Co2 Query...

[mikelufc22]

Hi guys, i am using a pressurised co2 system at the moment on my planted discus set up, and i use a diffuser that has internal fins and is powered by a power head attached to the top circulating water throughout the unit to help dissolve the co2 and then dispel it out thru a tube at the bottom.
What i would like to know is, is it posible to send the co2 thru my external filters without killing my biological media, causing a gasous lock within my filters and will it be sufficiently dissolved to keep my plants alive.
I am asking this as my discus really dislike the fast water the powerhead generates thru the diffuser..
thanks.
mike.

 

[Themuleous]

Lots of people diffuse their CO2 through their external filter just place the Co2 tube below or into the intake of the filter. I've not come across someone who's affected their biological filter as a result. But air locks are quite common so that's something to be aware of.

The other option would be an external reactor like this (there are several to chose from)

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-Reaktor-Bypass-A...oQQcmdZViewItem

Which you can make if you have the DIY skills

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=188056&hl=

Sam

 

[2pods]

Depends on your filter too, I would expect.

The other night I had put an air curtain in to drive off excess Co2 from a accidental overdose.
After about an hour there was this almighty racket from the filter (Rena XP3).

It seemed I had put the air curtain/stone directly against the filter intake and had caused an airlock.
Luckily I was still up.

After moving the air curtain, and restarting the filter, everything went back to normal.

However, a lot of people on the board do just that with Co2, so YMMMV.

Peter

 

[Dave Spencer]

I use the method of diffusing CO2 via a ceramic diffuser in to my filter inlet in one of my tanks and it works perfectly.

However, I am using a decent quality diffuser that produces a lot of smaller and micro bubbles. Once the diffusion becomes less efficient i give the diffuser a soak in bleach and the diffusion quality picks up again.

Dave.