Number of Reactors?

[kenneth84]

Hi guys,

I'm presently using 1x CO2 reactor in my 6 x 2.5 x 2 tank, i was wondering if this is sufficient? If not, how should i increase the number of diffusers with only 1 co2 cylinder? Thanks for the help!

[grey_fox]

Get a CO2 splitter. You can do a search in the forums to find out how it looks like, I believe it should be in the Equipments section. Its a sticky thread.

I spoke to Chan from NA yesterday, he mentioned that it is $25 for a two way splitter and if he fixes it for you, his labour charge is an additional $5.

[PeterGwee]

Check your CO2 level using the pH/KH method (If able to hit 30-35ppm, you are fine. Just make sure the CO2 is even in the tank.). A pH test pen/monitor is useful for testing potential circulation issues in big tanks by noting the difference in pH values in different parts of the tank.

Regards
Peter Gwee

[kenneth84]

Thanks guys for the help! Will get a co2 splitter

[FishFan]

Hey Peter,

Could you please share some of the best methods of spreading CO2 evenly throughout the tank? Both for large (>3ft) and small tanks (<2ft). Thanks!

[PeterGwee]

Same deal...use the CO2 mist method and your own eyeballs. The fine CO2 bubbles will let you know where it is getting to or not. Just play with your flow pattern and try to get the mist to hit all your plants if possible.

Regards
Peter Gwee

[FishFan]

Thanks Peter.

Have not tried the mist method. I am currently using an external reactor and then spreading the CO2-rich water using a spray bar located at the lower part of the tank. Any comments on this method?

[PeterGwee]

Thanks Peter.

Have not tried the mist method. I am currently using an external reactor and then spreading the CO2-rich water using a spray bar located at the lower part of the tank. Any comments on this method?

The lower back spraybar method is good since the CO2 enriched water is evenly distributed and gets to the stomata of plants which are generally located at the bottom of the leaf surface. Just make sure you have some moderate surface movement and shut the CO2 off at night.

Regards
Peter Gwee

[FishFan]

Hey Peter,

Thanks for your reply and advice. Cheers!

[eyebm]

guys, what do we need more than 1 reactors?

[grey_fox]

If you intend to use more than 1 reactor and let's say you only have one CO2 tank, then what you will need is a CO2 splitter plus another external canister filter.

[Phillipians]

i believe that since yours is above 4 ft.. you should get a splitter and another canister filter, that way, water and co2 can be spread evenly. Unless you are using an eheim proIII which i dont suppose so right? Hmmmm thats just a suggestion by the way

[zysfer]

Yeah, my plans for setting a 6ft with duo CO2 injection to tank through 2 different filters. To lessen the chance of blind spot for BBA to compromise.

An additional CO2 tank is needed for redundancy.