Plantguild Products Power Reactor 200

[sevenrider860]

Hello,

I have been using the Plantguild Products Power Reactor 200 fro about 4 months now. I guess it is doing a good job, in combination with EI and weekly 50% water changes I have had great plant growth and little to no algae problems.

I have been reading various forum threads about "mists" and "micro-bubbles" and the benefit of having them circulate through the tank. I get a few small bubbles from the reactor, but certainly no mist is being distrubted through the tank. I believe the sponge at the bottom opening of the reactor is designed to specifically dissolve these bubbles.

My questions is: Would it be better to remove that sponge so the bubbles can escape and be distributed through the tank? Even with the sponge removed I do not see a large amount of bubbles and I am beginning to wonder if it would be better to simply have a powerhead blowing the mist created by a limewood diffuser?

I am using pressurized CO2.

Thank you for any input or comments!

Best Regards,

Brian

 

[Tom Barr]

The design was copied from my design that's at least 15 years old, but it does not incorporate the venturi and it's poorly designed with that ugly sponge.

I have a DIY version that cost 2$ plus a small power head(8-12$), you want to pay 50$ or more with shipping for their version, that looks worse(has that sponge) and does not work nearly as well(Mine produces lots of mist) and never cloggs, nor reduces the flow, that's up to you

That's what happens when you think you can take a person's design who knew what they are doing and try and improve upon it, it doesn't work as well...........

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[sevenrider860]

Well...before I found this site I did end up paying $50 for a version that looks worse and does not work nearly as well! I found the details for the DIY version.

I think I may be able to modify the reactor based on your DIY information. I need to add the burp hole and a venturi loop.

Brian

 

[Tom Barr]

Change the insert for the powerhead so that it fires at a 90 degree angel and hits the side of tube, not directly down and out of the tube.

Then remove the sponge.

ext, take a hot screwdrives that's about 1/8" or a 3/16" drill bit or a tad smaller, then heat with a light, then melt the holes for the rigid tubing.

Insert and make the venturi loop.

Regards,
Tom Barr