mist or reactor

Are you fertilizing heavily, such as with an EI method? How much light do you have? If you are providing relatively low light the plants will not grow rapidly just because you have lots of CO2, and the same is true if you are fertilizing lightly or incompletely.

 

I think the plants are pearling. But, the significant question is, do the plants grow better and look better? For me they did.

 

Co2 Mist ?

I'm inclined to agree with VaughnH, and it has been my own personal experience that those plants that enjoy direct misting as opposed to only dissolved Co2 tend to be more robust, and vital in appearance.

Have you noted any differences in physical appearance of those plants that appear to be pearling or have the benefit of misting.
1. Vital color or contrast
2. increased growth rate (Measured, and documented)
3. thickness and or uniformity of stems, and leaves (Measured, and documented)
4.Balance and formation of new growth
5. noted algae seeding or formation on new leaves, and stems

I would like to hear more responses from others on their own personal observations.

For high light applications it appears to be almost a necessity. Any Co2 is better than nothing at all, but a balance of distribution (both gaseous and dissolved) seems almost ideal. This is merely my own point of view from short term observation (going on week 5)

Really very intrigued by this subject, and folks individual observations. Thanks, Prof M

 

Starting new test...

Tomorrow, and will commit to at least 1 full month, and document results. I'd appreciate anyones help with the guidelines for documentation.

 

well, here is my two cents:

I used to have to powerheads (600 and 900 l/h) that provided my 160 liter tank with CO2 mist. The micorbubbles were small and reached the complete tank. It wored quite well, but the plants were almost lying horizontally due to the strong current. So, I changed the powerheads for smaller ones (200 l/h). I didn't notice a real change in bubble size and the bubbles still reached the complete tank. However, after two weeks, I got massive BBA, the stargrass has complete white new growth and the tank looked dirty.
Last week I setup again an external reactor and injected the dissolved CO2 from one side of the tank while on the other side of the tank I used again the 600 l/h powerhead for providing the mist. Yesterday I made two outlets for the dissolved CO2 on both sides of the tank, while the setup of the powerheadwasn't changed.

And now we will see!

greets,

yme

 

Update:

I ran the sytem with an advanced venturi injector, and needle wheel pump for 1 week. Water was dispersed evenly using a Sea Swirl wave generator (Awkward looking but the greatest thing since sliced bread when it comes to plants) !!!

I was burning through Co2 at warp speed, and Dissolved levels of Co2 actually dropped 5 to 10 ppm. Plant growth WAS lovely with well balanced growth, and extraordinary color, and texture. BUT !!! The actual mass of growth was unspectacular, and the misting in the tank was IMHO excessive detracting from the display. I have accomplished as much with 100% dissolved Co2. Perhaps not quite as nice, but too close to really appreciate the difference, and expense. One thing I did note was a conspicuous clarity and lower tannins, but this was likely due to degassing, and skimming ?

I am discontinueing the experiment, and will now attempt an even distribution of Both dissolved Co2, and Misting for another week or two.

 

Not saying that at all...

Your results ARE also Important ! This is only 1 experiment utilizing different components, and methods. The concept may very well be correct, but my method may be flawed. The more people who actually determine their own results the more data there is to work with. I have already tried both Dissolved and Mist. I would have liked to continue the misting experiment, but 5 pounds of Co2 was my limit on this application. The cost is excessive, and to that end the method of distribution is inefficient, and fatally flawed. No Joy ...

 

I actually use both methods inline. I built a typical DIY external reactor (PVC with Bioballs) run inline with my XP3out line and I modified the output nozzle. From the nozzle it goes to my AC301 intake and mists out. Perhaps this is overkill but I wanted the benefits of dissolved and mist C02 and my plants are a lush green, reds are brilliant, and the growth is terrific. I suppose I could eliminate the external reactor but this has worked out well for me. I drop check and keep my C02 around 33ppm. I may up this to 40ppm, not sure if I need to. Plants look nice, grow well, and no algae growth with no stress to the fish.

BTW my tank is a 90g, only 4 ft, so I'm not sure how well this would work on a 6 footer.

ziggy.

 

The advantage, as I see it, of Tom's internal venturi reactor is that it does both the misting and the dissolving of CO2 into the water. The venturi loop chops up bubbles of CO2 into a mist, which is swirled out of the bottom. But, the main part of the CO2 just tumbles around in the reactor tube, getting dissolved. The mist is not as extreme as a mist-only system, but it does work its way around the tank. I think I prefer the less soda water appearance with the lesser mist.

 

thats pretty much the same result as my system. Most of it gets dissolved in the reactor crashing into the dozen or so bioballs in there, and then what doesn't dissolved gets smashed by the PW impeller. The bubbles that do spray out are so fine by that point that there are barely seen unless your nose is pushed up against the glass, which I find myself doing time to time

I wanted a system that was easy to maintain, using equipment I already had, and effective. The materials for the reactor was a little over $3 at home depot so it was cheap too!

ziggy

 

I'm reasonably certain they enjoy a bit of both, and yes Tom's little reactor works very well to this affect. A gaseous interface is 10,000 times more efficient, but they are aquatic plants and did evolve to that enviorment. 100% mist is highly inefficient from a monetary POV, but I speculate that the diversity in distribution also stimulates receptors and increases vitality of tissues. There is absolutely no way to deny the differences in size, color, and texture when using mist, but growth itself may begin to wain by comparrison.

Whether Tom's augmentation of the waste gas is Serendipity or Genious the distribution of Co2 is almost perfect. I suppose a person could adjust the balance of distribution by changing the height of the purge port, but that would seem to depend on the individuals needs. Overall it's a remarkable little device for any amount of money. After that we're merely splitting hairs. It gets the job done !

I can over engineer Anything !!!