Using a powerhead for CO2 diffusion

[Tom Barr]

I have been using a powerhead for a diffuser in one of my tanks. The CO2 is fed into the intake. The venturi is still there also making a loop, but the Rio 600-800 series pumps have a special impeller, instead of 4 flat blades, these have 6 flexible blades that are optimized for fine bubble production.

Note these are not the same regular Rio 600/800 pumps.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=TA3191

No modification is needed, simply attach the CO2 line to the inlet and connect the other inlet to the the venturi.

These are superior to common powerheads for this application and production of mist.The key is the impeller, these are quite good, but ideally one of those needle wheel skimmer impellers would be best.Maybe they will sell those later.

If you direct the powerhead down into the plant beds from near the top of the tank , this will give you the best efficiecy.

No reactor cup needed(plant leaves act as a baffle), simply plug the powerhaed into the light timer. CO 2comes on when you need it, off when you don't.

Cost 15-20$, ease of use: very easy for both gas tanks or DIY CO2 sources.
I would also suggest these for driving reactors if they are in the gph flow range you need.

Regards,
Tom Barr

www.BarrReport.com

 

[reiverix]

Re: Using a powerhead for CO2 diffusion

I've got a needlewheel powerhead on my protein skimmer and always wondered if something similar existed separate. Can't say I've really looked too hard though.

What I'm doing just now is running the CO2 into an Azoo diffuser. The diffuser sits directly below a (very cheapy) powerhead which sucks up the micro bubbles and then shoots what's left of them into the path of my cannister outflow. So far this has been my most effective method yet. It's like mist city

 

[Cornhusker]

Re: Using a powerhead for CO2 diffusion

reiverix, a few years ago when i was still useing the yeast method i set a eheim diffuser below a powerhead and it worked good.but with the lower pressure and the yeast it only lasted a short while.i've since tryed it with pr.co2 and works great. also i have connected co2 supply line to the inlet of a powerhead,hooked to a timer.mist city,but makes tank look rather foggy.it's a good thing that many new ways are coming about how to deliver co2.it's getting simpler,and that means less expensive.now all we need is a low cost reliable digital meter to measure co2 in our tanks. i hope thats next. regards,cornhusker

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Using a powerhead for CO2 diffusion

I do think there is going to be an end all for the CO2 determination.

You can use the sweetwater diffuser stones(1.70$ ea), no back pressure which makes them ideal for DIY and you can simply blast the mist around, or use the powerhead and bubble the gas into the suction side.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Cornhusker]

Re: Using a powerhead for CO2 diffusion

tom,how much faster do you think this simple method of co2 distribution,then saying a reactor type?i just hooked up viaaqua [HASHTAG]#480[/HASHTAG] 195gph.co2 supply line into inlet with attached elbow on outlet to blow mist below spraybar that is set with water going down back of tank.i set powerhead on other end of tank just below water surface to get water motion. it is truly a mist coming out of powerhead. regards,cornhusker

 

[reiverix]

Re: Using a powerhead for CO2 diffusion

At what point do bubbles -> microbubbles -> mist

I mean from a diameter point of view.

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: Using a powerhead for CO2 diffusion

Mist is governed by the flow current primarily, appears as gas froth.
Micro bubble is sort of vague, but I'd say it's larger than the mist(think fogging units for mist), relatively what you get when you use the sweetwater stones.
They are influenced by buoyancy more than mist.

Most powerheads produce a mix of all three.

An interesting idea is using the fogging unit to produce CO2 mist, basically an untra sonic tansducer that vaporizes the Gas into solution.

A novel idea.
Ultrasonics can be used to target algae and kill it, without harm to plants.

Be nice to get both all in one nice little unit eh?

I've thought about it, it would take some research, I might even have the ability to do it some day.

They would run about 100$ I'd say once developed.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[jonathan11]

Re: Using a powerhead for CO2 diffusion

Tom, question about the Rio 600 RVT pump, and Rio pumps in general. One site I ran into mentioned their displeasure with the reliability of the Rio pump; from electrical problems, to dumping of copper into their tanks from the pumps internal deterioration. I myself, after several years, just replaced my Rio pump on my reactor, after intermittent electrical operation of the pump. I did notice on the new pump there was a much heavier electrical cord going to the pump body. This other site also mentioned using a Maxi-Jet 900/1200 pump as a substitute for the Rio 600 RVT. Having no real practical knowledge or experience with either of these pumps I was hoping you might have some knowledge about the Maxi, or perhaps some better input about the Rio pumps reliability than what this site offered. Thx in advance, :gw .