Diffuser For 400 Litre Tank

[zig]

I'd go for an external reactor, its probably the easiest in terms of maintainence and probably the most efficient for your tank size, if you go for the glass type diffusers I would imagine you would definatly need 2 in order to get the CO2 around the tank, they will use more CO2 as well, although that would'nt bother me, I would want the most efficient reactor in my setup. I'd say for a tank of 400l the ladder type diffuser would really struggle and you will probably have algae issues sooner or later.

 

[dave_m13]

I'd go for an external reactor, its probably the easiest in terms of maintainence and probably the most efficient for your tank size, if you go for the glass type diffusers I would imagine you would definatly need 2 in order to get the CO2 around the tank, they will use more CO2 as well, although that would'nt bother me, I would want the most efficient reactor in my setup. I'd say for a tank of 400l the ladder type diffuser would really struggle and you will probably have algae issues sooner or later.

Thanks Zig

So I have the choice of the Aqua Medic reactor 500 for aquariums upto 500 litres but can be extended but is internal or the reactor 1000 for aquariums upto 2000 litres external or internal (Bit of an overkill on my 400 Litre). With these products will I need a seperate bubble counter? I think I do.

Do you know whether there are any other reactor products out on the market.

Thanks
Dave

 

[JamesC]

What size tubing do you have with your external pump? This is important because the Aqua Medic 1000 uses 12mm hose connectors. Thanks to Sam I'm seriously considering buying this reactor to replace my internal home made job as it's a bit of an eyesore. It uses 16mm hose connectors and has got a vent to release any gas that builds up.

 

[Themuleous]

At least I was of some use!

Sam

 

[dave_m13]

What size tubing do you have with your external pump? This is important because the Aqua Medic 1000 uses 12mm hose connectors. Thanks to Sam I'm seriously considering buying this reactor to replace my internal home made job as it's a bit of an eyesore. It uses 16mm hose connectors and has got a vent to release any gas that builds up.

To be honest I do not know, I have a Ehiem pro filter, on the website its says 12/16mm tubing so I am assuming it may fit either?

If I use the Tetra tec Ex1200 this is 16mm.

As I am in Europe I must be able to get hold of these items that are being sold on ebay, if not I can get them sent to Belguim only slightly less delivery charge.

Thank you all for your help in trying to decide, been very useful

 

[Themuleous]

No probs

 

[JamesC]

To be honest I do not know, I have a Ehiem pro filter, on the website its says 12/16mm tubing so I am assuming it may fit either?

12/16 means the tubing is 12mm internal diameter and 16mm external diameter. Normally internal diameter is only quoted so here it would be 12mm. This is fine for the Aqua Medic 1000 reactor.

 

[dave_m13]

One final question on these products, will I need to buy a seperate bubble counter, I am using the Nutrafin ladder to count how many bubbles are coming out at the moment.

Thanks
Dave

 

[JamesC]

One final question on these products, will I need to buy a seperate bubble counter

Depends which one you buy. I've taken the plunge and brought this reactor which has a built in bubble counter. I believe the Aqua Medic 1000 doesn't have a bubble counter so you will have to buy a seperate one.

James

 

[dave_m13]

One final question on these products, will I need to buy a seperate bubble counter

Depends which one you buy. I've taken the plunge and brought this reactor which has a built in bubble counter. I believe the Aqua Medic 1000 doesn't have a bubble counter so you will have to buy a seperate one.

James

So you have actually brought it James, I may wait until you have it up and running before deciding, so keep me informed how it is going. Is this an external or internal reactor, done a translation but cannot see whether its internal or external. How does the bubble counter work on this?

I wish I had have waited before buying the D&D CO2 set, there really are great items on his ebay site, the whole set up with reactor is only £132 + P&P - Oh well

Just seen this one for a 500 litre tank http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/CO2-Aussenreaktor-50...oQQcmdZViewItem

Thanks
Dave

 

[JamesC]

Yep. I've brought it and looking forward to plumbing it in. I saw the reactor for the 500 litre tank but it doesn't come with a venting system. Having a vent is invaluble IMO as everytime your get air in the system it will get stuck at the top of the reactor meaning you have to invert it to get the air out. Much easier to turn a little tap. Also there is the gas buildup you can get during the day. This can be vented off easily as well. These reactors are both external.

I'll keep you informed with piccies to how it performs.

A little tip if you want to translate a web page. If you google it then google gives you the option for a translation. It is normally pretty good. Try this link

 

[-=Joel=-]

I have that set up bought from him ... all good peices of kit and look like they will last a life time.

I havent set mine up yet as im waiting to move my fish out of the soon to be planted tank before I do anything Lol.

Please take pictures as you go James. You will probably beat me to the set up. Im planning on doing it within the next two weeks.

Joel

 

[JamesC]

The CO2 reactor has arrived. I was amazed how quickly it arrived as I ordered it on Tuesday night and it arived Friday morning from Germany. This is quicker than some UK ebay sellers. Anyway it is a really nice piece of kit and very robustly built. It comes as standard with 16mm connectors but the seller says he is able to supply with different size connectors if required. You can also unscrew the cap at the top for cleaning.

This is the reactor​

Has a built in bubble counter which works really well​

And here it is plumbed in​

I have it plumbed inline with a TMC 8W UV steriliser and a Hydor ETH 300W inline heater powered by a Rena XP2 filter. Seems to work fine with surprisingly very little in the way of reduction of flow.

I've kept the bubble rate the same as it was with my internal reactor to so I can compare how well it works.

So far I give it 10/10

James

 

[Themuleous]

Looks like a nice bit of kit that I presume you have to run the outlet from the filter into it?

Sam

 

[Spinal]

The CO2 reactor has arrived. I was amazed how quickly it arrived as I ordered it on Tuesday night and it arived Friday morning from Germany. This is quicker than some UK ebay sellers. Anyway it is a really nice piece of kit and very robustly built. It comes as standard with 16mm connectors but the seller says he is able to supply with different size connectors if required. You can also unscrew the cap at the top for cleaning.

I have it plumbed inline with a TMC 8W UV steriliser and a Hydor ETH 300W inline heater powered by a Rena XP2 filter. Seems to work fine with surprisingly very little in the way of reduction of flow.

I've kept the bubble rate the same as it was with my internal reactor to so I can compare how well it works.

So far I give it 10/10

James

Out of curiosity, have you noticed any loss of pressure from your filter? I'm still stuck with a ladder and a homebrew, but my homebrew adds some resistance to the filter... I'm undecided if just to get a separate pump or change the reactor... (or both...)

Michele