Using a powerhead for CO2 diffusion

[plantbrain]

I have been using a powerhead for a diffuser in one of my tanks. The CO2 is fed into the intake. The venturi is still there also making a loop, but the Rio 600-800 series pumps have a special impeller, instead of 4 flat blades, these have 6 flexible blades that are optimized for fine bubble production.

Note these are not the same regular Rio 600/800 pumps.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=TA3191

No modification is needed, simply attach the CO2 line to the inlet and connect the other inlet to the the venturi.

These are superior to common powerheads for this application and production of mist.The key is the impeller, these are quite good, but ideally one of those needle wheel skimmer impellers would be best.Maybe they will sell those later.

If you direct the powerhead down into the plant beds from near the top of the tank , this will give you the best efficiecy.

No reactor cup needed(plant leaves act as a baffle), simply plug the powerhead into the light timer. CO2 comes on when you need it, off when you don't. No reactor tube means less space.

Cost 15-20$, ease of use: very easy for both gas tanks or DIY CO2 sources.
I would also suggest these for driving reactors if they are in the gph flow range you need.

Regards,
Tom Barr

www.BarrReport.com

 

[beviking]

Always with good relevant info! Thanks Tom!

 

[Roan Art]

Whoosh! Talk about timing. I'm just making a shopping list of what I need.

Thanks!

Roan

 

[Dwarfnut]

I have thought about going that route, but I thought I read somewhere that you shouldn't connect your CO2 source directly to the powerhead because it can cause suction? Anyone had experience with that? For now I'm stuck with DIY CO2, so I really don't want the powerhead to create some suction and suck all my suger water/yeast mixture out!

I like the idea of adding it to the light timer tho!

Thanks Tom,

 

[Roan Art]

. . .No modification is needed, simply attach the CO2 line to the inlet and connect the other inlet to the the venturi.

Would someone (Tom?) please confirm that the CO2 line goes into inlet #2 here:

and that nothing else needs to be changed? The diagram isn't quite how the pump came -- inlet #2 has nothing on it (those parts were loose in the box) and from what Tom's posted it sounds like nothing was on #1 either.

Thank you

Roan

 

[VippiN]

What do you think of this powerhead?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-1500-L-p...744577350QQcategoryZ20758QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks

 

[Roan Art]

If you direct the powerhead down into the plant beds from near the top of the tank , this will give you the best efficiecy.

How did you do that, Tom? Did you add a hose or something to the end?

This thing is POWERFUL and my duboulayi rainbows are nuts. Two of the big ones are swimming into the current this thing produces and the current is REALLY strong.

Anyway to tone it down some?

Roan

 

[EcoPit]

Roan - maybe you could cover some of the water inlet area; that should slow the flow down a bit. Might put a strain on the motor though.