Hi, I use to make CO2 reactors commercially back in 2000-2002.
I do not like selling things retail
I'd rather have a large massive price difference between the commercial makers and the DIY design. This helps the hobbyists which is ultimately my goal. If it does not help them a lot and save them a lot of $, I really am not interested.
The AM 1000 is no much different than the older Dupla reactor.
Red Sea bought Dupla anyway.
There is not that large of demand for CO2 reactors really. I think I sold about 300-400 or so over a few years.
Travis:
1.Simple, it's 7x cheaper.
2. It can degas and handles higher flow through rates, the in/outs can be 1/2" as shown, or 3/4" if you wish(go a longer tube dia or larger dia if so), not 3/8" like with the AM.
3. Has the venturi loop(s) illustrated and easily added for the DIY'er.
The AM can be modified however to act like this reactor, it has a degas vent on the top of it and that can be opened and an airline attached to that and fed the excess gas into the suction side of the powerhead driving the AM 1000 reactor.
This simple easy to do modification allows most any reactor to have the degas function and really increases the flow rates and misting.
The difference with the design here is simple: you can add several levels of gas build up to suit your goal. By varying the depth at which the venturi suction starts, you can determine how large of a gas bubble forms, you can also modulate the amount of mist by adjusting the irrigation drip valves on the venturi lines.
This can reduce the amount of mist inside the aquarium if that is your goal, some like it, some do not. This allows for a lot of variability and flex for anyone's goals.
The design is from 2000, I just left it on the back burner all this time.
Too many other things going.
Note: you can make the plain PVC model for about 10$ minus the powerhead.
Regards,
Tom Barr