CO2 fert

[robin]

Hey guys,

If i just connect the CO2 tube directly into hole on top of the power head of my internal filter, does the CO2 get dissolved enough? I am using a juwell internal filter

Robin

[|squee|]

Imho, no, not enough. It must at least go through a reactor chamber or something, like the Tom Barr internal reactor design stickied in the Equipment forum.

[bossteck]

Agree, it will not get dissolved enough. And I am not sure, but sounds like there may be a danger of the powerhead drawing the home brew into your tank, so please be careful.

[evolim83]

Agreed!
CO2 will not be dissolve effectively and a large amount will be going to waste!
Maybe you would like to inject CO2 through diffusor with a power head pushing the tiny bubbles aound the tank!
Best if you can inject through reactors!

[neon]

I have done so many different version of CO2 reactors and diffusors, after gathering different ideas from the forumers.

BTW I am doing EI also.

The current one I found to be more effective is the Tom Barr's CO2 mist theory combine with Peter's powerhead/rainbar suggestion. With this method you must buy in the idea that CO2 mist is better than fully dissolved CO2 in the water. The theory is something liked this. With the CO2 mist spit out from the rainbar, it attaches to the leaves and it happens to be the bottom side where the absorption of CO2 , the upper side is for the photosynthesis .

The key things I wanted to achieve are :
- CO2 mist ,
- spread over many areas
- water circulation

With this in mind , the setup as suggested by Peter , for my 6' tank:
- Attached 2 x CO2 outlet into 2 set of power head suction part and invert the suction part facing up instead of downward, so that there is prevent any airlock. When the power head is operating, the suction of water is strong enough to suck in the CO2.
- the each power head output will go into a long DIY rainbar, which I bought those clear PVC pipe($2.50) used for Arowana tank, with L-joint, and drill holes on the pipe.
- place the rainbar at the bottom rear of the tank with the water jet shooting toward the front .
- make sure the powerhead is strong enough for your tank. I used min 800-1200L/h , in order to create a very fine CO2. The smaller it gets, the slower it rises, also less visible/ugly to be seen.
- the placement of the CO2 is important as CO2 goes thru the suction area and "speed-chop" into minute bubbles. It will not be effective if CO2 is placed at the output of the power head or those spinning ball reactor. Most of the CO2 did not get mixed and the undissolved one becomes big bubbles and rises very quickly.



My tank is consistently getting 7-up effect as plants are bubbling mad vs the fully dissolved CO2. Is this same reason why Amano still use the ceramic diffusor and let the tiny CO2 mist float around. Someone told that he uses multiple diffusor to get good spread in his big tank.

Have fun !!

Cheers

[robin]

Thanks, i will try to get a ceramic diffusor and put it below the water column

Robin