Use a white background and it will be much less noticeable. That's normal
Not happy with this in-line diffuser
Just setting up my new GLA Co2 system at about 1 bubble per second. I went with this in-line diffuser after watching videos where there were virtually no bubbles entering the tank. Not so with my setup. I will get a video made in a few minutes but just want to get this out here so maybe someone who has this setup can help. I have the diffuser approx 20' from the tank. I would have thought this would be plenty of length to dissolve any leftover bubbles. Granted the bubbles are micro in size but the whole reason I bought the in-line was to have little to no bubbles in the tank.
Now I have heard of some people installing the diffuser on the canister filter inlet. I have also heard this is a no-no but I would still like some opinions. The way I have it set up right now is not going to fly. Video incoming shortly.
So here is the video of what I am referring to above:
https://youtu.be/62aP2-QgZXo
I received a response from GLA. "There is nothing to actually do. All of our diffusers use ceramic as diffusion media. Only reactors will dissolve co2 100% for invisibility." I have a hard time believing that everyone with an in-line diffuser has this same issue. So what now? A reactor?
Now I have heard of some people installing the diffuser on the canister filter inlet. I have also heard this is a no-no but I would still like some opinions. The way I have it set up right now is not going to fly. Video incoming shortly.
So here is the video of what I am referring to above:
https://youtu.be/62aP2-QgZXo
I received a response from GLA. "There is nothing to actually do. All of our diffusers use ceramic as diffusion media. Only reactors will dissolve co2 100% for invisibility." I have a hard time believing that everyone with an in-line diffuser has this same issue. So what now? A reactor?
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Yes that is pretty much my experience and heard the same from everybody using any inline diffuser...7up tank. I also noticed an increase in CO2 consumption compared to a reactor. The whole idea is that the microbubbles float around the tank and get caught under the leaves therby providing CO2 in a larger quantity and in a more bio-available form. How much of this is marketing and what is the difference between this and a good reactor with ample flow has yet to be tested in a reliable fashion.
Reactors are always my weapon of choice...
Reactors are always my weapon of choice...
I've use a regular in tank ceramic diffuser on my tanks it does not look like 7-up, so you could go that way too. All ADA tanks use that method as well.
Yeah no way the bubbles will have time to dissolve in the short time it spends in the outlet hose.
I personally use this setup Filter -> Inline Diffusor or Atomizer -> Reactor -> Tank. This way most of the bubbles will stay in the reactor but a few will get through and into the tank atleast if you have enough power from the filter. This was you still get the small bubbles in the tank some swear by without it getting irritating. Personally I can see them but they get lost in the 7-up the plants generate from photosynthesis anyways.
I personally use this setup Filter -> Inline Diffusor or Atomizer -> Reactor -> Tank. This way most of the bubbles will stay in the reactor but a few will get through and into the tank atleast if you have enough power from the filter. This was you still get the small bubbles in the tank some swear by without it getting irritating. Personally I can see them but they get lost in the 7-up the plants generate from photosynthesis anyways.
Yep, you don't get that with a glass diffuser.I've use a regular in tank ceramic diffuser on my tanks it does not look like 7-up, so you could go that way too. All ADA tanks use that method as well.
OP, I've used an inline atomizer on the intake of an Eheim 2075 for a couple of years with no problem. I recently decided to increase my bubble count which caused CO2 to accumulate in the filter. So running it into the filter will work up to a point. I went back to an in tank diffuser for a couple of weeks before deciding to try the atomizer on the filter outlet. Surprisingly the mist was not noticeable. I have to have my face pressed against the glass and be deliberately looking to see any mist. I first attributed this to having about six feet or so of tubing between the atomizer and tank. I have two filters on the tank and have since noticed that when the filter that does not have the atomizer connected is off the tank begins to fill up with mist. I'm guessing that the flow generated by the two filters is enough to keep the mist moving so that it dissipates quickly before having time to accumulate.
If you don't want to run the atomizer into the filter increasing flow might help although that probably means another piece of equipment in the tank.
Can I have some suggestions for a reactor please? I am a little unclear as to what a reactor does. I had a reactor for my saltwater tank and I don't think we are talking about the same thing. Mine was ver large, had dual chambers and were filled with arragonite. The Co2 was injected into the reactor and the Co2 dissolved the arragonite. I think the reactor mentioned in this thread and other places I have seen is different though.
I'm not comfortable with running the Co2 effluent into the canister. I know some people do and if it works that's great. I just don't want to take any chances. So please post your reactor whether it's diy or store bought. If it works, I would love to see it!
I'm not comfortable with running the Co2 effluent into the canister. I know some people do and if it works that's great. I just don't want to take any chances. So please post your reactor whether it's diy or store bought. If it works, I would love to see it!
How big/long is that Atomic reactor? The picture seems like it might be deceptive, but it looks small. I use a standard Rex Grigg reactor inline on my outlet and get no bubbles at all. I've literally never seen one entering the tank. But the reactor is 22 inches long so there's plenty of room to dissolve.
