Optimal diffusion occurs when no CO2 can escape the reactor. Normally the CO2 just kind of hangs out in a blob and slowly dissolves. Putting something like bioballs into the reactor just chops it up into small bubbles which can get blown through.
Go with the original design that works. Many "improve" it and find they have trouble. The devil is in the details and most do not take the time to work out those small things like where the CO2 is put into the reactor. They try to fiddle with fittings and things that change the design and then they complain. Noise is caused by bad design changes.
For the best co2 reactor diffusion you just want the water flow to work down against the rising co2 bubbles. This unimpeded friction results in some of the best co2 diffusion you’ll find in the hobby.
I have two 24" reactors inline with Rena XP3 filters. One has bioballs, one empty. Each one has very tiny micro-bubbles blown into the tank, probably as a result of the flow rate. Overall they seem to perform about the same. For the one with bioballs, some day I may have to take it off, put water in it and shake out the debris, but there is a decent X-section of open area for water to flow through - I didn't pack them too tight.
100% dissolution when? You need pressure in the reactor because pressure is what causes CO2 to dissolve into water. When you have suction, you decrease pressure. That's why it should be placed on the outlet of the filter.
Hmm, alright. I'll have to relook at things then. Thanks guys.
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