co2 reactor

Question
i have a 55 gal with lots of plants. am using the semi automatic co2 system from fostersmith catalog.i have 2 glass difusers and the are constantly getting alge build-up resulting in larger bubbles, was thinking of trying a co2 reactor 500 from same catalog. would appreciate your opinion. i have plenty light more specs on reactor   99.5%dissolves, 65 gph flow pump creates a vortex.

Answer
Hey dude,

I'm running a similar system accept i'm running full pressurized setup where it's all automatic. I'm using a diffuser aswell, i dont have problems with them at all, and i get some algae buildup but the bubbles are so micro still i dont have the similar problem as you do.

Reactors are mostly setup on canister filters on the outlet hoses. Basically it's a inline fitting and co2 is injected at the bottom and the co2 goes up... but the water is moving the opposite way.. forcing the co2 to dissolve in it.. pretty awesome in my opinion.. It has a very very high dissolve ratio plus it's just another thing that's not in your tank right.

now there are two different reactors we are talking about here... the reactor your talking about is... one by red sea i believe...  http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/11107/product.web . Now that one i really dont like.. i think it's kinda bulky it's mad cheaply and... i dont know many people that use it honestly.


The one i was talking about was a setup like this http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=3 it hooks up in your outlet hose from you canister filter.. and i think it's one of the best... I always tell people to try it on your own. If you feel you like the 500 then go for it.. there's no wrong way to diffuse co2.. aslong as it's getting disolved.. i'd reccomend trying the 500 yourself and make your own decision based on that. Personally i like a external reactor and normal ceramic diffusers :)

Good luck