Is the Rex Grigg reactor a DIY build, or something you purchase? I've been confused about this for awhile as I've read the forums... :frown2: (Hope this is enough on point to ask this.) I just ordered one of these from GLA: hope mine doesn't look like this! FWIW: I have 2 Eheim 2217s running on my 120 long, and one of them has the return plumbed into a 1/2" CPVC manifold with six jets that return water at substrate level. It is on this manifold/canister that I plan to install this diffuser...How big/long is that Atomic reactor? The picture seems like it might be deceptive, but it looks small. I use a standard Rex Grigg reactor inline on my outlet and get no bubbles at all. I've literally never seen one entering the tank. But the reactor is 22 inches long so there's plenty of room to dissolve.
Most probably just DIY, but I'm generally lazy and bought mine. I bought mine from a member of this forum (nilocg). His runs a store here: CO2 Equipment - NilocG AquaticsIs the Rex Grigg reactor a DIY build, or something you purchase? I've been confused about this for awhile as I've read the forums... :frown2: (Hope this is enough on point to ask this.) I just ordered one of these from GLA: hope mine doesn't look like this! FWIW: I have 2 Eheim 2217s running on my 120 long, and one of them has the return plumbed into a 1/2" CPVC manifold with six jets that return water at substrate level. It is on this manifold/canister that I plan to install this diffuser...
I just bought the basic version and it works great.
The original and still the best.Can I have some suggestions for a reactor please? I am a little unclear as to what a reactor does. I had a reactor for my saltwater tank and I don't think we are talking about the same thing. Mine was ver large, had dual chambers and were filled with arragonite. The Co2 was injected into the reactor and the Co2 dissolved the arragonite. I think the reactor mentioned in this thread and other places I have seen is different though.
I'm not comfortable with running the Co2 effluent into the canister. I know some people do and if it works that's great. I just don't want to take any chances. So please post your reactor whether it's diy or store bought. If it works, I would love to see it!
How To Build A CO2 Reactor | Build a Regulator | Test Kit
It's a DIY. There are a couple of basic DIY reactor designs, the Rexx Griggs reactor as it has become known although it was around before Rexx's name was attached and a Cerges reactor. You can find all the info on the forum and by googling.Is the Rex Grigg reactor a DIY build, or something you purchase? I've been confused about this for awhile as I've read the forums... :frown2: (Hope this is enough on point to ask this.) I just ordered one of these from GLA: hope mine doesn't look like this! FWIW: I have 2 Eheim 2217s running on my 120 long, and one of them has the return plumbed into a 1/2" CPVC manifold with six jets that return water at substrate level. It is on this manifold/canister that I plan to install this diffuser...
There are also a few commercial CO2 reactors available for planted tanks. Sera, Ista and maybe Up Aqua make one and I'm sure there are possibly a few others. You can also use a media reactor if you have one of those laying around. You're basically just wanting to slow the flow of water so that the CO2 bubbles have time to dissolve before being blown into the tank.
Nice tank 👍🏼 What size is it ?
You just made my day. I was going to start a thread about having someone make me a reactor, didn't even think to look at NilocG's site. I have bought from him before. He is a cool guy.Most probably just DIY, but I'm generally lazy and bought mine. I bought mine from a member of this forum (nilocg). His runs a store here: CO2 Equipment - NilocG Aquatics
I just bought the basic version and it works great.
I personally like the cerges design my self. You could put your inline diffuser right before the cerges (though typically not needed) here is a how to link /threads/how-to-build-a-cerges-co2-reactor.346/ good luck
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Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
To me, there's a trade off with mist vs. reactor. Reactors have less annoying mist floating around but if you are adding a substantial amount of Co2 to it, you will probably hear the gurgling of water passing through the gas bubble at the top of the reactor. For me, the Co2 usage was the same, 5 lb bottle lasts me 6 months either way. Mist vs. gurgling, choose one. ;-)
When you have more plants it will not be as noticeable. Or you could switch to something like an ISTA max mix. Or move the inline one to your intake side of the filter and make sure you have some fine floss in the filter. That will help and for most canister filters will cause no issues.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have read that putting the co2 directly in the canister can be bad. Especially if you need higher amounts of co2. The pump usually is at the top of the canister and the co2 will accumulate at the top. Causing the filter to lose its prime
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Hi not to hijack, but i have an up aqua i installed it yesterday at around 42 psi it blew my diy bubble counter apart and ive yet to see any mist waiting for it all to turn on today wondering what pressure peeps are running these at?
I been using an UP Aqua inline diffuser for a year now, when I first installed it would not work unless I cranked up the pressure, mine is at 45 psi. If you aren't getting any micro bubbles check for leaks. After a recent refill of my bubble counter it quit misting, at first I thought it needed to pressurize. After 15 minutes and no mist I discovered a leak where the CO2 line connects to the nipple on the BC. Once fixed - instant mist.
What are u using for a BC cause mine keeps blowing apartI been using an UP Aqua inline diffuser for a year now, when I first installed it would not work unless I cranked up the pressure, mine is at 45 psi. If you aren't getting any micro bubbles check for leaks. After a recent refill of my bubble counter it quit misting, at first I thought it needed to pressurize. After 15 minutes and no mist I discovered a leak where the CO2 line connects to the nipple on the BC. Once fixed - instant mist.
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1 - 20 of 36 Posts
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