How to Setup Your CO2 System

[ColinAnderson]

This culminated in a thread within the Glass-Gardens section about in-line CO2 reactors and such. So I've made a diagram that some have said might be useful as a general guideline for new members.

I leave it up to you moderators to decide whether or not to sticky this thread.

[Georgiadawgger]

Very nice Colin! I actually think putting the reactor at a 20-40 degree angle works better for me.

[ColinAnderson]

Yes, putty has said the same thing. I have yet to use an external reactor, but I'll be sure to experiment and see if one setting works better.

I would imagine that it helps in that the bubbles are working against the flow of water to a lesser degree than if it is oriented vertically, which in my mind would allow for greater CO2 absorption.

[fishyboy]

i've head you're suppose to have the CO2 input at the bottum so it rises through the bio-balls

[ColinAnderson]

Originally Posted by fishyboy

i've head you're suppose to have the CO2 input at the bottum so it rises through the bio-balls

This is a point that is up for debate (and was actually debated in the original thread). Honestly, it depends on the reactor. OBSERVE and see what works. There are many on this forum that think it tends to work better being injected from the top (I subscribe to this theory as well). Likewise, there are many here that think it tends to work better lower down on the reactor.

But, it really depends on any number of variables, primarily the amount of flow you have going through the reactor vs. the reactor type and size. Which is why it varies by reactor.

Whew. (I think I typed that holding my breath)!

[fishyboy]

well it would be on a xp3 with the gg reactor i want to keep as much flow as possible but will throttle down if need be... 75 gall with controled co2

[Georgiadawgger]

Originally Posted by ColinAnderson

This is a point that is up for debate (and was actually debated in the original thread). Honestly, it depends on the reactor. OBSERVE and see what works. There are many on this forum that think it tends to work better being injected from the top (I subscribe to this theory as well). Likewise, there are many here that think it tends to work better lower down on the reactor.

But, it really depends on any number of variables, primarily the amount of flow you have going through the reactor vs. the reactor type and size. Which is why it varies by reactor.

Whew. (I think I typed that holding my breath)!

That's one of the key points I've noticed with my setup. I run my external reactor on my XP3 outflow and if its too strong the co2 shoots out of the reactor...through the uv...and out the tank without being dissolved. If I reduce the flow to about 2/3 and tilt the reactor then all of its is dissolved. Oh, I have my CO2 enter from the top of the reactor to prevent it from being pushed out by the water flow.

[ColinAnderson]

Originally Posted by Georgiadawgger

That's one of the key points I've noticed with my setup. I run my external reactor on my XP3 outflow and if its too strong the co2 shoots out of the reactor...through the uv...and out the tank without being dissolved. If I reduce the flow to about 2/3 and tilt the reactor then all of its is dissolved. Oh, I have my CO2 enter from the top of the reactor to prevent it from being pushed out by the water flow.

GREAT example. This is why it depends on the flow and the reactor; why there is no one place that is the best.

[Wö£fëñxXx]

Nice graphic Colin, for those of us that can't read, like they say, a picture is worth a 1000 words..lol

[ColinAnderson]

Originally Posted by Wö£fëñxXx

Nice graphic Colin, for those of us that can't read, like they say, a picture is worth a 1000 words..lol

Yesh, yesh. I've always enjoyed pictures and diagrams.

[Wasserpest]

Originally Posted by Georgiadawgger

I run my external reactor on my XP3 outflow and if its too strong the co2 shoots out of the reactor...through the uv...and out the tank without being dissolved. If I reduce the flow to about 2/3 and tilt the reactor then all of its is dissolved. Oh, I have my CO2 enter from the top of the reactor to prevent it from being pushed out by the water flow.

Instead of reducing the flow, think about the diameter of the reactor. I originally built one that was 1.5 inches, and the flow just pushed the bubbles down and out through the bottom. Then I changed to a 2" design, and it got better. Then I took the 2" diameter and made it about 24" tall. Now everything is being dissolved. (I don't use bioballs...).
Just need to slow down the speed in the reactor by either reducing the flow or increasing the diameter.

[IUnknown]

I've head you're suppose to have the CO2 input at the bottom so it rises through the bio-balls

If you don't have the input at the bottom, what point is there in having the bio ball in there at all? Doesn't the Co2 just sit on the top of the reactor if it enters from the top, regardless of flow. Great diagram, BTW. Maybe just indicate the differences in the diagram.

[ColinAnderson]

Originally Posted by IUnknown

If you don't have the input at the bottom, what point is there in having the bio ball in there at all? Doesn't the Co2 just sit on the top of the reactor if it enters from the top, regardless of flow. ...

No, No, No! You're not listening! It all depends on your setup. Flow, Diameter of the reactor as WP said, everything. If you have enough flow, injecting it at the top is going to dance with the bubbles and knock them down through the bioballs and dissolve them. Only, if you have a lower flow rate, should you inject lower down in the reactor so the bubbles can rise. You see?

Originally Posted by IUnknown

... Great diagram, BTW. Maybe just indicate the differences in the diagram.

Thanks -- I think I'll make a few more changes about where to inject the CO2 in the reactor when I have some more time.

[Silent Running]

Great diagram Colin, thanks for posting it! It completes the mental picture of the way I thought the system was supposed to be setup.

Where do you get clear PVC, or acrylic (if that's what you use) that marries up with 2" PVC components?

[IUnknown]

The other day I saw clear tubes used to shield fluorescent lighting. don't know if they are the right size, but could work.