bubble ladder alternatives

[ringfinger]

I'm sure that I'm not alone when I say those Hagen bubble ladders are big and ugly. Are there any other options that people prefer? I was thinking that running the tube through an air stone underneath a rock would work. The CO2 would collect in the pocket under the rock and slowly leak out/mix with the water. Is this a good idea, or should I work on a way to hide the bubble ladder when I get it all set up?

 

[b4tn]

I was just getting ready to post something similar so I figured I would chime in here.

I dont think an air stone would be very efficient. While I am sure it work it is not going to keep the bubbles in the water for very long. I think that you would end up using allot of CO2 to keep you levels up.

Which leads to my question. I also have a bubble ladder. But it is having a hard time keeping up. If I turn up the C02 the bubbles just come out faster it doesnt really keep them in the water very long. I am thinking a HOB reactor with a power head is the way to go. Either that or something that plumbs inline with a canister filter.

Experts?

 

[workfortheman]

I think it's good here to distinguish between ACTIVE and PASSIVE diffusers. The Ladder is passive, as it is not driven by any sort of motor. A well designed Active diffusor will always be more efficient.

Check out my previous post Re: canister filters:
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?p=472237

 

[malkore]

you need to have adequate water flow under that rock to disperse the CO2. otherwise it just collects into a large bubble, that'll shoot right to the surface.

 

[Zezmo]

When I first added CO2 I had a micro bubble stone in the middle of a large planting of Lugwigia. The stem plants acted like a bubble ladder. I also had a second micro air stone under a plastic treasure chest decoration, this was placed in an area that got decent current flow. The chest acted like a diffusion bell. With those two passive diffusors I was getting consistant CO2 reading in the high teens to low twenties (PPM).
I have since replaced those with a DIY gravel vac style reactor which is attached to the outflow of my canister filter. Now the CO2 readings are consistantly in the 30's.

 

[krap101]

if you put the co2 into a canister, you chance that your bacteria will grow more slowly or die

 

[shawmutt]

I don't think my bubble ladder is ugly

 

[ringfinger]

I don't think my bubble ladder is ugly

You're right. Maybe un-natural would have been a better description. I couldn't offend a fellow Hagerstown resident. I used to live on Summit Ave. a few years ago...it's been a while. Back in my wandering days.