Diffusor or Reactor

[hmph]

Hi bros, i am in a dilemma over which to choose for my new planted tank (getting in mid Oct). Diffusors might not dissolve the co2 well enuff and algae forms on the ceramic surface (ADA version) often.

For reactors, the bioballs get jammed up and/or air pockets form at the top of the reactor at times.

Any advice?

[Fei Miao]

My personal perference; reactor... no CO2 wasted[] ,.but this takes up a fair bit of space.

...to prevent the bio-balls getting jam, I takes out 1 ball, leaving only 2 bio ball in the "3 ball reactor"....

[juggler]

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On 9/26/2003 12:54:30 PM

Hi bros, i am in a dilemma over which to choose for my new planted tank (getting in mid Oct). Diffusors might not dissolve the co2 well enuff and algae forms on the ceramic surface (ADA version) often.

For reactors, the bioballs get jammed up and/or air pockets form at the top of the reactor at times.

Any advice?

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What you said is true for the algae on the ceramic diffusers.

For the bioball reactors, air pocket at the top of the reactor is normal if it stays at about the same amount. If you turn on your CO2 rate too high, the whole chamber may be filled up with the gas.
Bioball jammed? You mean stop moving? It could be your reactor chamber filled up with CO2 so cannot move.

Most of us here have been using either one of the above and are OK with it.

Other options will be (1) External reactors or (2) a simple inverted bell shape container to collect the gas. See the Equipment forum for more of these discussions.

[Simon]

add some gravel on the diffusor will prevent algae from choking the ceramic

[geoffrey]

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On 9/26/2003 1:15:18 PM

add some gravel on the diffusor will prevent algae from choking the ceramic
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Damn! why didn't I think of that!!

[juggler]

Good idea! But won't the gravel force the fine bubbles to combine to a bigger bubble?

[Simon]

KF, just a little gravel...

[hmph]

seems like the question of combining elegance, functionality and maximum diffusion of the reactor/diffusor methods come into play.

anyone tried the ADA pollen glas beetle series as advertised in this website?

[chua]

One point to add about the reactor. Normally, the flow rate of the filter is about 2-3 times of the tank volume. Hence i am using Atman 3335 (600l/h) for my 3 ft tank.

As the flow rate is not fast enough, i alway have around 75% of my reactor fill with undissolved CO2. Resulting the balls to stop spinning.

Hence, there is no best solution. If you want to obtain the right flow rate for your tank, there will have undissolved CO2.

[xxdivinityxx]

Guys.. how bout flippers? They any good? How bout ranking them in your personal orders!

[PohSan]

Anyone use the ADA Co2 system advertised in this site. The Co2 cylinder looks very attractive as compared to other green colour container. But how long can it last?

[FC]

Go for reactor and if budget allows, opt for the external ones as it is maintenance-free. The best off-the-shelf and reasonably priced one is the one sold in Sam Yick's shops at $85. You will not miss it as there is only one type there. If you have deeper pocket, go for Dupla.


Regards,

Freddy Chng
www.killies.com

[Darkkon]

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On 9/27/2003 2:29:25 PM

One point to add about the reactor. Normally, the flow rate of the filter is about 2-3 times of the tank volume. Hence i am using Atman 3335 (600l/h) for my 3 ft tank.

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Hmmsies i am using the Atman 3335 too but the max flow rate is stated as 400l/hr only leh. Which makes it about 5 times my tank volume (2 ft) but it's ok cos the outflow is upwards which won't disturb any plants or fishes.

[danny]

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As the flow rate is not fast enough, i alway have around 75% of my reactor fill with undissolved CO2. Resulting the balls to stop spinning.
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Have you try reducing the CO2 output. Have 75% of the reactor fill with undissolved CO2 means that it is not dissolving fast enough. Do you use a solenoid ? If yes, you really need to fine tune the CO2 output else you are wasting your money on the solenoid cause it will take a while for all your CO2 to dissolved.

[chua]

Me try to reduce the CO2 but this will result in the increase in my PH. Hence my CO2 level in the tank will not be between the range 20-30ppm.

I don't think that there is any CO2 wastage because the undissolved CO2 is still within the reactor. Is just that it needs some time to dissolve.

I had actually pose this problem. Some suggested to remove more balls in the reactor and i had done that but it is still not good. What will be a better alternative? Anyone?

Thks