CO2 Reactor

[vinlo]

Hi all, been in the hobby for the better part of 20 years doing plants.. needless to say lots has changed and things are much more accessible now. Been much less into it in the past couple years, but and thinking of getting more into it again.

I was wondering what everyone is using for the pressurized CO2 systems in terms of CO2 reactor/diffusers? I've used everything from passive things to inline diffusers and more often DIY reactors. I am not convinced my DIY reactor works all that well and have been looking for something else. Was looking at the Mix Max reactor by Ista, anyone use that? Let me know what people are using out there and your thoughts on them.

[Admin]

I am using an inline atomizer. I tried to make a DIY reactor but found it too noisy; the Mix Max reactor is also one I have been looking at, it appears to hold promise.

[vinlo]

I thought I recalled you saying you used an atomizer when you got some plants off me.

I found the atomizer I had was remarkably inefficient and didn't really work. Perhaps is was a junked before I got it? lol. I also noticed I really blew through CO2 with it. 10lb in a couple months - seems crazy to me. I used to run a 20lb for 2 tanks and it would last nearly a year - and the tanks pearled and grew much better than with the atomizer. For $20 I think I may just order one.

You ever have some of those plant for sale? You got that blyxa off me, would like to get some stauro off you! (and maybe some of that limnophila)

[Admin]

May 16, 2014 8:10:21 GMT -5 vinlo said:

I thought I recalled you saying you used an atomizer when you got some plants off me.

I found the atomizer I had was remarkably inefficient and didn't really work. Perhaps is was a junked before I got it? lol. I also noticed I really blew through CO2 with it. 10lb in a couple months - seems crazy to me. I used to run a 20lb for 2 tanks and it would last nearly a year - and the tanks pearled and grew much better than with the atomizer. For $20 I think I may just order one.

You ever have some of those plant for sale? You got that blyxa off me, would like to get some stauro off you! (and maybe some of that limnophila)

Really eh, you may have got a defective atomizer. I find mine to be the exact opposite, it saves me so much Co2 compared to a diffuser, my 10LB lasts around 10-12 months. I also make sure to clean the atomizer once or twice a year, the only thing I don't like about it, is it gives your water almost a hazy or soda pop look. I can definitely sell some plants, I don't have limnophila anymore, I have stauro, but it might be a few weeks before I am able to sell some as its a slow grower.

[vinlo]

Did some digging around on the net this weekend and I think my problems are more related to the needle valve being clogged. I guess over the past 13 years the dirt and such in the CO2 built up and reduced the opening of the needle valve a lot. Explains why even at fully open I would still only get 3BPS! lol. Had to drill it out with a 1/16" drill bit (which wouldn't fit on it's own - so i assume the hole was a 1/32 or less) - instructions from Milwaukee's website. Getting my CO2 tank hydro tested today and filled, should be back in business tomorrow!

[Admin]

May 20, 2014 8:48:23 GMT -5 vinlo said:

Did some digging around on the net this weekend and I think my problems are more related to the needle valve being clogged. I guess over the past 13 years the dirt and such in the CO2 built up and reduced the opening of the needle valve a lot. Explains why even at fully open I would still only get 3BPS! lol. Had to drill it out with a 1/16" drill bit (which wouldn't fit on it's own - so i assume the hole was a 1/32 or less) - instructions from Milwaukee's website. Getting my CO2 tank hydro tested today and filled, should be back in business tomorrow!

Oh wow I don't think I have ever heard of that happening, but its good that you found the issue. Use a high end check valve and that should prevent the clogging from happening again.

[Rainbowfish Alan]

I've been using the Ista MaxMix for over a year. No problems. I may have a new one for sale.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[vinlo]

Thanks, I will keep that in mind if I find my current set up lacking again (after the redrill of the orifice). I have high hopes though!

[vinlo]

CO2 _seems_ to be in order. I have to order a drop checker now (again - plastic one busted). Does everyone just make their own 4dkh? I have scales that a quite precise, just no way to check what I've made - and don't want to buy a test kit for this purpose alone.