DIY external reactor using AMDUS water filter

[Shadow]

Robert,

Hmmm the Li Liang number I've got is different from yours. I just called him and his number is 9012 7020. The number that you gave belongs to some chinaman.

Water that comes down from the pipe does not have a "stirring" motion. It is kind of hard for the co2 to dissolve is it? I think by putting a elbow will yield a better result.

arg... my mistake, it suppose to be 9012 7020, I mixed up the number

[Shadow]

By having the bend, it will swirl the water in the reactor as what Vinz has pointed out. This swirling motion will force the co2 into the water at the top part of the reactor and also move AND mixed the water coming from the canister filter and the co2 enriched water in the reactor.

Thanks, you gave me an idea . Instead of having bend at the end of PVC, I force it to swirl around PVC pipe by re-directing the flow on the in let. It can be done easily using piece of plastic.

[Shadow]

Bro, you may want to explain the direction of water flow to clear up the air about having a PVC pipe there. IMHO, L elbow is only needed if the water enters the canister from the pipe.

Here is the direction of water flow

[uklau]

Ideally, we want the water to flow that way (red lines) but trust me, it does not .

I put some coloring in the water to observe the water flow in one of my experiments.

[Shadow]

Yeah thats and ideal sketch

Did you redirect your inlet flow?

How did you callor the water? what solution did you use?

[vinz]

If you want the water to flow like that, you need to stick an elbow (or curved fin) below the atomiser (in your design). If you use an elbow, you'll need to make sure its well sealed on the outside.

Actually, now your design makes more sense than before. Not a bad idea, but I think the bio-balls will stuck at the top due to the irregular surfaces.

[Shadow]

yes, that is the idea, but instead of elbow, I just used piece of thick platic glue it to the inlet of canister head 45 degree (inner side).

Not sure about bio ball, have not try that, may not even be necessary.

[vinz]

If you atomise the CO2, and the flow rate is high, you won't need bio balls. I never had to when I was running about 2000L/h on the NA version. I had to bubble pretty fast to satisfy the needs of a 6'x2'x2' tank. Not even atomised.

[BFG]

The picture is upside down. If you use it that way, the co2 will flow out in bubble form.

[uklau]

How did you callor the water? what solution did you use?

Robert, I just pour some Ribena into the reservoir I used for testing . You may also use the debris from your canister filter, which is better than coloring.

[Shadow]

Ribena? I don't think that good for fish . Maybe just boost up CO2 and see where the bubble move.

[Shadow]

The picture is upside down. If you use it that way, the co2 will flow out in bubble form.

I don't get what you mean? if it is upside down, then the un disolved CO2 buble will be suck into the PVC. Well never know until I try

[Shadow]

Picture of the piece of plastic to redirect the water flow.



DIY CO2 in action:

YouTube - DIY CO2 reactor in action

[neon]

NA method is to :

a) flip the filter up-side-down
b) the original water-in becomes water-out
c) the original water-out becomes water-in and a hose is connected to the centre of the blue-cap (where you put the PVC) and the end of the hose with elbow.
d) drill a hole at the cap (your case you use the red button) for co2

usage :
a) water will gush into via the hose and the elbow will create swivel effect
b) CO2 rise up and mix with the swivel water . Unresolve CO2 remains on top.
c) mixed water will move out from bottom

I have this NA reactor, if the water too strong, a lot of bubble will be gush out. I preferred the long PVC pipe reactor stuff with bioballs rather than this reactor, as the later one mix is almost 100%.

[Shadow]

My design is a bit different than NA design.

a) Filter is up right
b) Use original in and out
c) The red button thingy located at inlet, one of the reason can switch the in and out (unless drill new hole).
d) Atomizer will help the dissolving rate
e) Redirect the input with piece of plastic (black thingy in the picture) to create swivel
f) Un-dissolved CO2 will be gathering in the inlet, thus there no way the un-dissolve CO2 gush out. Not sure if the water flow > 1200L/h though

[illumnae]

bringing up an old thread. how's the co2 reactor Shadow? any leaks? i'm considering DIYing 2 using your design

[Shadow]

No leaks. No drilling nor cutting any part of the filter, so it shouldn't leaks unless the filter is faulty. The only possible point for leakage is the CO2 entry if it is not glue poperly. Expoxy is prety strong glue, so should be ok.

[illumnae]

cool thanks Robert. I'll make 2 for my use then do you always have to use the basin below the reactor as shown in your video?

[Shadow]

nope, I put inside the basin only during experiment.

[dominik]

I am now using a resun FR to act as a external CO2 reactor. The only modification you need to do is to drill a hole for injecting the CO2. This resun FR can be bought at 10 to 20 dollars for a second hand one.