Using a CO2 venturi powerhead

**plantbrain** · 12-07-2005, 12:46 AM

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_viewIt...product=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

malkore · 12-07-2005, 03:17 PM

Tom,

I was wondering if you'd experimented with the Venturi kit for the Maxi-jet line of powerheads.
On my SW tank, I replaced the RIO 600 SVT pump on my skimmer with a MJ 1200 using the venturi. It created a much more aerated water, thus more efficient skimming, with much finer bubbles.

It seems to me that you could do the same thing with a typical Vortex/DIY powerhead & gravel vac tube type diffuser. Feed the CO2 into the venturi adapter, get micro-sized bubbles that dissolve far faster and completely.

If you haven't tried it, I will, because I have a spare venturi adapater, as they were only $5 each.

**plantbrain** · 12-07-2005, 04:00 PM

Yep, they work better for the reactor internal I designed and put up on my site, so it can be more efficient at mist production.

But you can forego the reactor tube altogether with a good impeller, older powerheads will still work, but these are even better, thus you can likely do quite well with out the reactor tube.
Probably worth the extra 3-6$.

Maxi jets or Rios etc both go well, the maxi jet has a high pressure output(and more GPH), thus better bubble production.

Regards,
Tom Barr

Ste_J · 01-23-2006, 12:59 AM

Sorry to dredge this Thread up but I am looking to try the powerhead idea for Co2 diffusion but I'm a bit stuck as what size of powerhead to get. I have found a local supply of MaxiJets ranging from the 400 to the 1200. Which one would I be safer getting for my 56G?

Water flow aleady needs adjusting as it's bending half the plants and spraybar will be changing to vertical pretty soon so I dont want too strong a flow coming from the powerhead. Filtration is being handled by an Eheim 2224

Is the powerhead best seated next to the spraybar to ensure a down and round flow - if you get what I mean

Thanks for any advice given as I have never used powerheads before

Ste

malkore · 01-23-2006, 04:23 PM

I would go no lower than the maxijet 900. I have an MJ1200 in my 75 gallon for extra current, plus my XP3 as filtration/current.

Ste_J · 01-23-2006, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malkore

I would go no lower than the maxijet 900. I have an MJ1200 in my 75 gallon for extra current, plus my XP3 as filtration/current.

Cheers

Did you ever try the maxi with Co2?

Wasn't as to how much current one of these would kick out

Just checked out the 900 now and I can get this for around £18 - the 900 actually gives more of an output than my Eheim. The Eheim gives out 700lph and the MJ = 920lph. surely that will cause some strong current in the tank? my plants are mostly just flowing at the moment in what appears to be a gentle current, I'm just a bit concerned that adding the same again + a bit more would be too much.

Is there a logic behind not going lower than the 900 i.e. quality, effectiveness etc?

Thanks

Ste

The Codfather · 01-27-2006, 07:54 PM

Sorry to be so thick. But I have the option to on my fluval to run a venturi on it. What will I benefit form it, if anything ?

12-07-2005, 12:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
plantbrain Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (50) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: The swamp Posts: 4,015	Using a CO2 venturi powerhead 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_viewIt...product=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

12-07-2005, 03:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
malkore Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 2,165	Tom, I was wondering if you'd experimented with the Venturi kit for the Maxi-jet line of powerheads. On my SW tank, I replaced the RIO 600 SVT pump on my skimmer with a MJ 1200 using the venturi. It created a much more aerated water, thus more efficient skimming, with much finer bubbles. It seems to me that you could do the same thing with a typical Vortex/DIY powerhead & gravel vac tube type diffuser. Feed the CO2 into the venturi adapter, get micro-sized bubbles that dissolve far faster and completely. If you haven't tried it, I will, because I have a spare venturi adapater, as they were only $5 each. __________________ Malkore Filstar XP2 PIMP #3 Visit my aquarium pages - see specs on my tanks, and photos of how they've evolved

01-23-2006, 04:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
malkore Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 2,165	I would go no lower than the maxijet 900. I have an MJ1200 in my 75 gallon for extra current, plus my XP3 as filtration/current. __________________ Malkore Filstar XP2 PIMP #3 Visit my aquarium pages - see specs on my tanks, and photos of how they've evolved

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12-07-2005, 04:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
plantbrain Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (50) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: The swamp Posts: 4,015	Yep, they work better for the reactor internal I designed and put up on my site, so it can be more efficient at mist production. But you can forego the reactor tube altogether with a good impeller, older powerheads will still work, but these are even better, thus you can likely do quite well with out the reactor tube. Probably worth the extra 3-6$. Maxi jets or Rios etc both go well, the maxi jet has a high pressure output(and more GPH), thus better bubble production. Regards, Tom Barr

01-23-2006, 12:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ste_J Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: UK Posts: 28	Sorry to dredge this Thread up but I am looking to try the powerhead idea for Co2 diffusion but I'm a bit stuck as what size of powerhead to get. I have found a local supply of MaxiJets ranging from the 400 to the 1200. Which one would I be safer getting for my 56G? Water flow aleady needs adjusting as it's bending half the plants and spraybar will be changing to vertical pretty soon so I dont want too strong a flow coming from the powerhead. Filtration is being handled by an Eheim 2224 Is the powerhead best seated next to the spraybar to ensure a down and round flow - if you get what I mean Thanks for any advice given as I have never used powerheads before Ste

01-27-2006, 07:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
The Codfather Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Co Durham, England Posts: 52	Sorry to be so thick. But I have the option to on my fluval to run a venturi on it. What will I benefit form it, if anything ?

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