CO2 Reactor

[DiabloCanine]

My link was busted and the previous post on my External Inline CO2 Reactor was lost due to a hacker. I will repost here in case anyone is interested.

I injected CO2 into the intakes of my Fluvals through the siphon starter caps on the customflo over-the-wall setups in 3 of my tanks. It worked great but I hate having hardware in the tank. It began with an idea to remove as much hardware as possible from the tank. Here is the external inline CO2 reactor I made to replace the intake injectors.

This is how I modified the siphon starter cap on the Lifeguard Customflo water system.







I researched the web for CO2 reactors to get an idea on how to make one. Here is the design I decided on which incorporates ideas found on the web and in my head.

Here is a picture of the reactor I made for a friend at Simply Discus.



Here is a layout of the parts.



One of the features I wanted was the ability to remove the end cap for cleaning. Eventually, the reactor and bio balls will fill up with mulm and slow the flow. When this happens, I remove the end cap to clean the reactor and clean or replace the bio balls.



Here is a close-up of the reactor installed in the stand with the Fluval removed.



CO2 comes from the other side of the stand. The stand has a bookcase in the middle with compartments on each end.



CO2 reactor and Fluval installed in stand.



Thanks for looking. Please let me know if I left anything out or you have any questions. If you would like me to make one for you, PM me…...DC

[Brian A]

A few weekends ago DC and I made a modified version of his CO2 Reactor for one of my tanks. All i can say is that the man is a DIY genius!!! He knew off the top of his head what we were going to need and how it fit it all together. We made a version that let me fit my PH Controller in it, that way I am better able to monitor how it is doing.

I am happy to say that it is working better than I could have expected. Not a leak anywhere and it is very quiet!! If you're lucky, he might start building extras to sell.

I can't thank you enough for the help DC!

-Brian

[gmccreedy]

DC,
Do you feel that the Fluval is keeping up with the additional bends and turns that you have added to the outflow? Any additional pump noise?

they make a big deal in their setup manual not to introduce loops and bends in the output line, so was curious as to the condition of the pump as a result of this mod.

thanks. Looks sweet by the way. great idea.

[DiabloCanine]

Originally Posted by gmccreedy

DC,
Do you feel that the Fluval is keeping up with the additional bends and turns that you have added to the outflow? Any additional pump noise?

they make a big deal in their setup manual not to introduce loops and bends in the output line, so was curious as to the condition of the pump as a result of this mod.

thanks. Looks sweet by the way. great idea.

I have found the Fluval 4 series to be a very hardy filter, shot CO2 into all the intakes at one time in their lives and still using the original parts. They are all working fine, no noise and great flow. Having said that, keep in mind the 304 is rated for a 70 gallon tank, I have 2 on a 55:







and 1 on a 37:



The 404 is rated for a 100 gallon tank, I am putting 1 on a 46 bow which is being built right now. Look in my DIY links for more info......DC

[kkentert]

don't think it will work on a fluval- but eheim people...Just run the CO2 tube into the intake of you filter! workds like a charm and cost 0 $ and 0 time! If you don't have an eheim follow diablos wonderfully detailed instructions!

[DiabloCanine]

Originally Posted by kkentert

don't think it will work on a fluval- but eheim people...Just run the CO2 tube into the intake of you filter! workds like a charm and cost 0 $ and 0 time! If you don't have an eheim follow diablos wonderfully detailed instructions!

I guess you missed it the first time, read this thread again, CO2 injection into Fluval intakes works but.....you need to have equipment in the tank for that. The goal of my DIY projects are centered around removing all equipment from the tank; all my show tanks now have the equipment below the tank out of view......DC

[esarkipato]

What is the name for the small brass peices that the filter hoses/co2 hose hooks into?

Also, do you apply anything to the PVC threads to prevent leaks?

[Rex Grigg]

The small brass piece is called a pipe nipple or hose barb. I prefer not to have brass in contact with my aquarium water. So I use nylon barbs. You can see how I build my reactors in my Guide.

And yes you have to apply something to the PVC threads.

[lillou]

Ernie

You apply tefllon tape to the threads.

If you can get the nylon hose adapters thy are better than the brass.

[DiabloCanine]

The brass pieces I use are adapters and barbs. Nylon is not better than brass, they both work fine as can be seen if you follow my projects or have one of my reactors; as with most other things it is a matter of preference. Some fittings are hard to locate, PM me if you need fittings or a reactor. There are several folks using this type of reactor (I will make you one for cost/shipping plus a lb. of starbucks, it includes a mount, check valve, extra bio balls, CO2 probe mount if you want the DC2 model and CO2 tubing). Use loctite on brass, teflon tape on pvc. I also use all purpose glue for the pvc joints instead of the convential purple crap.......DC

[kkentert]

Hey Diablo- I did miss that. Sorry. Good instructions.

[DiabloCanine]

5/8" ID-3/4" OD from Lowes. Any thinner on the OD will eventually collapse/kink the hose......DC

[frozenbarb]

kk Thanks DC..

Do you think i will find all the stuff i need at a home depot?
for a reactor and hose?

[DiabloCanine]

Originally Posted by frozenbarb

kk Thanks DC..

Do you think i will find all the stuff i need at a home depot?
for a reactor and hose?

For my reactors, I get parts at Lowes and Menards. Lowes has a good selection of pvc and brass fittings but Menards is the place for nylon barbs. If you do not have a Lowes or Menards around there, let me know what you need and I'll pick it up for you.......DC

[rcalzadilla]

Thanks for the great info and pictures