Ext Reactor with Chiller & 2028 Filter is advisable?

[Rupert]

Thinking about getting an external reactor to connect inline with a 1/5 Arctic Chiller and 2028 Eheim Filter for a 48 x 24 x 30 inch new tank set-up.

Has anyone done this or would advise against it? I am a bit concerned that the External Reactor would reduce water flow and harm the filter, so any suggestions welcomed.

Will be using Dymax MH Hilux lights [360 watts] and have to get the CO2 right.

[benny]

Hi Rupert,

Previously, I connect the External CO2 reactor after the Eheim Pro II 2028 and before my Teco RA240. Works fine. The flow was still acceptable, albeit slower than an unrestricted output. However, due to lack of space in the cabinet, I had to give up the reactor and now it's in the tank.

Cheers,

[loupgarou]

this is what I'm doing though,

an eheim pump connected to chiller then connected to co2.

filter is standalone for ease of cleaning. alternatively I may hook up a uv filter to the filter output one day.

---
do not put co2 at the input, because it can cause interruption in flow if too much gas stops the siphoning action.

[mordrake]

i'm also using a 2028 with chiller and external reactor.
setup like this;

tank ----> 2028 ----> chiller ----> reactor ----> tank

works fine but been thinking about getting a separate pump for my reactor since i have the cabinet space.

[Rupert]

Thanks for the ideas, was initially thinking of setup like Moredrake suggested

Option A] tank ----> 2028 ----> chiller ----> reactor ----> tank

Then when Benny suggested the below, it made me think some more…
Option B] tank ----> 2028 ----> reactor----> chiller ----> tank

Like loupgarou, my concerns other than water flow rate was that bubbles from the reactor would go into the chiller and could cause [expensive] problems, but then I thought that since the chiller cools the water, this should increase absorption, then the bubbles might not be a problem?

[loupgarou]

quite unlikely since artica chillers have titanium coils.

[ranmasatome]

well..cold water holds more gas than warmer waters..i would choose option A because in this case the water will be chilled already before reacting with the Co2...

[PeterGwee]

[quote:42d0b2ba20="ranmasatome"]well..cold water holds more gas than warmer waters..i would choose option A because in this case the water will be chilled already before reacting with the Co2...[/quote:42d0b2ba20]

Consider running the reactor with its own dedicated pump. Increases the amount of flow through the tank during the photoperiod (helps bring nutrients and CO2 across the plant leaves.). Internal/external powerheads does not clog like filters do and flow rate is maintained better. High flow reactors have faster response time vs a low flow driven reactor.

Regards
Peter Gwee

[Rupert]

Thanks Option A it is ] tank ----> 2028 ----> chiller ----> reactor ----> tank, then might think about a dedicated pump if results are not good enough