CO2 in tank

[flowerflower]

I would like to seek the opinions of bros with planted tanks on the best way to diffuse pressurized CO2 in a planted tank.

So far, I have used diffuser, glass diffuser, in-line diffuser (ISTA - most recently). But none of them work that well. The most recent, ISTA in-liner diffuser seems to waste a fair bit of CO2. Pressure not enough from a 5 litre CO2 tank only after 3 weeks. And this is at the rate of 1 bps for 10hrs a day. Pressure insufficient already. (used to run at 3-4bps on a glass diffuser and can last me 2-3months.)

Thus like to find out what is the best means of diffusing CO2 in your tank efficiently while not having to change the canister so often.

All comments are welcome. Thanks.

[ladygaga]

Thumb up in-line diffuser....
My DIY in-line T-shape diffuser works well for me. The plants in tank just like it.

Anyway, what's the reading of the pressure? You need to confirm there have no leakage by soap bubbles.

[Shadow]

The most recent, ISTA in-liner diffuser seems to waste a fair bit of CO2. Pressure not enough from a 5 litre CO2 tank only after 3 weeks. And this is at the rate of 1 bps for 10hrs a day. Pressure insufficient already. (used to run at 3-4bps on a glass diffuser and can last me 2-3months.)

sound like something wrong with your setup. Are you sure there is no CO2 leakage on your setup? I have been using inline diffuser for a while without problem.

[flowerflower]

Thumb up in-line diffuser....
My DIY in-line T-shape diffuser works well for me. The plants in tank just like it.

Anyway, what's the reading of the pressure? You need to confirm there have no leakage by soap bubbles.

sound like something wrong with your setup. Are you sure there is no CO2 leakage on your setup? I have been using inline diffuser for a while without problem.

Thanks for the prompt reply. I also suspected some leakage somewhere. Have tested it with soap bubbles but does not seems to have any leakages. But there is some hissing sound though. can't seems to pinpoint where the sound come from. thought it is the sound of the CO2 diffusing through the ceramic material. Do you have the same sound? if not, time to replace the regulator...

[tawauboy]

use soapy water on every single joint that you see. if there is a leak, you'll detect it.
else bring it back to the shop where you bought it.

unless the cylinder is new; ie. just bought. then it is highly likely that it is not filled in the first place. just gaseous co2 in the cylinder.

[Shadow]

Also check the bubble counter and check valve for crack, not just the join. Happen to men once, I only realize it when my stem plant all stunt and found out that my bubble counter crack. CO2 coming out from there.

[Puffer]

The fact that you have heard hissing sound indicates leakage. Turn it off and do the checks as mentioned. If problem persists, bring it to lfs and they will fix for you.

[flowerflower]

thanks to all the bros for the advice. I have checked with soap water again. Sad, all the joints, tubes, check valve, bubble counter, in-line diffuser, regulator and even the pressure gauge. all seems to be ok. Hissing sound still persist and apparently from the in-line diffuser portion. Looks like have to bring the regulator and the in-line diffuser down for a body checkup.

[ladygaga]

thanks to all the bros for the advice. I have checked with soap water again. Sad, all the joints, tubes, check valve, bubble counter, in-line diffuser, regulator and even the pressure gauge. all seems to be ok. Hissing sound still persist and apparently from the in-line diffuser portion. Looks like have to bring the regulator and the in-line diffuser down for a body checkup.

Unplug the diffuser and double confirm the existence of the hissing sound.

The most leaking place will happen between the regulator and bottle. Try to tight the screw one more thread by a big spanner (not hand).

[bernie]

I hear hissing from my atomizer. It's on solenoid regulator. Once on with co2 coming out then will have hissing. Is yours similar ?