Undergravel Jet

[Veloth]

I’m redoing my 75g into a Tetra tank. I want to run my CO2 through a Mag Needle Wheel pump on the return side of my C-360 filter that will be attached to an under gravel jet. See attached photo and drawing. I’m thinking about a Mag 5 or Mag 7. The reason I want to plumb it inline is to reduce the amount of things in the tank but I don’t want to harm the filter or the pump. Which one do I need? I know there’s a lot of smart people on this site and this has probably been done before so I’m checking with the experts.

 

[vietmanx]

what is the purpose of the underground jet? (I'm new to this DIY stuff)

 

[Veloth]

It will allow me increase the flow in the tank without added equipment in the tank. The output nozzles can be hidden easier than a powerhead since they only stick out of the substrate a little but the direction of flow can be adjusted. Sounds good .LOL I'm new at this too.

 

[Sploke]

Its generally not a good idea to run several pumps in series, especially if they have drastically different flow rates. Why not just run the CO2 into the canister intake?

 

[Veloth]

That's where I have it now. I also have two power heads in the tank to help with dead spots. I read a thread about how well the needle wheels were at CO2 misting and I thought about giving it a try and taking the power heads out. When I thought about the jets I wondered if I could combine the two.

 

[BoCoMo]

Its generally not a good idea to run several pumps in series, especially if they have drastically different flow rates. Why not just run the CO2 into the canister intake?

+1

Also: The main reason for having an UGJ system (IMO) is to keep mulm, uneaten food, poo, etc... from collecting on the substrate. The UGJ system keeps these things suspended so that they can be collected by the filter. I personally would put the UGJ system on a timer to further reduce surface water movement (for your CO2's sake, Again JMO)

 

[BoCoMo]

That's where I have it now. I also have two power heads in the tank to help with dead spots. I read a thread about how well the needle wheels were at CO2 misting and I thought about giving it a try and taking the power heads out. When I thought about the jets I wondered if I could combine the two.

If you want the very best CO2 diffusion use an in-line reactor/counter-flow reactor.

(since it appears you are into DIY you can build these too!) :thumbsup:

 

[Veloth]

If you want the very best CO2 diffusion use an in-line reactor/counter-flow reactor.

(since it appears you are into DIY you can build these too!) :thumbsup:

Would you be talking about a Rex style reactor? I had one but it cut my flow down too much. I still needed the power heads to stir things around. From the replies I'm getting I guess I need to rethink my project. It sounded good on paper.

 

[Sploke]

I don't see a problem with doing a closed loop setup to run an external pump for some extra flow...as long as you're not causing a whole lot of surface agitation, it shouldn't affect your CO2 levels.

Are you not getting good enough diffusion now?

 

[BoCoMo]

Would you be talking about a Rex style reactor? I had one but it cut my flow down too much. I still needed the power heads to stir things around. From the replies I'm getting I guess I need to rethink my project. It sounded good on paper.

I like the project and I like UGJ systems. I wouldn't give up for sure.... I'm interested to see how this turns out! I would have a separate pump for the UGJ system (set up on a timer to run for 15-30 min twice a day) and have the in-line reactor (pictured below) on it's own seperate system (also pictured below) -JMO as there are many right answers. :thumbsup:

(both pics are from the dr. website)