Help me plump in my CO2. Multiple tanks. Common Sump.

[Jowlz]

I'm setting up 2 75 reef ready tanks linked to a common sump. I will be using pressurized CO2. I plan on sealing the sump to minimize gas loss. I will be using one or two 1300 gph return pumps. I'm hoping to use 1 for both tanks. For in tank returns I have 2 of the flexible tubing style returns that can be aimed in any direction, plan on keeping them low in the tank. I plan on letting the tanks run with plants only for a few months until I can see if I will have issues with 1 tank getting more CO2 than the other and any other unforseen problems. I have a couple ideas and concerns. Any input is very welcome. Should I:

1. Introduce the C02 at the pump/s via the air intake (like the intake on a powerhead to introduce air). Easy plumbing. Concerned if the bubbles will diffuse enough.

2. Plumb in a common reactor before the plumbing splits. Concerned about the high GPH of the pump...

3. Buy a small mini canister and let that chop the bubbles up, then output into the return pump/s.

4. Put a diffuser in the sump under the return pump/s.

Any ideas?

 

[pat w]

I'd be more inclined to install a reactor on the return to each tank individually. That way you'll be able to respond to the specific CO2 demand of each and not be tied to shorting CO2 on one to insure you don't gas the fish in the other.

I made the mistake in expecting that CO2 was not as dependant on other aspects of the tank ... plant load, lighting, flow rates and patterns, etc ... and that I could do it “by the numbers". I found that to be a disappointing assumption. Unless both of your tanks will be exact copies of each other (what's the fun in that, and they won't stay that way anyway) it's very possible the CO2 needs won't necessarily be the same either.

Pat

 

[Jowlz]

Thanks for the insight. I am going to try to get away with one metering valve for now. I am not planning on fish for a few months and will monitor the CO2 levels before I add them. If I see differences I will definitely go for another metering vavle. The twin tanks sit either side of a TV in the living room and I am going to try to make them identical. Thanks again.

 

[Left C]

You could set up one tank. Then place a mirror on the other side of your TV. You could see two tanks this way, but only have to work with one. What do you think of this idea?

 

[Jowlz]

LOL Great idea. Would have saved me a ton of work!

 

[shoggoth43]

So what did you end up doing?

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