Limewood CO2 diffuser

[Digsy]

I broke the Rhinox 5000 I use in my 58g yesterday and bought a limewood airstone to use until I replace it. I've been impressed with the fine mist coming from the airstone and am thinking about using this permanently. Are there any issues involved in using an airstone long term for CO2 diffusion? So far, I've been more impressed with the diffusion on this $3 airstone than I ever was with my $25 glass diffuser.

[tazcrash69]

Limewood is a soft wood. I would suspect (no personal experience) that it will breakdown in an acidic environment.

[bgoodwins]

They kind of tend to gum up, and get algae on them, meaning that larger bubbles come out. You can do some kind of soak on them, (bleach maybe?) to remove it, but they tend to lose the fineness in the mist over time. But so do the ceramics..... You be the judge.

[Digsy]

I think the directions on the package say to replace it every 3-4 weeks, which I'm guessing is when it starts breaking down and clogging, as you both have mentioned. It sounds as though those you both have mentioned may be the only drawbacks?

If I can find a way to buy them in bulk, I may stick with it just because I'm impressed with the fine bubbles, although my Rhinox worked fine too and was a one time cost...at least until I broke it.

[tazcrash69]

I always loved using them in the lift tubes of my...... Under Gravel Filter

[Ryzilla]

I am currently using the limewood as a diffuser and I love it. I dont care if I have to replace it every 4 weeks. It kicks arsh.

[eyebeatbadgers]

That's what I'm using as well, and I'm really happy with them. I replace mine every 6 weeks or so. My bristlenose seem to keep them clean for a while.

[Digsy]

Cool, thanks for the help. I think I'll stick with the limewood too. I didn't really feel like waiting the 6-8 weeks to get a new glass diffuser anyway!

[Wasserpest]

I used lime wood diffusers before... Went outside with a knife, cut a branch, cut it to about 1/2" length, took off the bark, let it dry for a couple of days, and stuck it in an airhose. Worked great... all natural and cheap.

Of course if you don't have a lime/linden tree in your front yard then you're out of luck.

[Digsy]

What a great, cheap idea Wasser! Unfortunately, I'm out of luck...no limewood around my neighborhood.

[tazcrash69]

I always wondered if you could take an old limewood airstone, and just sand or preferably scroll saw (after it's dried) off a thin layer to get a new surface.

[eyebeatbadgers]

I would think so. Especially if you are using pressurized CO2. For DIY, I'd wonder if some of the mixture could be the cause of the pores clogging, along with the outer algae( I suppose that wouldn't be a problem if I used a DIY drop checker too).

[Joetee]

I also use one. The bubbles start out real fine. After a while, It started slowing and produced larger bubbles so I took my pocket knife and shaved the surface off while it was still wet. Not long after, it again started plugging. What I think is happening, correct me if I am wrong, It might be swelling up closing off most of the holes while at the same time leaving a few holes to let larger bubbles flow do to the the pressure. I don't think they would work good for DIY co2 because of the pressure needed to get the gas through. I have one that is fully dried now and soon will try to use it again to see if it starts working again. I'll try and let you all know what happens.

Joe

[eyebeatbadgers]

My DIY pushes it just fine. I agree though that the pores may be swelling over time, leading to fewer channels for the gas to get out. Letting it completely dry out, probably in the sun for speed, will reverse the problem if that is the cause.

[Joetee]

I bought a package of 2. After the first one started plugging, I switched it and still have the first one, waiting for it to start plugging up. It's been a few weeks now. Oh BTY, I don't use mine with C02, just air at night.
Joe