[alanzhao]

Hi,

I just completed this DIY CO2 reactor and hooked it up to the outlet of the Eheim 2028. However I believe that CO2 doesn't dissolve 100% in the process because I see few bubbles come out the outlet hose few times a minute.

the PVC pipe is only 1" and total length of the reactor is about 20". I leave the pipe empty.

here is the picture:

what can I do to make it 100% work?

thanks!

 

[Rex Grigg]

How long has it been set up? If it's less than 48 hours could still be air trapped in the reactor.

Beyond that 1" pipe is not the size I would have gone with. You are moving a lot of water though a very small diameter pipe.

 

[alanzhao]

I know, but it's hard to find fittings available for 1-1/2" or 2" pipes. I acutally went to both lowes and homepots to have this done. I did burped the reactor. Will increase length of the pipe fix the problem? Rex, I remeber in one of your post you said reactors can be made out of any size pipe?

 

[alanzhao]

I just got an idea, how does this sound:

it's officially called alan's CO2 reactor from now:biggrin: I'll give it a try tomorrow.

comments please.

 

[esarkipato]

Are you saying....increase the diameter of the lower section to 1.5/2"? Or just adding the bioballs to the existing diameter?

 

[actioncia]

Try tilting it around 20 degree or so. Regards, JC.

 

[tazcrash69]

If you are increasing the diameter of the lower portion of your reactor, I doubt you will need the BioBalls.
The wider diameter will slow the flow (think of a river), and should stop the CO2 from just being swept out of the reactor.

 

[actioncia]

tazcrash69 also has a very good point, I overlooked that one. Regards, JC.

 

[essabee]

I just got an idea, how does this sound:

it's officially called alan's CO2 reactor from now:biggrin: I'll give it a try tomorrow.

comments please.

That design is Gomer's reactor, it can be found as a sticky with part list in APC's DIY forum, and I am using a version of it with my DIY CO2.

 

[alanzhao]

here is the modified version:

the total length of this reactor is about 25" inches. I leave the pipe empty. I haven't put it into test yet. Do you guys think that this is too long that lots of GPH will be lost thus reduce the efficiency of the canister?

I'll try to make another version of it that features removable bottom 2" pipe so you can put bio-ball in.

 

[Darth Sensei]

Won't bio balls slowly grow bacteria and detritus (even post filter) and eventually clog your reactor up?

 

[distrbd]

I think the length is fine but don't think bio balls are going to help ,some experienced otherwise ,I never used them in my diy reactors.
If you make another version with 2" pipe ,it could even be more efficient.

 

[alanzhao]

I put it into work yesterday and waited for 24hrs, now there is no more bubbles coming out of spray bar. CO2 is 100% dissolved.:icon_smil

 

[tazcrash69]

I think the length is fine but don't think bio balls are going to help ,some experienced otherwise ,I never used them in my diy reactors.
If you make another version with 2" pipe ,it could even be more efficient.

I don't think the Bioballs are going to help out either where they are either. If the CO2 had to travel up through the Bioballs it would increase contact time and help, right now they are just slowing the flow.

 

[alanzhao]

I believe add 2 - 5 bio-balls in my ~20" tall 2" wide pipe won't hurt. I already made a version of the above features removeable bottom so you can add bio-ball if you like and for easy cleaning too.

 

[Rex Grigg]

I've most likely built more reactors than anyone on this board. Used bio-balls in the first two and removed them within 6 months.

As long as you have the length and diameter in the correct range for the flow rate of the water you will have no problems.

 

[alanzhao]

The Ultimate CO2 Reactor

the is the newest version made with clear PVC pipe. Well you can say what do you need to see through the reactor for, but that's what I like and I believe some people like it too.

I'll put it into test soon with/without Bio-ball. I'll try to find out the CO2 dissolving capacity also. If people are interested I'll make them for sale.