Quick diffusor question

[yohann976]

I'll start off by first say that I am using the yeast method on a 90 gallon!!! I know it sounds crazy, but I have seen some good signs that it is working since I switched to three 2-L bottles. I switch them out every three weeks changing one each week to attempt to maintain a constant supply. I have 2wpg and I use gw ferts. I know you guys will tell me that I should switch to a more sophisticated method. I know I should and it would save me money in the long-run. I just have to wait until after I graduate which will be in about a month. I'll also be adding more lighting in the process.

Anyways, back to the yeast method. I want to know if I need a reactor for my Co2. Currently, I am just feeding it to my Fluval 404 canister. Is that an efficient way to disperse the carbon dioxide?

 

[Hoovercat]

Some say not to use a canister as there's a possibility of hydrolocking the pump with a CO2 bubble and Co2 will supposedly shorten impeller life. Personal experience says otherwise. I use canisters to diffuse CO2 on a 29, a 55, and a 75 with excelllent results.

 

[yohann976]

Thats good. I figure that I'll have about two more months with the yeast method, then I'll get a Co2 tank and all that jazz.

 

[Argblarg]

I think it really depends on which type of cannister you have. My Eheim was fine but it was a bad idea on my XP3 as I almost burnt out the motor.

 

[yohann976]

I was somewhat hesitant at first considering the inconsistent nature of the yeast method. Sometimes, I'll get a huge burst of bubbles going into my cannister. When that occurs, I don't think that the Co2 properly disperses into the water column because I see the tiny bubbles exiting the out flow tube within the tank. My main concern was if the cannister could handle a large amount of bubbles in sudden bursts, but it seems to be doing just fine for the past month.

I'll just be glad to get a complete automated Co2 system in two months.

 

[vic]

yohann:
If you are going to pressurized CO2, you need to seriously upgrade your lights. As far as diffusion is concerned I have attached a Link to an in-line (return side) diffuser for a cannister filter. No CO2 in the filter, no worries.
This diffuser was designed by Gomer on Aquatic Plant Central. I built 2 of these for about $25CDN. They work well, no issues in 6 months!
Vic

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/attachment.php?attachmentid=471&d=1099597504

 

[yohann976]

Yeah, I'm going to fully utilize my light strip that I have which can hit 260w. I think that will be enough for me for this particular tank. I don't think my discus will appreciate anymore lighting...lol. Thanks vic for that link. They look good, they're inexpensive, and from what I have read; they are efficient as well.

 

[Glenc]

I use my Fluval cannisters as diffusers in all my tanks now, one 305 at 4 to 5 bubbles per second. It's been over a year and I've not had any problems. While this method does work well, I'm pretty sure an inline diffuser would probably be more efficient. The cannister does occasionally burp out a burst of C02 bubbles which is a waste. Its just to easy to use the cannisters and I'm to lazy to get and install an inline reactor!