Is this for DIY co2 or pressurized?
Best CO2 Diffusion Options?
I'm in the process of getting CO2 set up for my 29 gallon tank. What would be my best option in your opinion to get the CO2 into my tank most efficiently? I have a HOB filter not a canister, so I can't do an inline setup, which seems to be the best option from what I have read. After that, it seems kind of fuzzy what the best setup is.
My HOB is a Aquaclear 55 (not positive on the size, but I'm pretty sure it's 55) and it has a long 'straw' intake I could take advantage of possibly. I have heard mixed opinions about putting CO2 through an HOB one way or another. Maybe as a secondary source of diffusion for any bubbles that aren't absorbed before reaching the top?
I've heard good things about chopsticks/wood, and lots of different things about glass/ceramic diffusers.
Bottom line I suppose, what will work the best and are there any other options I should consider? Budget friendly and easy maintenance are a plus, but I can be flexible.
Thanks,
Brian
Something else for the list, I've also heard of DIY setups using cotton balls and the like.
Thanks,
Brian
My HOB is a Aquaclear 55 (not positive on the size, but I'm pretty sure it's 55) and it has a long 'straw' intake I could take advantage of possibly. I have heard mixed opinions about putting CO2 through an HOB one way or another. Maybe as a secondary source of diffusion for any bubbles that aren't absorbed before reaching the top?
I've heard good things about chopsticks/wood, and lots of different things about glass/ceramic diffusers.
Bottom line I suppose, what will work the best and are there any other options I should consider? Budget friendly and easy maintenance are a plus, but I can be flexible.
Thanks,
Brian
Something else for the list, I've also heard of DIY setups using cotton balls and the like.
Thanks,
Brian
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
Pressurized, sorry I didn't think to mention that somehow. I have an Aquatek premium CO2 regulator if the type makes any difference. (https://www.amazon.com/Premium-AQUATEK-Regulator-Integrated-Solenoid/dp/B009WTXYN0)
Thanks,
Brian
Thanks,
Brian
IMO, the best way to go about this would be a ceramic diffuser and a power head to blow the co2 throughout the tank.Pressurized, sorry I didn't think to mention that somehow. I have an Aquatek premium CO2 regulator if the type makes any difference. (https://www.amazon.com/Premium-AQUATEK-Regulator-Integrated-Solenoid/dp/B009WTXYN0)
Thanks,
Brian
i use ceramic glass diffusers, (the smallest size you can get on EEbayy ) and place Hagen Mini elite filter on top of glass diffuser. I use this method on all my tanks for years.
Pretty much what I've always done if I have an HOB. I guess if the HOB is not strong enough a powerhead could do the job as well.i use ceramic glass diffusers, (the smallest size you can get on EEbayy ) and place Hagen Mini elite filter on top of glass diffuser. I use this method on all my tanks for years.
I use this with my DIY c02Sunsun powerhead. Once I get my pressurized up and running, I will be using a small glass/ceramic diffuser and will probably place it under the powerhead.
One other option, if you like the idea of a reactor, is the Tom Barr Dual venturi DIY External CO2 reactor . It uses a cheap powerhead to push water through an in-tank reactor to dissolve the co2. It's more complicated than using a diffuser, but very efficient and fairly inexpensive. I was considering using it until I got a canister filter. Just though I'd throw that out there as an alternative.
Now would that dissolve the bubbles? so the water would be clear? Or will it have a lot of bubbles in the tank. I honestly don't mind bubbles through out the tank. I know some prefer the pristine look with no bubbles. I guess that's also something to think about for the OP.One other option, if you like the idea of a reactor, is the Tom Barr Dual venturi DIY External CO2 reactor . It uses a cheap powerhead to push water through an in-tank reactor to dissolve the co2. It's more complicated than using a diffuser, but very efficient and fairly inexpensive. I was considering using it until I got a canister filter. Just though I'd throw that out there as an alternative.
In theory it works the same as an in-line reactor. The downward flow of the water goes against the upward flow of the co2 breaking it up and dissolving it. Only once it's dissolved can it exit through the bottom into the tank. So there should be no bubbles. Tom claims it's 100% efficient. Especially since it has the venturi outlet that feeds back into the powerhead. So any co2 that builds up in the top gets recycled. I've seen some videos of it and it seems to work pretty well. The biggest downside in my opinion is having the reactor in the tank. But I've seen some custom mods using things like syringes that make it very small and easy to hide.Now would that dissolve the bubbles? so the water would be clear? Or will it have a lot of bubbles in the tank. I honestly don't mind bubbles through out the tank. I know some prefer the pristine look with no bubbles. I guess that's also something to think about for the OP.
the barr dual venturi diy external co2 reactor is NOT an in-tank reactor and many use the canister output to drive it.One other option, if you like the idea of a reactor, is the Tom Barr Dual venturi DIY External CO2 reactor . It uses a cheap powerhead to push water through an in-tank reactor to dissolve the co2. It's more complicated than using a diffuser, but very efficient and fairly inexpensive. I was considering using it until I got a canister filter. Just though I'd throw that out there as an alternative.
You are correct. His original design does not reside in the tank. It does still use a powerhead and can be used without a canister filter though. And there are modifications out there to make it an in-tank reactor, where the bottom cap is left off and dissolved co2 exits directly out the bottom into the tank.fthe barr dual venturi diy external co2 reactor is NOT an in-tank reactor and many use the canister output to drive it.
That seems like a lot when you can simply put a 1" disc in the tank under the HOB return. Efficiency counts for very little with co2 injection since the cost of co2 negligible. Either method has been proven to work very well.
I would agree with you. I just thought I would suggest it since OP seemed to like the idea of a reactor but thought it wasn't possible without a canister filter.That seems like a lot when you can simply put a 1" disc in the tank under the HOB return. Efficiency counts for very little with co2 injection since the cost of co2 negligible. Either method has been proven to work very well.
And here is the link to Tom's internal version - DIY internal Reactor. It's a lot simpler and very cheap.
I would agree with you. I just thought I would suggest it since OP seemed to like the idea of a reactor but thought it wasn't possible without a canister filter.
And here is the link to Tom's internal version - DIY internal Reactor. It's a lot simpler and very cheap.
It's all good. I'm in it for the aesthetic so I like minimal equipment. So if something simple can do the job, that's where I"m going.
So for a disc or something I would be better under the filter return than under the intake? I think I will try a chopstick or dowel or something under the filter, and if that doesn't work well I'll make one of those reactors. If I do end up making a reactor, I will probably set it up to be external, since space is limited
Thanks,
Brian
Thanks,
Brian
Don't waste your time with a chopstick, just buy a $5-$10 disc and your good to go
Wait, now I've confused myself. What exactly is a venturi loop?
Thanks,
Brian
Thanks,
Brian
The venturi loop is used to vent the co2 that may build up in the top of the reactor and push it back through the intake of the powerhead to diffuse it again. That's why it is 100% efficient. No co2 is lost as it gets recycled. As Houseofcards said though, co2 is so cheap that it doesn't really matter if it is that efficient. Really the cheap disk diffuser is the simpler option and will give you just as much benefit. The reactor can get complex and confusing. It took me a lot of time to really understand it.Wait, now I've confused myself. What exactly is a venturi loop?
Thanks,
Brian
you don't need to make the venturi loop; without it, it becomes a rex grigg reactor. if you want a reactor that sits on the floor, rex's is the way to go. t barr's needs to be mounted in/around your cabinet.Wait, now I've confused myself. What exactly is a venturi loop?
Thanks,
Brian
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
The Planted Tank Forum
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
