Hi @jackychun, nice thread please keep it going.
Wanna share some info using the Ista Turbo CO2 reactor. I used this setup when I first got my CO2 system (after reading @UA's review). It worked very well, and the kinks and quirks are as per what @UA has mentioned, follow his advise and you're good.
However I have recently removed it, reasons being:
- I upgraded my filter from Eheim 2213 (450l/hr) to Eheim 2071 (950l/hr). The increased flow rate causes undissolved bubbles to be pushed out as per what you're experiencing. So high flow rate AND/OR high bubble count will cause this. IMO, this is just a minor annoyance.
- Priming the canister with the inline reactor can be a chore. I would imagine this gets better with practise, and also when the system stabilises hence little need to touch the setup often. Again, slight annoyance.
- The reactor's hose size is 12/16mm, so I had to use a reducer to step down from 16/22mm when connecting to my canister filter. This is the real show-stopper for me, as I later realised how important good flow is to a planted tank.
- Sera has a 16/22mm reactor (actually Ista Turbo is a copy of that), but it's hard to come by in Singapore. Also, I'm sure it will still reduce flow rate regardless of hose size.
I'm currently using an inline diffuser, it's out of the tank, fits my 16/22mm hose, less bulky, easy to setup, and I still get good pearling. Bubble count hasn't increased much. I do get slight misty effect (it's not as bad as I would've imagined) which I don't mind, and I read it's actually good for the plants.
The biggest upside is now I get really GOOD flow though out my tank, and I'm still waiting to see if it has a positive effect long term.
So, my advise is this: Don't get obsessed with 100% dissolve rate, it is useless unless you get the CO2 to all plants through good flow and distribution. Although your canister hose size doesn't need to be reduced, any inline equipment will impact flow rate. Observe and experiment, there's many ways to skin a cat. IMO, CO2 is cheap, don't go to it, let it come to you.
Good luck!
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