co2 mixer

GOT MTS? · Post by **GOT MTS?** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 12:13 pm

Just got this reactor from a seller on ebay. Seems to be really well made. I can't wait to put it in. I just hope it doesn't restrict flow too much.

150EH · Post by **150EH** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 12:57 am

It's very similar to the DIY Cerge's reactor and the Aquarium Plants.com EXT5000 Reactor. If the CO2 in line was shorter and you fitted a sponge mid way it would be more effecient, but it may do fine as it is, please let us know how it works.

If you don't mind what was the cost?

GOT MTS? · Post by **GOT MTS?** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 2:07 pm

I think the cost was 15 plus 20 shipping but I also ordered 4 sets of lily pipes and a few other things so shipping was less.

sns26 · Post by **sns26** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 3:06 pm

I'd be interested to hear how much it restricts flow. There are lots of TPT forum discussions surrounding the "which reactor is best" issue. I've been happy with my PVC "Rex-style" reactors except that they sometimes gurgle a bit noisily. I get complete CO2 dissolution with no distracting in-tank equipment.

jweis · Post by **jweis** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 6:15 pm

150EH wrote:It's very similar to the DIY Cerge's reactor and the Aquarium Plants.com EXT5000 Reactor. If the CO2 in line was shorter and you fitted a sponge mid way it would be more effecient, but it may do fine as it is, please let us know how it works.

If you don't mind what was the cost?

Yes, it does look familar to my EXT5000 reactor, minus the sponge. I have all kinds of things inline (sterilizer, heater, a few elbows to fit everythin in the small space and the reactor). I use it with an ECCO pump. The water flow seems OK, but sometimes it is a pain to prime (even with the ECCO).

150EH · Post by **150EH** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 8:21 pm

Julie I use the same one, we also have a pump that returns the mix back to the top chamber over and over, so they are very efficient, IMO more than any other and they do not restrict flow until you get to the really big filters, Eheim 2250, 60, 62 or Fluval FX5.

This one looks good and cost less than the diy Cerge's if it works properly you can't go wrong at that price.

With a Rio 90 pump ($10) a 5" piece of tubing and a sponge we can get this one to pump out some gas too.

GOT MTS? · Post by **GOT MTS?** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:42 pm

So I am going to try and install this tomorrow if I have time. I was just wondering if I'll need to reduce the amount of co2 with this. Right now I am doing a little over a bubble a second with a glass diffuser and the tank is 26 gallons. What rate of bubbles do you all use?

Jim Miller · Post by **Jim Miller** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 11:15 pm

Whenever you are changing CO2 methods always drop down in rate. It doesn't matter what others use since the bubble size and back pressure vary from installation to installation. Use a drop checker and watch it thoughout the day. If you work during the week don't make a change until the weekend so you can watch it.

Stuff happens...

jim

jweis · Post by **jweis** » Thu Oct 27, 2011 9:16 am

GOT MTS? wrote:So I am going to try and install this tomorrow if I have time. I was just wondering if I'll need to reduce the amount of co2 with this. Right now I am doing a little over a bubble a second with a glass diffuser and the tank is 26 gallons. What rate of bubbles do you all use?

I use the electornic CarbonDoser boxes vs a needle valve and bubble counter, plus I have the PH monitor/controller that regulates te CO2. So, my info won't help you much. Sorry.

I have not had good luck with drop checkers, but before I used a PH monitor/controlled, I would look to my riccia. If it was pearling I knew I had enough CO2.

Jim Miller · Post by **Jim Miller** » Thu Oct 27, 2011 9:20 am

If like Julie you had an already pearling plant that would be a good indicator. If your plants are currently not vigorous it may take a few days before they would react with pearling to an increase of CO2. It takes them a while to redirect their internal factories to make the best use of resources.

jim

co2 mixer

co2 mixer

Sponsors