CO2 Inline Diffuser or Reactor?

[MuddyWaters]

My diffusers in tank are not that great and I cannot find one that will last and retain small holes. They either break (the glass ones SUCK), leak (the ones with screw-off ceramic disks ultimately, and frequently leak either at the point where it's screwed on or the neck where it joins to the part where the disk is), or they just don't work well to begin with.

So, I'm looking at the possibility of inline diffusers. I have a Fluval FX4, a Fluval 407, and a Fluval FX2 on the tanks where I use CO2.

I started thinking reactor is the way to go, but then I read something that said with a Fluval FX series you have to set up some kind of bypass loop to divert flow because of the high pressure, etc. That starts to sound like a pain in the butt. Also, I've read reactors are loud.

With inline diffusers, I've read they require maintenance often and you still have the possible problem with larger bubbles, etc.

What to do? The bypass setup sounds like an opportunity for me to screw something up, but I'm sick of wasting money on CO2 as I watch it float to the top. Should I just prepare for the intricate preparation and noise of the reactor, knowing it'll be more efficient and require way less maintenance, or should I go for the inline diffuser and just hope they're better than the ones in the tank?

BTW, not seeing bubbles would be nice, but it is not my primary concern here. I want efficient use of CO2 and not to have to buy something over and over.

Also, does brand really matter? The UNS diffuser is a good $20-$30 more than others....is it worth it? I'm happy to spend extra money if it's really better quality. "Cry once," you know?

Would love to hear your experience with this.

 

[anewbie]

reactors are more efficient and horizontal reactors can be quite efficient. nilogc has a decent reactor as well as aquarock or buce.

You can of course make your own with a water jar but they are not cheap (the water filter jars). By the time you buy the jar and plumbing parts it is nearly as much as just buying one that is premade.

You didn't mention your tank size but my reactor was able to work very efficiently on my 600.

 

[Rusty_Shackleford]

I found this video helpful.
Testing Diffusers
I'm going to be adding an inline diffuser myself in the next few months. I'm looking at a few brands, UNS, CO² Art, and GLA.
One thing I found was a helpful suggestion to purchase a set of quick disconnect valves to make cleaning the diffuser easier.

 

[MuddyWaters]

reactors are more efficient and horizontal reactors can be quite efficient. nilogc has a decent reactor as well as aquarock or buce.

You can of course make your own with a water jar but they are not cheap (the water filter jars). By the time you buy the jar and plumbing parts it is nearly as much as just buying one that is premade.

You didn't mention your tank size but my reactor was able to work very efficiently on my 600.

biggest is a 75 gallon, so if it works for 600, it might be ok

 

[MuddyWaters]

I found this video helpful.
Testing Diffusers
I'm going to be adding an inline diffuser myself in the next few months. I'm looking at a few brands, UNS, CO² Art, and GLA.
One thing I found was a helpful suggestion to purchase a set of quick disconnect valves to make cleaning the diffuser easier.

Ah, this guy is great! Thanks, Rusty. Checking it out... good idea on the quick disconnect. Honestly, I don't mind doing maintenance- I change water twice per week on most of my tanks- but when I have to get on my knees or squeeze behind the tank, I get frustrated fast....

 

[MuddyWaters]

I'm leaning toward a reactor....I did find this one that includes a bypass valve. That is attractive to me because me building anything....especially if there's possibility for leaks....is likely to produce a tragic outcome.

The reactor I think I want for my 75 gallon tank, but for the 29 gallon and the 20 gallon...definitely don't need that. I only use a 2.5 pound tank for the 20 gallon, but I have to change it a lot. It's a high flow river tank- I was not going to put CO2 on it, but I am determined to MAKE these buce plants thrive LOL. I should do a post on all the crap I've done wrong with that tank, but I want to wait until I get the dang plants thriving first....I think I'm getting there, but have a ways to go.

Anyway- we'll see...