My New Co2 Diffuser?

[deftuch]

So i bought this co2 diffuser. Its attached to a disposable cannister. You fill the diffuser chamber up with co2 and thats all the instructions you get? Since i filled it up its slowly filling up with water or slowly losing co2 whichever makes more sense. So its clear its doing something. So why cant i see any bubbles coming out! None at all! But its clearly running out. Here is a link to what i have. Thanks

http/db.tt/Z0KjIflm

 

[coolie]

Is the only place the co2 is exposed to the water at the bottom of that diffuser or the top?

 

[deftuch]

Is the only place the co2 is exposed to the water at the bottom of that diffuser or the top?

At the bottom and thats it. There is a hole at the top but it comes with a bung and says you have to bung it up?

 

[coolie]

Yeah, I'm thinking it works by absorbing through the water and not like a normal pressurised CO2 diffuser. I am only guessing. How long does it take to fill with water?

 

[deftuch]

About 4 hours. I cant be sure as ive topped it up to investigate. If you fill it right to the bottom bubbles come out of a little tube. But that seems pointless and doesnt make sense that you have to do it that way manually because you may as well inject it staight in through an air line. I didnt look at this properley But as it was only 7 quid i just had a quick talk with the lady who sold it to me. I asked how often the bbbles come out and she said its more random burst every now and again. Im confused lol. Never seen anything like it before!

 

[DrRob]

It's a bell diffuser. I'm not a fan. They're only really for the smallest of tanks, where you use tiny cylinders and can top the CO2 up frequently. Flow around them does help diffuse the CO2, much like any other.

To be honest, any large item in a small tank seems a bad idea to me and the cylinders won't last if you try to run a traditional diffuser (and cost a fortune to replace).

Basically you fill them with CO2, then top them up when they empty.

I'd probably get a proper system if your tank is of any size or switch to liquid carbon for a small tank.

 

[deftuch]

Thanks mate. I bought this as ive got bba alage and advice has led me to believe i need some co2, this is just a tempory item i bought to gain a bit of experience and have why i save up for something better. Was coolie correct. It just basically enters the water without bubbles from the bottom? Can you recommend a good full kit for under 50 quid?