Question about the External Venturi Rector.

[mike]

Hi
I'm in the process of setting up a 120 gallon tank, 72 inches long. I guess my challenges will be good water circulation and co2 distribution. I was going to make Tom's external venturi reactor. My question is what kind of powerhead should I use and where does it sit, in the tank or out of the tank with hose running in.

My filter is a fluval fx5. I'm hoping that can provide me with good water flow if I put an outlet at each end of the tank facing each other.

Thanks
Mike

 

[difang]

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[Left C]

Hi
I'm in the process of setting up a 120 gallon tank, 72 inches long. I guess my challenges will be good water circulation and co2 distribution. I was going to make Tom's external venturi reactor. My question is what kind of powerhead should I use and where does it sit, in the tank or out of the tank with hose running in.

My filter is a fluval fx5. I'm hoping that can provide me with good water flow if I put an outlet at each end of the tank facing each other.

Thanks
Mike

Hi Mike

Instead of an external reactor, here is another suggestion for adding CO2. GerryD, dantra, myself and others are using an Eheim Compact+ Pump that has a needle wheel. Its flow rate is adjustable from 211 gph to 713 gph. GerryD and I have it plumbed inline with our canister filter. It works really well. I have a 40 breeder and this pump supplies a fine mist of CO2. I get great flow coverage. GerryD has a 220g aquarium. He is using only one Eheim needle wheel pump to supply CO2. He says that it works really. Our pumps are the 1103 model. Eheim changed the part number to 1003310. It has the same flow rate. Here is a link to it: http://www.eheim.com/products/detail/Compact-Marine-pump

You might like using this pump. You can also feed air in it for your fish and critters. Here is the thread: http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/8940-Eheim-1103-Compact-Marine-Needle-Wheel-Pump

 

[mike]

Hi Left C,

Thank you for the information. I don't think I'll be able to put it inline with my canister, it's a Fluval FX5 and it has a 1 inch hose. I see the 1103 is submersible, if I put in the sump and draw water from the sump and then up to the tank, do you think this would work as well?

Mike

 

[Left C]

Hi Left C,

Thank you for the information. I don't think I'll be able to put it inline with my canister, it's a Fluval FX5 and it has a 1 inch hose. I see the 1103 is submersible, if I put in the sump and draw water from the sump and then up to the tank, do you think this would work as well?

Mike

It comes stock with 1" hose connections which will allow it to be run inline with the FX5. We had to purchase the adapters to convert it down to 5/8".

I don't know about using it submersible. I've never seen it run in water. I'm sure that it could do a good job though. I just didn't think that you would like another set of pipes in the water.

 

[mike]

I assume if I run it inline with the FX5 I have to make sure it's running at a lower flow rate than the FX so as not to cause any damage to the filter, is that correct?

 

[Left C]

I assume if I run it inline with the FX5 I have to make sure it's running at a lower flow rate than the FX so as not to cause any damage to the filter, is that correct?

I can only answer your question indirectly. I have mine hooked up to an Eheim 2028 Pro II rated at 277gph. I just run my Eheim NW pump wide open. I've tried it running at different flow rate settings and I can't tell much difference, so I run it wide open. I get good flow.

 

[inkslinger]

Could this work with a eheim 2262 filter?
How does the mist look like in tank when the co2 is on?
Does it looks like a mist even when the co2 is off ?

 

[Left C]

GerryD is running one of these Ideal 1103's on his 220g. He has an Eheim canister filter that is larger than mine, but I've forgotten the model.

I am using Eheim's optional spray bar kit. It spreads the mist out well when the solenoid is energized. It is a very fine mist. Very tiny little mist bubbles. When the solenoid is closed, there is no mist and it clears out quickly as soon as the solenoid closes.

 

[inkslinger]

Do you run the pump 24/7?

 

[Left C]

Do you run the pump 24/7?

Yes, I run the pump 24/7. My solenoid for the CO[sub]2[/sub] in controlled by a timer.

 

[Left C]

Could this work with a eheim 2262 filter?

I found the specs for your 2262 on MarineDepot.com's site I didn't find them on Eheim's site. http://www.marinedepot.com/Eheim_Ex..._Gallons-Eheim-EH2213-FIFRCFOH-EH2262-vi.html
Eheim External Filter 2262 (Special Edition 2260 Canister Filter) without Filter Media:

• Powered by new high output 1262 pump
• Includes two quick-release double tap valves
• Filter Volume: 4.8 gal
• Pump Output: 900 gph - The Eheim needle wheel pump is rated from 211 to 713 gph. I do not know if you can run it inline with your 2262. Your canister filter is rated at 900 gph and the NW pump's highest rating is 713 gph. If need be, one option is to run a ball valve after the 2262 to reduce the flow going into the 1103 NW pump while still running it inline. Another option is that you can run a dedicated line for the NW pump. One person used a pair of "Y's" so that there would only be one intake and one output in the aquarium.
• Weight: 20 lbs
• Flexible Hose Diameter: 1" inlet and 5/8" outlet - The Eheim needle wheel pump comes stock with 1" barbed input and output fittings. I used a combination of 1" Schd 80 PVC and 5/8" brass barbed fittings to reduce mine to 5/8". This 5/8" adapter will work with your filter's 5/8" output.

How does the mist look like in tank when the co2 is on?

The mist is very fine, but noticeable.

Does it looks like a mist even when the co2 is off ?

I run my pump 24/7. It is quiet. There is no mist when the solenoid is turned off and the NW pump is running.

There is a thread about the Eheim 1103 (and 1003310) needle wheel pump: http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/8940-Eheim-1103-Compact-Marine-Needle-Wheel-Pump