DIY CO2 and glass/ceramic diffusers possible?

[FrothHelmet]

I am running a 60L tank and am planning to set up a DIY CO2 system. I would like to use a glass/ceramic CO2 diffuser as I think it would be the least obtrusive but have a couple questions for someone who has tried this.

Does a DIY CO2 yeast reactor produce enough pressure to run a ceramic/glass diffuser?

Is the efficiency of the diffuser reduced when the pressure is less (as with DIY CO2)?

Is it safe to run your DIY CO2 yeast reactor at the higher pressures necessary to make the diffuser work?

Many Thanks

Gerard D.

[timebomb]

Does a DIY CO2 yeast reactor produce enough pressure to run a ceramic/glass diffuser?

Probably not, Gerard but please take note that I've not tried a ceramic diffuser with a DIY CO2 system before. With such a diffuser, you will need quite a lot of pressure before the bubble can push through the ceramic. I doubt it will work but I'm not sure.

Is the efficiency of the diffuser reduced when the pressure is less (as with DIY CO2)?

The efficiency of a DIY CO2 generator will deteriorate as the yeast gets consumed. Usually, it runs out in about 10 days or so.

Is it safe to run your DIY CO2 yeast reactor at the higher pressures necessary to make the diffuser work?

It is safe. However, there's no way you can increase or lower the pressure. It's beyond your control. With a DIY system, the pressure is high in the first few days when there is a lot of CO2 produced. Over time, the amount of CO2 produced drops and the pressure becomes lower. Don't try to control the flow rate of the bubbles. If the CO2 cannot escape from the yeast bottle, the whole thing may blow up.

I would recommend that you use some sort of a inverted bell system. You can easily rig one up by cutting off the lower part of a plastic bottle. Make a hole on one side and push in a suction cup. Stick it to the side of your tank in an inverted position. Position your CO2 outlet below the inverted container and let the bubbles build up to form a small pocket of CO2 in your tank. It won't be an efficient system of spreading CO2 but it should work to a certain degree.

In Singapore, people who use DIY CO2 systems uses a reactor made of glass. It consists of a long tube enclosed within many spirals. It works by delaying the ascent of the bubbles, thereby allowing time for the water to absorb the CO2. But I seriously doubt you can get such a diffuser in London. Anyway, here's a picture:



Loh K L