atomizer and diffuser

[roark]

Hi all, am a newbie to planted tanks so don't mind if my question sounds stupid. Whats the difference of co2 atomizer and diffuser?? I've started using diy co2 and purchased a co2 atomizer hoping that it would aid co2 achieve a better disolving rate. However, being the absolute newbie that I am :P I have encounter sone problems. I've attached the atomizer to the co2 dispensing tube but do not see any bubbles coming out. It was dispensing co2 through a airstone before I hook it up. Am I doing something wrong?? like am I suppose to fill the atomizer with water first or something??

Any advice and help will be greatly appreciated.

[CT]

As you are using DIY CO2, the pressure of the CO2 will not be sufficent to push itself through the atomiser. Maybe you can change to a reactor or flipper.

[Simon]

[quote:5050142e19="roark"]Hi all, am a newbie to planted tanks so don't mind if my question sounds stupid. Whats the difference of co2 atomizer and diffuser?? I've started using diy co2 and purchased a co2 atomizer hoping that it would aid co2 achieve a better disolving rate. However, being the absolute newbie that I am :P I have encounter sone problems. I've attached the atomizer to the co2 dispensing tube but do not see any bubbles coming out. It was dispensing co2 through a airstone before I hook it up. Am I doing something wrong?? like am I suppose to fill the atomizer with water first or something??

Any advice and help will be greatly appreciated.[/quote:5050142e19]

If you ask me, both diffuser and atomiser is the same device use to diffuse co2 into the water by forcing co2 through a ceramic plate producing small bubbles.

The only reason why your diffuser isn't working with the DIY co2 is simply because the pressure ain't enough to force the co2 through the ceramic plate.

You might want to try a reactor connected to your filter (external/Internal) search the forum for more information.

[crandf]

Higher pressure needed to push thru atomizer, so I think the CO2 is now escaping at your diyed bottle cap.

[roark]

You guys are greattttt!! Thanks for the prompt respond and explaination.

[roark]

[quote:808bde15b3="CT"]As you are using DIY CO2, the pressure of the CO2 will not be sufficent to push itself through the atomiser. Maybe you can change to a reactor or flipper.[/quote:808bde15b3]

Hmmm.... a reactor is too big and imo too ugly for my small tank. what are flippers?? And are they easily available available at LFS?

[Simon]

[quote:87c184b1e7="roark"][quote:87c184b1e7="CT"]As you are using DIY CO2, the pressure of the CO2 will not be sufficent to push itself through the atomiser. Maybe you can change to a reactor or flipper.[/quote:87c184b1e7]

Hmmm.... a reactor is too big and imo too ugly for my small tank. what are flippers?? And are they easily available available at LFS?[/quote:87c184b1e7]

there are external and internal reactors available in the market. If you can afford one, get the external. Or using an internal reactor with moss covering it? Dennerle has the original flipper but you should be able to find another brand (think its nutrafin, or something like that) In my opinon, flipper has one of the lowest dissolve rate and highest wastage