DIY CO2 Generator & Reactor - Aquarium Advice

Alshain · 09-08-2006, 10:39 AM

I have 2 questions. Attached is a crude drawing of what I am building, its like any other. The question is, where should I put check valves? My first thought was to put one right before the reactor, but I saw another drawing that had one coming out of each mixture bottle. Any thoughts?

Second question. I am building a PVC pipe CO2 reactor. I'm concerned that it is too heavy and will pull the filter inlet off it's suction cups. I think using a metal ring with a tie wrap would make a nice loop to hang it by, but does anyone have a suggestion for actually latching it to the tank? I also have a Hydor inline heater that already has the eye to hang it but didn't come with a way to hang it on the tank. I would like to do the same with this device. Any suggestions?

rich311k · 09-08-2006, 11:05 AM

Put the check valves on each bottle. That way when you change one, the system will stay pressurized. I tie wrapped my reactor to the vertical support on my stand. It works well and stays hidden.

Alshain · 09-08-2006, 11:17 AM

Ah, thats why he did it, good idea. I have 2 options for check valves, one is normal and one has an air filter. Any preferece?

rich311k · 09-08-2006, 11:19 AM

I use normal ones.

Alshain · 09-08-2006, 11:39 AM

I think something like this might do the trick for the heater and reactor assuming the upper lip isnt too wide for the tank and the hook is long enough to reach beyond the hard plastic piece of the inlet tubing..

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...400&lpage=none

09-08-2006, 10:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
Alshain Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tyler, TX Posts: 807 Images: 4	DIY CO2 Generator & Reactor I have 2 questions. Attached is a crude drawing of what I am building, its like any other. The question is, where should I put check valves? My first thought was to put one right before the reactor, but I saw another drawing that had one coming out of each mixture bottle. Any thoughts? Second question. I am building a PVC pipe CO2 reactor. I'm concerned that it is too heavy and will pull the filter inlet off it's suction cups. I think using a metal ring with a tie wrap would make a nice loop to hang it by, but does anyone have a suggestion for actually latching it to the tank? I also have a Hydor inline heater that already has the eye to hang it but didn't come with a way to hang it on the tank. I would like to do the same with this device. Any suggestions? Last edited by Alshain; 01-06-2008 at 02:00 AM.

09-08-2006, 11:17 AM	#3 (permalink)
Alshain Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tyler, TX Posts: 807 Images: 4	Ah, thats why he did it, good idea. I have 2 options for check valves, one is normal and one has an air filter. Any preferece? __________________ Remember to vote For AA! 55 Gallon Planted Tank

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09-08-2006, 11:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
rich311k Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 8,745 Images: 35	Put the check valves on each bottle. That way when you change one, the system will stay pressurized. I tie wrapped my reactor to the vertical support on my stand. It works well and stays hidden.

09-08-2006, 11:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
rich311k Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 8,745 Images: 35	I use normal ones.

09-08-2006, 11:39 AM	#5 (permalink)
Alshain Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Tyler, TX Posts: 807 Images: 4	I think something like this might do the trick for the heater and reactor assuming the upper lip isnt too wide for the tank and the hook is long enough to reach beyond the hard plastic piece of the inlet tubing.. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...400&lpage=none