*Ci*
Active Member
Inline or in-tank. How often do you clean them and what method do you use? At what point do you replace them?
For those with ceramic co2 diffusers …
- Thread starter *Ci*
- Start date
- Tagged users None
I've been a hardcore in-tank user for a long-time. Didn't matter if the tank was 3 Gallons or 75 Gallons. I always used in-tank. The ADA way. I did recently switch one of my tanks over to an inline one and am very happy with it. I would say for optimal performance you probably need to clean an in-tank one every 2-3 weeks, but YMMV. Cleaning is a simple 1:1 water/bleach dip. I haven't cleaned my inline one since I started using it 4 months ago. No light exposure, no algae.
They both have adv/disad. In-tank allows you to see immediately that the co2 is working. Many diffusers also allow you to see the bubble count as well. There is some thought that the co2 bubbles can have a positive effect on plant growth, but both methods work so i'm not sure how much of a real factor that is. The disadvantage of in-tank is obvious since they require the regular cleaning and you are also placing another piece of equipment in the tank. Some of the inline diffusers as actually atomizers and they usually require a higher working pressure than the in-tank diffusers.
They both have adv/disad. In-tank allows you to see immediately that the co2 is working. Many diffusers also allow you to see the bubble count as well. There is some thought that the co2 bubbles can have a positive effect on plant growth, but both methods work so i'm not sure how much of a real factor that is. The disadvantage of in-tank is obvious since they require the regular cleaning and you are also placing another piece of equipment in the tank. Some of the inline diffusers as actually atomizers and they usually require a higher working pressure than the in-tank diffusers.
Last edited:
BigWave
Active Member
I have both Intank diffusers Aquario Neo and External Inline Quanvee. Both work great. I clean about every 3 weeks. The Quanvee I bought several stones and simply trade out. Soak either in pure bleach for an hour or so. Let soak in clean water and repeat several times. Lastly soak in a crap load of prime. Edit: Over the years I've determined if I let the diffusers go for long extended periods of time my CO2 slowly gets less and less causing minute algae issues.
Mr.Shenanagins
Well-known Member
In terms of ease they are definitely the most convenient way to add CO2. I personally can’t stand the snow globe look so I like the reactor route which focuses on almost complete diffusion. One of the biggest positives about a reactor is there is virtually no maintenance, unless you decide to add media which I don’t believe is necessary but to each their own.
*Ci*
Active Member
- Thread starter
- #5
I’m torn about diffusers. I have them inline, but find it extremely tedious to disconnect and drain hoses to get them apart for cleaning (so it gets put off forever), but I really like the coverage they give by running through the spray bars.
I am hesitant about reactors due to all the anecdotes about rattling and other noises they produce. I would switch if I felt more confident about how to set one up and get it running properly with no extra noise.
I am hesitant about reactors due to all the anecdotes about rattling and other noises they produce. I would switch if I felt more confident about how to set one up and get it running properly with no extra noise.
Mr.Shenanagins
Well-known Member
There is a little give and take with reactors. Once tuned right, the pay off is a nice clear tank for the entire photo period, aside from pearling which I don’t think anyone would balk at. There are some excellent write ups out there, the cerges and Rex Griggs versions are the most popular.
Immortal1
Mad Scientist
Immortal1's cerges reactor
@*Ci* The above video was done several years ago but should give you an idea how much noise this style of reactor makes.
With regards to servicing the reactor - about every 2 years I take the system apart and clean it.
Setup is pretty straight forward once you have the reactor.
FWIW, below is a pic of my DIY cerges reactor - bear in mind, in this pic the reactor is laying on it's side.
@*Ci* The above video was done several years ago but should give you an idea how much noise this style of reactor makes.
With regards to servicing the reactor - about every 2 years I take the system apart and clean it.
Setup is pretty straight forward once you have the reactor.
FWIW, below is a pic of my DIY cerges reactor - bear in mind, in this pic the reactor is laying on it's side.
Last edited:
GreggZ
Moderator
I'm surprised to hear how often you all are cleaning the diffusers. Boy that seems like a lot of work to keep up with. Makes a great case for a reactor.
I built my Cerges many years ago and never even think about it. Like @Immortal1 said above once in a blue moon I take it apart but there really isn't anything to clean.
And with my CO2 controller I never really think that much about CO2 injection in general. It just happens every day and every three months or so I swap out a new tank.
I built my Cerges many years ago and never even think about it. Like @Immortal1 said above once in a blue moon I take it apart but there really isn't anything to clean.
And with my CO2 controller I never really think that much about CO2 injection in general. It just happens every day and every three months or so I swap out a new tank.
ayman.roshdy
Active Member
I don't use external canister or sump filters so the inline diffusers or reactors is not an option for me although I believe these would be much more efficient, accordingly I am using the intank ceramic diffusers, and despite some of ScapeCrunch members I do like this bubbly look inside the tank, it brings back my childish side 
which I miss a lot
I do clean them once I start seeing some brown or green spots on them (algae), just soak them in bleach, then soak in a mixture of water and de-chlorinator and rinse several times before adding back to the tank, this does the trick and so far I don't see a reason to change them although by time the ceramic layer will degrade for sure and will need a replacement
which I miss a lotI do clean them once I start seeing some brown or green spots on them (algae), just soak them in bleach, then soak in a mixture of water and de-chlorinator and rinse several times before adding back to the tank, this does the trick and so far I don't see a reason to change them although by time the ceramic layer will degrade for sure and will need a replacement