Need help regarding Co2 diffuser

[PEPSI]

Hi,

all along was using Co2 reactor but recently start a 2ft tank thus buy a small glass diffuser from NA. Connected n switch on the Co2 but realise tat i had to set the bubble rate to very high( too fast to count) in order to c tiny bubbles coming out of diffuser. If i set to to 2 to 3 bps, it does not have enough pressure to force the water out in the air tube which is connected to the diffuser. I had waited for one whole day and the water level inside the air tube still remained the same( slightly lower than the water level in my tank). How do i solve this problem ? I try to set bubble rate very high to force the water out then adjust to lower the bubble rate, but during this time the water level in the air tube go up again. Anyone noe how to solve this problem ? Thankz

[|squee|]

Could there be a leak somewhere along the airtubing/ co2 diffusor?

[PEPSI]

I dun think there is a leak as there is tiny bubbles of Co2 coming out of the diffuser if i set to very high rate in my bubble counter. If there is a leak i think i wun be able to see any Co2 coming out of my diffuser as all the Co2 will escape through the leak. Anyone noe how to solve this problem ? Thankz

[vinz]

That does not mean no leak. It just means the leak is leaking less then the amount of CO2 being pushed thru the tube.

So, go check for leaks.

[PEPSI]

I just changed another new air tubing from the bubble counter to the diffuser and the same problem again leh. Do tat mean that both new tubing r leaking ? Must use soapy water to check for leak in those cheap air tubing, seem like very troublesome ? Thankz for help

[|squee|]

Is the air tube very long? Try shortening it drastically, and it's highly unlikely that a new air tube will be leaking. Change all tubing anyway. You might have a leak at your c02 cylinder side.

Also, when you have your bps at 2-3 bubbles, do you see gas collecting in in c02 diffusor?

There's the possbility of your ceramic plate being clogged as well.

[vinz]

The experienced people are telling you all the things that could go wrong. If it's too troublesome for you to go check, then I don't know who is going to do for you.

[timebomb]

[quote:787f5cbb4d="PEPSI"]I just changed another new air tubing from the bubble counter to the diffuser and the same problem again leh. Do tat mean that both new tubing r leaking ? [/quote:787f5cbb4d]

You have to be the unluckiest hobbyist around if after having changed the tubing, it still leaks like the previous one

Seriously, I think there's a leak but it's not in your tubing. Tubing rarely leaks. The leak is probably in your bubble counter. Here's a simple way to check. Just submerge the whole bubble counter into a container of water and observe where the bubbles are coming out from.

Loh K L

[loupgarou]

the leak can be at your regulator/selenoid end as well.

[PEPSI]

Thank You for all those who have read n reply. I had found out that is actually my bubble counter tat is leaking. Both my bubble counters on my split valve is leaking . It is solve after changing to a new one. Thankz

[dkk08]

hi guys on the topic of reactor... wats a reactor and how does it work? does it work like a bubble counter? some bro actually said that I can use a reactor with my DIY CO2... izzit possible?

[vinz]

A reactor is usually a cylindrical device. CO2 is injected at the top. The filter or powerhead output is channeled in and a vent at the bottom lets the water out. What happens is that the water will churn around inside the reactor and the turbulence accelerates the dissolution of CO2 into the water before it exits the reactor.

Some versions have balls in the reactor to help churn the water and trap stray bubbles.

Yes, you can use it with DIY CO2.

Below is an example of an commonly available internal CO2 reactor.

        CO2
        ||
     +--||--+
     |oo||oo|
   --+  o   |
H20->       |
   --+      |
     |      |
     |      |
     |      |
     |      |
     |      |
     |      |
     |      +---
     |          --> CO2 enriched H20
     |      +---
     +------+


o = CO2 bubbles