CO2 Reactor, Hypothetically Speaking.

[Tug]

I am using a Duetto multi filter about an inch below the surface and it creates a small whirlpool mixing air into the water flow. The result is a constant misting. Could this be increasing the levels of CO2 or have I added a bubbler inadvertently? I am thinking of making a DIY internal reactor based on this idea. A sort of surface skimmer with injected CO2.

It would be 1 inch diameter glass tube, 15" total length, folded twice to give it a smaller foot print. The pump will be under the tank. So, one 3/4" line running to the pump and another one or two lines running back to the tank. Any thoughts?

 

[hbosman]

Can you put up a drawing? It's not clear what you are describing.

 

[Tug]

I need to look into doing this with plastic. I would need to find a way to bend the tube. Otherwise I was thinking of asking a glass blower what they would charge. The glass would be cool, but the plastic might make for a cheap prototype. A sponge filter would go on one end and a 3/4" hose fitting on the other. The CO2 would come in some were along the way to allow it to be used as a bubble counter. The pump would need to be hefty, about 6' of head pressure would be needed I would think.

 

[Wet]

I know you're keeping it hypothetical, but I think the only practical/cheap way to test each design's effectiveness (minus long periods watching the plants) is with a drop checker (or two) and seeing which makes it more yellow. You could then change the drop checker's calibration solution to ball park CO2 levels if wanted.