Diffuser?

[zoopkamol]

Difuser requirements for a 180gal tank.
 
Ijust got an CO2 tank and regulator and i was wondering what size of diffuser (ceramic or other) is needed Is bigger always better for larger tanks?
Not in a huge rush too set it up but i do want to set up best i can as tank is lightly planted now but have a large order coming in soon.
 
any help or ideas will be apreciated.
 
also any ideas how long a 15# cylinder would last?

 

[Lunar Jetman]

Have you considered going for something in-line rather than a ceramic diffuser? I've got an Up Atomizer in the post a the moment as I'm not happy that my diffuser is working as efficiently as using something in-line.

 

[zoopkamol]

yes I have been thinking about inline. Trying to keep cost down a bit as girlfreind already on me about cost of tank and upgrades done in past month.
And ceramic diffuser cheaper from what i found thus far.

 

[SLIM]

yes I have been thinking about inline. Trying to keep cost down a bit as girlfreind already on me about cost of tank and upgrades done in past month.
And ceramic diffuser cheaper from what i found thus far.

Ceramics are not that great with diffusion. They waste quite abit of co2. In the long run you will save $£$£$ by using an inline as you will need far less co2 to reach 30ppm. Which means in turn you wont be paying out to have your co2 canister refilled as often.

 

[zoopkamol]

ya totally want to do an inline once i read up on it more.
Problems ill have are as follows
 
1.using a FX5 filter and hoses on it are a bit over a inch (gonna do a DIY) and cant locate a compression nut that size
2.could reduce hose size via a barb connector then to difusser then reverse on other end back to larger hose.
barb connector would more the likely need to reduce to 3/4" or 1/2" dont want to put added strain on filter
 
also whats best side of filter to install on intake or output
 
if intake couldnt you just retrofit the intake strainer and atttach the co2 airline
and if on the output side wouldnt the co2 just run through the spray bar?
 
co2 too me is all new
any advice is appreciated

 

[SLIM]

ya totally want to do an inline once i read up on it more.
Problems ill have are as follows
 
1.using a FX5 filter and hoses on it are a bit over a inch (gonna do a DIY) and cant locate a compression nut that size
2.could reduce hose size via a barb connector then to difusser then reverse on other end back to larger hose.
barb connector would more the likely need to reduce to 3/4" or 1/2" dont want to put added strain on filter
 
also whats best side of filter to install on intake or output
 
if intake couldnt you just retrofit the intake strainer and atttach the co2 airline
and if on the output side wouldnt the co2 just run through the spray bar?
 
co2 too me is all new
any advice is appreciated

I too have a fx5 and had this exact same problem. To be honest I wouldnt recommend reducing your pipe for a inline as you will reduce the flow significantly. I ended up buying a second "cheap" external filter to run my inline. I understand not everyone has the funds to do this. If I was you I would use an atomizer. Basically they are the same as a inline but go in the tank like a ceramic.

They are fantastic at diffusion

P.s. FYI Inlines normally go on the output hose.

 

[zoopkamol]

ok thanks ill look into an atomizer.
 
i woulda had a fluval 206 canister from my old tank setup...but i promised my buddy the tank and filter heater...basically whole tank setup for free.
could never take it back from him as he cant afford the initial cost of a tank setup and he so excited he has a tank going to him.

 

[SLIM]

ok thanks ill look into an atomizer.
 
i woulda had a fluval 206 canister from my old tank setup...but i promised my buddy the tank and filter heater...basically whole tank setup for free.
could never take it back from him as he cant afford the initial cost of a tank setup and he so excited he has a tank going to him.

206 could work but you would need to replace the hoses as inlines wont fit to that kind of rigid hose. They need the soft plastic hose that Ehiem or allpondsolution supply. Again this is more cost. I think an atomizer would do you justice.
If your new to plants and co2, give my article a read. Link is below named Pressurized co2 Equipment Flow And Fertilisation.

 

[zoopkamol]

ok i will check your link.
 
not new to plants per say just new to co2 and ferts.
 
lots of different atomnizers out there.
 
Im a DIY by heart so looking that route.
 
thanks again

 

[SLIM]

They all basically do the same thing. Just find one that can cope with your water volume. Prob your best bet for decent diffusion on a budget.
There is a section in that link on ferts too by the way.
Anyway no problem and good luck dude