Interesting CO2 reactors

[michael lai]

Hi people,

After gathering so much Ang Pows, you are probably thinking where to spend it, right? Was down at NA today, saw an new DIY external CO2 reactor. It's about the size of a can of Coke, it's transparent as before but I'm thinking you guys will probably appreciate the size as it's considerably smaller and lighter than the first 1. Finish is kind of 'rough' but acceptable.




There is also another another small internal model with a propeller that you might want to look at.

PS: If you are sharp enough, you will probably notice some good ehiem buys. Have fun..

[valice]

Talking about external reactors, will misting still be achieved if the filter output is ejected from a rainbar?

[skf]

Hmmm .... interesting size. Time to pay NA a visit next week. Anybody else sighted these in other LFS? maybe Petmart or the Yishun ones; these are nearer for me

[Weirong]

Looks a good size for an external one. Looks easier to DIY too. Guess it works just as well as the bigger one Mr. Chan did before?

[|squee|]

Michael, I see a hook sort of device. It can be hung on the tank? Does Mr. Chan have a working display on one of his tanks?

[benny]

Guys,

I've tidied up the thread a little bit and edited out the chat. Thanks for the heads up Terence.

Cheers,

[neon]

Saw this external reactor at NA and left about 2 pieces on the shelf. Did not ask for the price , though.

I bought from NA the other internal reactor with impeller inside for $2.50. It is meant to hook up a powerhead . The bottom has screw cap , with 4 small opening : 2 at bottom cap , 2 at the side close to the bottom cap.

I intend to use in small tank for experiment purpose.

[michael lai]

Michael, I see a hook sort of device. It can be hung on the tank? Does Mr. Chan have a working display on one of his tanks?

Unfortunately, no Chan does not have 1 working. The grey bracket you see probably is for mounting to your cabinet. Saw the same thing over at FU Wo though so I'm assuming here it's done by one of our fellow aquarist.

[spinex]

Michael so you bought it ? I saw it at NA 2 weeks ago. If i didnt forget it's around $40.

Will the bio ball inside the reactor spin when in use ? I doubt so.

The $2.50 reactor seem a nice one. I bought it long ago in Aquastar for $4 the propeller work very well when water current is applied. Initially i bought that and wanted to fix that into my external reactor just too bad it's slightly to big to squeeze it in.

[Blackwater]

Hello Bro,
Jus join in the club . Does the reactor works? Any bubbling from the plants? Thinking Of getting 1 if its working. time for me to change for external ones.

[genes]

Chan says the DIY reactor cannot be used with the sixteen/22mm hose. The inlet and outlet is built for the smaller hose.

[michael lai]

Hello Bro,
Jus join in the club . Does the reactor works? Any bubbling from the plants? Thinking Of getting 1 if its working. time for me to change for external.

Hi Blackwater,
Welcome to the club, actually all reactors whether internal or external work to a certain extent. But if you are looking at this model, I'll advise to wait a while. Not sure about the size of your tank, maybe you would like to look at some of the internal ones which I personally find is still one of the best around.

[michael lai]

Michael so you bought it ? I saw it at NA 2 weeks ago. If i didnt forget it's around $40.

Will the bio ball inside the reactor spin when in use ? I doubt so.

The $2.50 reactor seem a nice one. I bought it long ago in Aquastar for $4 the propeller work very well when water current is applied. Initially i bought that and wanted to fix that into my external reactor just too bad it's slightly to big to squeeze it in.

Hi Spinex,
Nope, I didn't buy 1. And yes the bio balls inside will not spin as it's pack to the 'brim'. I would suggest changing the bio balls to 3 big ones to make it more efficient.

[Blackwater]

Any good external reactor that u can advise me to use. Seen 1 from AquaMedic the design is nice but so expensive.The inside reactor that i'm using now disturbs my layout. Doesn't look natural, tried to hide it with plants N wood but still can see. Btw my tank size is 3'x2'x2'.

[michael lai]

Dear Blackwater,
The only commercial external Co2 reactor I know is the one at NA which will set you back by at least 50-60 bucks. My advise is to make a trip down to NA and see if it fits the bill.( it's quite big ). You can however make your own external reactor if you are up to it. There was a previous thread on this DIY external reactor with very clear and good instructions maybe you could check it out. Hope the info helps.

[solonavi]

If only we can replace bio-ball with either a propellor or impeller. At least we will know that the propeller or impeller will spin.....

JC

[aramisrocz]

hi i'm new to all this equipment.
so what does the impeller, propellor or bio-balls do?
cheers

[solonavi]

Supposingly helps to break up the CO2 into small bubbles thus helping it getting dissolved.

Cheers
JC

[michael lai]

If only we can replace bio-ball with either a propellor or impeller. At least we will know that the propeller or impeller will spin.....

JC

I won't advise it JC, as the propeller is not motor driven. I can forsee alot of inconvenience if its not properly done. What if the propeller gets loose or it gets stuck, imagine the amount of time and energy wasted. Even if the holder for the prop or tolerance issue is resolve, by then cost would be another issue all together...

[neon]

Some bro was asking for the smaller internal reactor from NA, just to share :