Which is better? CO2 Reactor or CO2 diffuser?

[grey_fox]

Just wonder, which is better?

CO2 Reactor or CO2 plate/column diffuser?

I saw a this diffuser that is a column (block) and the bubbles will zig-zag up (like a staircase) or those ceramic diffuser plates?

Would this be better than a reactor?

I have a 5ft tank, so need your opinion.

[Rupert]

I would have thought that an external reactor would be better as the CO2 is forced to be dissolved and then it is expelled directly with water flow.

[|squee|]

That zig-zag thing is not a diffusor, we call it a "ladder".

Both are good for CO2 dissolution. The ceramic diffusor requires more maintainence; it needs to be cleaned regularly so the ceramic plate doesn't get clogged up with algae.

For your 5ft tank, I'd use a reactor.

[BFG]

I agree, an external reactor is the better method to introduce co2 into the water column. Lesser equipment seen in the tank.

[tawauboy]

That zig-zag thing is not a diffusor, we call it a "ladder".

...

err.... should be flipper...
any either an internal or external reactor would be a better solution for a tank of your size.