Co2 Ceramic Diffuser

[hogan53]

Hello all

Can anyone tell whats the easiest way of removing aquarium water from inside a Co2 ceramic diffuser.
This is a pain in the backside if the Co2 tube detaches from the diffuser.
Resulting in a waterlogged diffuser.
Regards hogan53

 

[SuperColey1]

Don't see the problem. This is normal. The gas passes through pores and so does the water. The gas will pass through the water as per a bubble counter and you will see it will create a space just under the disc and then the pressure will push the gas through the ceramic disc.

The gas pressure should stop the water going back down the line. However in case of it not doing this you should have a check valve in the line to stop any reverse action anyway.

AC

 

[hogan53]

Thanks SuperColey

I didn't realise that water could also pass through the ceramic membrane at the same time.
I do have a non- return/co2 check valve but its 3inches before the ceramic diffuser.
Its only when the Co2 tube became dis-connected from the diffuser, did the diffuser fill with water.
I have remedied this by attaching a small plastic tie-back to the Co2 line onto the diffuser.

Thanks again
Hoggie

 

[SuperColey1]

To satisfy yourself (assuming its like a beetle/rhinox) If you empty the diffuser before you clean it then reconnect it up out of the tank and leave it in there overnight it should have some water in it next day, maybe even right to the top.

Later when gas starts injecting the gas need pressure to get through the ceramic disc therefore it needs to build up just below the ceramic plate. The water has to be displaced somewhere. It can't go down the CO2 hose because that is where the pressure is coming from therefore it is forced out of the disc. After the gas has enough pressure then it starts to pass through the water and through the disc at which point the remaining water will stay in the bowl and you can see the bubbles going through it.

Same with the Boyu inline diffuser I was using. It filled up totally with water during the night and then emptied totally during injection

AC

 

[hogan53]

Thanks again SuperColey
That's cleared up a few points.
Its all down to observation and trial and error some times.
Also its a glass spiral diffuser with a ceramic top.
Regards hoggie