around 30 PPM (based on the chart). However, once the plants start growing quickly, they should be using a lot more CO2, and I will need to increase the bubbles per second.

Is there anything I can do, other than reduce the flow or get a different filter? The original design calls for 2" PVC, but I couldn't find all the fittings.

It seems like a bit of a waste.

 

[coach_z]

extend the length of the tube by 1.5x the original length.

are you able to run your co2 through the inlet of your filter and have your filter act as the reactor??

 

[Riiz]

Maybe load it up some media, to prevent a direct path from inlet to outlet, something like a bioball or similar.

 

[dundadundun]

agreed... cut it in half... get 2 slip joiners and add a piece of pvc in the center to make it longer. then add bio balls.

 

[coach_z]

i like the bioballs idea....or you can add a piece of filter sponge to the unit....since the water should be clean you wont really need to worry about it getting dirty/clogged..

 

[FSM]

It is in the stand and I made at as tall as would fit. I could put it behind the stand instead though.

 

[chonhzilla]

Maybe load it up some media, to prevent a direct path from inlet to outlet, something like a bioball or similar.

I agree mine is only about 14" at 1.5" in diameter. I used to get way too much flow and it'll just flush out my co2. Then I made a whole new one and added one Bio-ball. Then never had a problem since.

 

[Jaykit]

This is a very cool idea that I've never seen or heard of. Definetly going to going to go and try to make one.

 

[timwag2001]

i loaded up my diy reactor with bio balls. my water came straight from an eheim and i would still get crap inside of my reactor. if i moved it or anything it would spit out all kinds of little brown crap. took out the bio balls and havent had a problem since