External Reactor

[sonique]

i recently bought a reactor...it can be used as internal or external but i currently using it as external to save space in the tank...its vista barand..

my question is, hw u guys fix up the thing?? does anyone here using the same stuff as i am..?

[Wackytpt]

i recently bought a reactor...it can be used as internal or external but i currently using it as external to save space in the tank...its vista barand..

my question is, hw u guys fix up the thing?? does anyone here using the same stuff as i am..?

what type of reactor is urs? any pictures?

[hjbyeo]

I am currently using it. Bought it at KingFisher as it's the closest shop in my vicinity (5mins). :>

I connected it to my in-flow pipes (into my Ecco 2232). And the CO2 outlet into the vista reactor inlet.

And that's it!

I'm actually very skeptical of the ease of installation when I first finished it up. I mean, shouldn't there be water in that reactor?

So I attempted to disconnect it. Scared explode u know. It's only after I switched off my filter did I realised that that tiny bubbles were moving up my in-flow pipes! SO now i know it's working.

If you listen carefully, you may even hear the typical airstone hissing sound when it's diffusing CO2.

I am still wondering if I connect it properly. 2 days and it appears working alright as my CO2 indicator still richtig!

Please share your experience too. Thanks!

[mab]

I'm not sure if you guys are talking abt the same think here. There was a discussion in AF on a Vista brand external diffusor. Refer to this link - http://www.arofanatics.com/forums/sh...ernal+diffusor

Cheers

[hjbyeo]

Yes, that's the one. What a link! Helps me understand if I've done it correct. Thanks Bro!

I still think it's ok to put it at the outlet instead of inlet if you're just at 1 or 2 bps. My filter still working fine. No air lock.

[sonique]

ya!ya! thats the one...i bought it frm KF too....i put it at the in-flow of my canister filter...dunno if i'm doin it rite so wanna confirm...looks like its the correct place to put i guess..its compact, space saving yet efficient....

[cruiser]

Can I know why the other type of external reactor (big one) needs 800l/hr flowrate? I am having a 2 x 1.5 x 1.5 tank and external canister flowrate is 640l/hr. With this spec., will it work well on the 'big' external reactor?
Pls enlighten.

[vinz]

That's Aista brand, not Vista.

It is an external diffussor, not reactor.

[vinz]

Can I know why the other type of external reactor (big one) needs 800l/hr flowrate? I am having a 2 x 1.5 x 1.5 tank and external canister flowrate is 640l/hr. With this spec., will it work well on the 'big' external reactor?
Pls enlighten.

I don't think you need 800l/hr. because you don't need to dissolve as much CO2 as for a 4ft and larger tak. 640l/hr should suffice.

However, it is overkill as it is far more efficient then you need and farily expensive. For your tank size, I suggest you DIY one... |squee| posted instructions in the equipment forum. Or you can modify a taiwan brand green internal reactor into an external... someone posted pictures and instructions too. But you have to search the forum for that.

Or try Tom Barr's venturi reactor. It's also stickied in the equipment forum.

Given new research by Tom, tiny CO2 bubble mist in the tank is better then dissolved CO2. So you can actually use a diffusor for your tank size.

All of these are cheaper then the big external CO2 reactor.

[cruiser]

Hi Vinz,

I would like to seek your opinion if based on my canister 640l/h flowrate for my tank size, do u think I should reduce the flowrate by adjusting the inlet and outlet valve for better dissolved CO2 if I am using the big external CO2 reactor?

[vinz]

Errr... no. the faster the flower, the better the dissolution. Also, an external filter will add resistance to the flow, so keeping the valves open is a better idea.

OTOH, your tank is about 100 litres only and your filter is 640 l/hr... that's pretty high. Well, I would say trial and error.... keep the valves open and see the actual flow in your tank. If it's too strong, either reposition the outlet or distribute the flow with a rain bar. ast resort, adjust the filter outlet valve.

NEVER adjust the inlet valve. That must always be fully open.

[cruiser]

Hi Vinz,

Thanks for your advice.

Regards