CO2 in filter?

[Fly258]

I have just made a fermentation CO2 unit and was thinking of putting the output direct into the intake of my Filstar XP3 filter to try to diffuse the CO2 into the water. I was just wondering if the CO2 might kill off the bacteria in the filter, bearing in mind that the bacteria need oxygen to survive.
Jim

 

[njparton]

I have just made a fermentation CO2 unit and was thinking of putting the output direct into the intake of my Filstar XP3 filter to try to diffuse the CO2 into the water. I was just wondering if the CO2 might kill off the bacteria in the filter, bearing in mind that the bacteria need oxygen to survive.
Jim

You're right - maybe feed it into the outlet instead?

 

[Fly258]

Well,
Iv'e bit the bullet and put the outlet of the CO2 into the inlet of my filter and it seems to be doing the job. There are no bubbles coming out of the filter outlet so I would assume all of the CO2 is being diffused into the water.
The water going into the filter also contains O2 as well as CO2 so I recon the bacteria will be OK(I hope )
Jim

 

[Lateral Line]

The CO2 at the intake is fine. Adding CO2 does not drive out O2, the bacteria will be okay.

 

[Fly258]

Thanks CFC,
you have put my mind at rest . I haver another filter running as well so no harm would have been done. It seems such a simple way to diffuse the CO2, I cant understand why more people dont use it.
Jim

 

[njparton]

Thanks CFC,
you have put my mind at rest . I haver another filter running as well so no harm would have been done. It seems such a simple way to diffuse the CO2, I cant understand why more people dont use it.
Jim

Any details of how you made your own CO2 generator?

 

[Fly258]

Try this http/www.angelfire.com/mo/wizardsrealm/CO2/co2.html its very good and works a treat.
Jim

 

[revengeishere]

Thanks CFC,
you have put my mind at rest . I haver another filter running as well so no harm would have been done. It seems such a simple way to diffuse the CO2, I cant understand why more people dont use it.
Jim

Well, the reason being is that by using this method, the co2 is not diffused as effeciently as a proper diffuser. Also, over time, the carbonic acids formed from the co2 mifght damaged the impeller.

But right now, I'm also using the filter in take method, but I hope to upgrade to the pressurised system soon, and get a proper diffuser, or make my own.

 

[Fly258]

If I dont have any co2 bubbles coming out of the filter outlet, then surely all the co2 must be dispersed into the water. How can you get more efficient than that?
Jim

 

[pmoyniha]

In the tutorial that Fly 258 posted they put their bottles under their aquarium. I would not suggest this. If for some reason there is no pressure coming from your bottles a natural siphon will set up and the next morning you will find your aquarium near empty and your bottles overflowing. I had it happen to me one day because the seal on my bottle went. Since then I have switched to some chemestry lab equipment (2000ml Erlenmeyer flask and rubber stopper among other items) which is working like a dream.

As long as the tubing coming out of the water is higher than the tubing going into the water it should be ok.

Good Luck!

 

[Fly258]

In my CO2 setup the water can not syphon out of the tank as it has nowhere to go except back into the bottles. As the bottles are sealed appart from the outlet tube, I'm pretty sure its safe.
If I had the bottles bottles above the tank, on the other hand, there is always the risk of the contents of the bottles flowing into the tank.
The safest way IMHO is to have the bottles below the tank with a check/non return valve fitted in line on the outlet.
Jim

 

[pmoyniha]

Excellent point, but the tube extends in no way into the liquid and so with a glass bottle I don't see how the water could flow out. But a check valve is a good idea. I am just pinching pennies and so it is cheaper this way.

 

[Fly258]

I have had the yeast/sugar/water mixture froth up and overflow the bottle but luckily it wasn't connected at the time. I intend to make a solids trap and put that in the outlet tube in case it happens again.
Regards
Jim

 

[George Farmer]

I would of thought the aeration provided by the filter flow would drive out the CO2 as soon it is released. I understand the CO2 requires prolonged contact with the water to diffuse effectively, I imagine this isn't possible unless your filter has a very low output. Have you noticed improved plant growth yet? If so I'll just shut up now!!!

 

[revengeishere]

I would of thought the aeration provided by the filter flow would drive out the CO2 as soon it is released. I understand the CO2 requires prolonged contact with the water to diffuse effectively, I imagine this isn't possible unless your filter has a very low output. Have you noticed improved plant growth yet? If so I'll just shut up now!!!

Yes Ive had. The difference is not so subtle, its amazing! Imagine what a pressurised system can do!(I have the yeast). Cant wait.