Co2 Reactor!

[Fishgovno]

I saw your DIY reactor (Tom's)
Curious if you can explain why there is no media (bio-balls,foam,etc) in the reactor/bottom of your reactor?
I was under the impression that it is needed to help dissolve/mix water and Co2?

 

[VaughnH]

Tom's reactor doesn't produce a constant 100% efficiency in dissolving CO2 in the water. At lower bubble rates it is very efficient, but at higher rates the venturi recirculates the CO2 through the powerhead rotor, chopping it into microbubbles, and a lot of the microbubbles escape to be blown around the tank as CO2 mist. That is one advantage I see for using it. You get high levels of dissolved CO2 and some CO2 mist, all with the same device.

 

[Tom Barr]

I saw your DIY reactor (Tom's)
Curious if you can explain why there is no media (bio-balls,foam,etc) in the reactor/bottom of your reactor?
I was under the impression that it is needed to help dissolve/mix water and Co2?

No, those other folks designed the inflow directly downward etc and think that it's best to save every last drop of CO2.

They also designed their reactor off mine and then questioned my design


I made the reactor so that you spiral the water downward and this produces a gentle outflow out of the bottom, no sponge is needed, these are ugly/distracting and often pop out over time.

Ask folks, they will tell you.

I make things myself, I watch and tweak things, rather than assuming so much about devices and methods, I look at them for their ability to perform the job.

Allowing the mist to flow downwards out the bottom and up through the plant leaves seems like a better idea than the sponge, but the effectiveness is really what counts. It's also easier to make and nicer to look at and watch.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Professor Myers]

The Reality of Augmented Designs...

I have 1 highly modified version of your original design She's really something to look at. Technologically speaking the features are Really Schnazzy ! Visually ? The size and hardware are hideous. The measured performance is only slightly better, and all of this for a mere $55.00 in hardware "improvements" and a considerable investment in time, machining, and energy !

In hindsight the Truth has far less to do with "Could you do it", but "Should you do it" ??? I'd have accomplished more with a couple bags of ADA AS, and still had money left over for a Snickers Bar... LOL. HAGLOM Prof M

 

[Tom Barr]

I think this DIY reactor not only looks good, works well, it's also easy to make not to mention very cheap.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Fishgovno]

thanks for the advice
Now I understand.
I would like to know what section can I find that view tainer in at Rona/revy/home depot?
What size of tank would this reactor be sutible up to?
My other question is what size of rio pump do you recomend there are lot's to choose from (GPH)?
Thank you.

 

[VaughnH]

The viewtainer works great and looks good, but almost any thin plastic cylinder with a top on it would work fine. You could take a bottled water bottle, cut off the top and turn it over and use that, and it would work just fine. Those viewtainer cylinders are really very thin and flexible. My reactor has a 200 gallon per hour powerhead and the flow is acceptable, so that is roughly what you need. But, mine is a Catallina CA400, which is bigger and heavier than the Rio models. The smaller powerhead would work better.

 

[PaulB]

Hi Tom, where in San Francisco can i get viewtainers.

 

[Tom Barr]

Orchard supply Hardware, Home Depot etc.

BTW, www.veiwtainer.com

Also

Regards,
Tom Barr