[Amazonfish]

I'm setting up a CO2 system within the next week. I've ordered most of the supplies I need, but I'm still stuck on a diffusion method. I posted a thread previously, but still don't think I understand the different options.

I'll be getting an Eheim 2215 or 2217 in a couple of months, but for now, I'm stuck with 2 Aquaclear filters. I know that HOBs cause a lot of CO2 to be lost, but I'm making an effort to keep the water level right up to the filter outflow. There is no splashing.

Until I get a better diffusion method, can I just feed the CO2 tubing into the intake of my HOBs? That's what I did with my DIY CO2. Once I get a canister, what are my options, and what are their advantages and disadvantages?

I've heard of needlewheel pumps, and they sound great, but they cost a bit more than I was hoping to spend right now. I also want to stay away from anything DIY, because I don't have the time or tools to make anything.

Thanks!

 

[Nue]

HOB a really bad way to diffuse. Get a glass Diffuser, or a power head that has an airline intake. All will only cost your 10-20$

 

[paneubert]

Or get a ladder system. Still not perfect, but if it is low enough in the tank, it works well. Better than just putting the gas in the hanging filter.

 

[milesm]

after you get your canister, you can build an external reactor, like the one on rex griggs website. hook it up to your output. relatively cheap and very efficacious.

 

[ILspeed3]

If you have $10 laying around and have space in your tank I would suggest the Hagen Mini Elite to diffuse your co2.

Check out this thread:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/equipment/94321-wow-diy-tank-co2-diffuser-10-a.html

It is what I use in my 30gal. Works awesome!!

 

[Amazonfish]

Thanks for the advice. I'm considering a glass diffuser. Is that better than using the hagen mini elite?

 

[elihanover]

I use a limewood airstone. It's only a couple of dollars, and the bubbles are tiny.

 

[hbosman]

If you have $10 laying around and have space in your tank I would suggest the Hagen Mini Elite to diffuse your co2.

Check out this thread:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/equipment/94321-wow-diy-tank-co2-diffuser-10-a.html

It is what I use in my 30gal. Works awesome!!

+ 1 on the Hagen mini

 

[Amazonfish]

The Hagen Mini Elite sounds like exactly what I need. Is it efficient enough to use long term on a 50 gallon tank?

 

[snoz0r]

The Hagen Mini Elite sounds like exactly what I need. Is it efficient enough to use long term on a 50 gallon tank?

maybe if you ran two and split the co2, otherwise i'd imagine you would need a ton of flow to keep most of the bubbles from rising to the surface

i have used this method in my 29 gallon, and it works great.. but i also have more then 400 gph worth of flow in my tank, so most of the bubbles floated around for a long while before they ever reach the surface

 

[EdTheEdge]

I use a Rio 50 to diffuse in my 25. Just drill a hole or break off one of the rungs under the impellar housing and insert the tubing. it works great. I like to use the impellar to chop up the bubbles as I think you get a little finer mist.

 

[milesm]

for a 50 gal tank, i think an external reactor run inline with your canister output would be the best bang for the buck. personally, i got tired of all the co2 mist floating around the tank. i was injecting co2 into a powerhead it worked, but my external reactor is far more efficient. i was using 5-6 bps with the powerhead; for the reactor it's less than 2 bps, with better growth and more pearling. one less piece of equipment in my tank (i've got it running on a closed loop).

 

[crossbow]

+1 for the mini. Most of the bubbles disappear before they even get close to the surface.

 

[Amazonfish]

Thanks everyone. I've been doing more research and I was wondering if a powerhead would be significantly better than the mini? If not, I'm just going to get the mini. Then, when I buy a canister, I'll get something inline.

If anyone could answer that question, that would be great!