Hagen Co2 Ladder

[leafs]

I really like the using the Hagen CO2 ladder, but it always seems to get clogged up with debris preventing the bubbles from going up the ladder properly. I have to take it out every week and clean it really good to get it to work well. Would anyone have any tips on how to prevent this. I've tried raising it a little higher on the tank wall but it doesn't help. It's a bit of a pain taking it out all the time.

Thanks

 

[voo]

Mine keeps getting dirt trapped in it but i havent had to clean it yet. The snails do a good job of that.
However about twice a week fish get trapped in there and have to be rescued

 

[George Farmer]

Sounds like you may be underfiltered if you're having to thouroughly clean debris every week.

You could try moving them nearer the filter output, this may prevent build-up of debris. This may even reduce the risk of fish becoming trapped/

 

[leafs]

I'm definately not underfiltered. It looks like some kind of clear slimey film that inhibits the bubbles from rising. It also seems to happen near the bottom few rows of the ladder. I might try moving it near the filter. Right now it's at the opposite end of the the tank.

 

[i_ganjaman]

the only thing i would say is if you do move it close to the intake of the filter the co2 could leave the tank quicker through adjatation,so i would make sure the output nozzle on the filter is about 2-3 inches below the water.I have used the hagen ladder it does a good job but,I found that small fish can work their way in through a little square gap on the bottom left and get stuck.So i took it out...........

 

[Jen]

do you use baking soda /bicarb in your reactor? It might just be a bit of that escaping.

 

[leafs]

I'm using a hob. filter so I guess I could position the ladder somewhere under the outflow, but not too close to the intake. I'm not using any baking soda or bicarb. I haven't had any problems with fish getting stuck in the ladder, other than Yoyo loaches, but they always manage to get out some how.