Good Internal Co2 reactor

[valice]

For back pressure problem, will slow flowrate from the filter outlet cause more backpressure than a stronger flowrate?

My question stems from the rationale that if your flowrate is strong, the water gets out of the water outlet faster and so wouldn't try to get out of the CO2 inlet... Or is it a non-issue?

[michael lai]

Hi Valice,
Pressure will always escape through the nearest exit, so I think it's a non issue. Strong or slow flowrate you still need the check valve to stop the backflow when the Co2 solenoid goes off at night. I know it's a additional part but the quickest solution to this problem, backflow.

[lEddyl]

does UP has internal reactor with the same design?

[michael lai]

Eddy, the reactor is from UP...........

[lEddyl]

sorry. i mean external

[michael lai]

I doubt it, most of the external reactors are DIY by hobbyists. If the design is external, there would have to be alot of precision parts or moulds because of maintainance and tolerance purposes. Costs is another factor....

[Kingfisher]

I'm using something like it 2 years ago. Got it custom made by one of the members.

[lEddyl]

I doubt it, most of the external reactors are DIY by hobbyists. If the design is external, there would have to be alot of precision parts or moulds because of maintainance and tolerance purposes. Costs is another factor....

Hi michael,

thinking of replacing my ext reactor (from NA) with this UP. do you have the inlet/outlet size (outer diameter) ? Does it comes with extension barbs? Cause it looks short, can fit in hose clip?

[michael lai]

Hi Eddy,
Yes it comes with extension barbs but I don't think you need to use. Hose size is 16/22 if I'm not mistaken.

[valice]

Inlet and outlet size is 12/16mm of the Eheim pipes...

[michael lai]

Thanks for the correction, valice.

[dc88]

If you add a Tom Barr's style venturi loop at the the inlet of any oridinary internal reactor will beat this one.

[michael lai]

Don't anybody read anymore..........Squee, could I borrow your owl again?

[dc88]

I didn't meant the original Tom Barr's internal reactor.
I just copied the idea to apply to a commercial 3 balls reactor. This was what I referred to :



I mod the taiwan made 3 balls reactor to add a "venturi outlet" about an inch below the top and loop it to the filter inlet. This feeds the undesolved CO2 back to the canister pump to break it up into tiny bubbles, and it set an upper limit to the internal gas build up.

The same concept can be applied to an external reactor too.

[evolim83]

Nice job there!
But, from the pic, i assume you attached the bleed outlet to a skimmer?
The CO2 that bled from the reactor might escape from the skimmer as gas is lighter than water and floats to the top and escape from the skimmer?

[dc88]

Yes the bleed tube is connected to the skimmer but below the inlet leading to canister. When the bubbles raise up, they get suck right into the inlet. None had escaped so far.
BTW this is still an experiment WIP.
If something busted I will let you guys know : )

[cairocks]

Very interesting innovation. gives me some new inspirations.

[dc88]

Thanks for the comment, and pls help thinking any likely problem of such connection ? : )
For example, since the gas is basically trapped within will it perpetually build up enough to deprime the canister ?
May be to open the bottom cap of the reactor to let the tiny bubbles escape ?
Still monitoring....

[a_scape]

I also would like to share another design with you friends (I bought this couple years ago at AquaMart) and at that time considered very expensive for my budget.
Product made in Germany (Aqualine Buschke)...
Most welcome for any comment
PS: Wonder if somebody still keep Raymond Ong Eng Hoe's mobile ??? PM me please.Thanks

[dc88]

Saw it on the web before.
How does it work ? The thing at the right is it an internal power head ?