air pump with co2

[panboy]

some sites say that u dont need some, while some do, i keep going back in forth. im just gonna use the DIY method.

can o go straight from the 2liter to tubing to the diffuser in the tank, or do i need a airpump between the tubing and diffuser?

 

[Lateral Line]

The pressure from the CO2 generator is enough to force the CO2 through a diffuser. If the reactor is below the water level in the tank, put a non return valve on the line. A diffuser is not the best way of delivering the CO2, most of the gas will simply bubble to the surface and escape.

You do not need CO2 at low light levels, it doesn't really do much. At higher light levels CO2 is normally the next limiting component for plant growth so it does make a difference. Typically CO2 starts to make a difference at over 2Watts per gallon.

 

[panboy]

yeah, the bottle will be below the tank, can i get this valve like at home depot or something?

what do u mean a diffuser wont work well, i was planning on getting the spiral one or just make a little upside down bowl to catch it and let it diffuse into the water itself. those arent good methods?

yeah, i have 2.7 wpg, plus my tank is loaded with plants, they are doing pretty good i guess, but they can easily thrive better with co2

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> i get this valve like at home depot or something

Don't know, it's a cheap little plastic thing that you put in an airline to stop the risk of the tank water siphoning back down the line when the pressure drops. They have them in the LFS here.

>>> i was planning on getting the spiral one or just make a little upside down bowl to catch it

You didn't say that. When most people around here say "diffuser" they mean an airstone. I've never used any of these things, but yes, they would certainly be better then an airstone. I let the CO2 into the inlet of my canister filters so it has a lot of time to dissolve.

>>> i have 2.7 wpg, plus my tank is loaded with plants

Yup, sounds like a good move.

 

[chkltcow]

yeah, the bottle will be below the tank, can i get this valve like at home depot or something?

It's called a "check valve". All the LFSs around here sell the Penn Plax check valve for about $1.50-$2. It has a cotton "air filter" in it and a little piece of plastic to block the intake if there's any return pressure on the line. Cheap and necessary.

http/www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/produc...ategory_id=1623
http/www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/produc...ategory_id=1633

 

[panboy]

before u said the c02 will make enough pressure to push it through the diffuser (airstone), but do the spirally "diffusers" require any more pressure?

 

[Lateral Line]

No. Those I have seen would not. A great many people use DIY or passive reactors to provide their CO2, I've never seen anyone use an pump. Without building some kind of enclosure, I cannot see how using an airpump would help. If it was open to the atmosphere, it would be diluting the CO2.

 

[panboy]

that is true... i just thought the airpump had an in connection and out connection, but nevermind...

i think i decied on the powerhead method with a gravel vacuum.
does the powerhead have to be capable for the size tank u put it in, or can it just be a small one since all its doing is pushing bubbles around?

 

[Bangin]

does the powerhead have to be capable for the size tank u put it in, or can it just be a small one since all its doing is pushing bubbles around?

It can be any size you'd like it to be. Good luck with the setup.