Easy & Somewhat effective CO2 diffusion method?

[Overgrowth]

So my Hagen Elite Mini broke today, and I don't have anything to diffuse my DIY CO2 with. My tank is only 7.5 Gallons, so any type of powerhead will be too big or will overcirculate the tank. Right now I'm feeding the CO2 line into the intake tube of my HOB filter, which I know isn't very efficient, but it's only temporary, and that's all I have right now. So, what's the best way to diffuse CO2 that takes up the least amount of space and when you're short on supplies? If I have to purchase something, I'd like it to be $20 maximum. Thanks guys.

[talontsiawd]

Chopsticks work better than you would think. I have also used bbq skewers successfully as well. Or you can buy off ebay, long shipping times.

[laqu]

so far i like chopsticks the best

[Overgrowth]

What kind of chopsticks should I use? Last time I tried the chopstick method, the CO2 got plugged up and I had to remove it.

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by Overgrowth

What kind of chopsticks should I use? Last time I tried the chopstick method, the CO2 got plugged up and I had to remove it.

The cheap wooden disposable kind seem to work.

[Overgrowth]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

The cheap wooden disposable kind seem to work.

Is there a specific brand that you would recommend?

[james0816]

If you're budgeting $20 for a diffuser, why not get a nano diffuser? Just a thought.

Look at possibly clean/unused cigarette filter material as well. The kind you would buy in a tobacco store not from a pack of smokes.

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by Overgrowth

Is there a specific brand that you would recommend?

No...just disposable chopsticks that you can get from a fast food place and/or the dollar store work fine.

[76dragon]

You just push one end into the end of the line?? Interesting

[Sluggo]

I wonder if anybody's ever tried just plugging the end of the airline tubing, and then poking some pinholes into the tubing itself?

[acitydweller]

Originally Posted by Overgrowth

Is there a specific brand that you would recommend?

Ive used ones from King Wok and East manor.

I tend to like the soup at king wok more so use their chopsticks more often. East manor says they don't use MSG but they do....!

[laqu]

holes in tube, didn't work with a pin... tried it.

make sure to use the chopstick end that is ANGLED or sharpen the chopstick like a pencil.

[steven p]

A piece of cigarette filter works as a decent diffuser.

[Hilde]

You could use an air pump. I would just add a check valve between the pump and connection. Also instead of sponge filter chopsticks or an air stone could be used. Also saw someone useing the plastic ends of Lee's Discard-A-Stones Aquarium Airstones to make the hose tight in the cap. Found this googling for DIY Co2

[apfunk]

Fluval makes a diffuser for $10. I bought mine off amazon and it works really well although it can take some time before it builds up enough pressure.