Also...can anyone help me with this pressurized CO2? I'm not sure if I understand it. Do you just put a tube of it into the tank, let the CO2 go, it goes in the tank, and the plants grow?
Usually with pressurized CO2 you want a diffusion method a little more advanced than that
There are several different ways to go about diffusing CO2.
In-tank diffusers are a standby, and come in many different flavors and types. They are usually the cheapest option. You're biggest problem will be figuring out which one you want.
Pros: Many different types, medium diffusion efficiency, cheap
Cons: Clutter in the tank offputs some people, not generally the best efficiency, aesthetically displeasing in some cases.
I personally use a GLA Atomic diffuser. These come in either inline (hooked up to a canister filter or a closed look) or in tank. They push the CO2 through a very tight material (I think some kind of ceramic) and create extremely small bubbles. These bubbles help diffusion, as the smaller a thing, the higher it's surface-to-mass ratio is. This little droplets will also collect and bead up on plants, sometimes giving them a pearling appearance. It has been stated before that these pure CO2 bubbles on plants actually aid in their uptake, put that could very well be false. The major downside of this is that the little bubbles make your tank look like some sort of carbonated beverage. I kind of like it as it lets me know at a glance where my flow is going and if my CO2 is on, but the look can definitely be off putting. GLA sells many of these, but there are others on the market now.
Pros: Comes Inline, high efficiency, sprite-tank effect, Quality GLA service
Cons: Sprite tank effect, a little more expensive.
Up Co2 Atomizer - Medium.m4v
CO2 reactors are also commonly used. I know Mfdrookie uses one. They are placed inline, and create a kind of turbulence chamber to cause CO2 diffusion. I think they are always DIY (or at least cheapest dont DIY). There are plans out there to make them. They are kind big, however, which is offputting to me.
Pros: Very high efficiency, cheap
Cons: Big, must be made yourself
Looked for a bit, couldn't find any videos. There are lots of pictures out there though.
The last major if seldom used diffusion method is some sort of venturi reactor. The are basically an in tank turbulence chamber. They're really quite cool, but they're bulky and can be unsightly. Also all done DIY.
Pros: high efficiency, budget friendly
Cons: Major in-tank clutter.
- YouTube
РеакÑÐ¾Ñ CO2
Co2 reactor II upgrade.
