CO2 Complete

I finally receive my Atomizer which I am using to diffuse the CO2.

I have had the CO2 just bubbling into the water on a very long tube to test pressure, then I hooked
it up to just a long bubble bar. It all worked perfectly.

Now that I have the DIY bubble counter I am not getting anything. I did see a build up and 1 bubble
released, but since I attached it to the atomizer I don't see anything.

I mean no bubbles in the counter and nothing coming from the atmizer. I can understand it might take a while to rebuild pressure and to build enough to get all the way down the tube and into the atomizer.

But I don't even see bubbles in the bubble counter. I have no clue what could be wrong?

See pics...

Well I found the problem. 2 things. I guess the silicone did not adhere very well to the plastic
of the syringe and 2nd the build up pressure broke the silicone seal and began to leak.

So my big quest is looking at my syringe picture, how do I get a proper adhesive with silicone to plastic?

Ok so I took it all apart, well NOT the the co2 bottles, but I started back with the main co2 tube coming from the water bottle. Getting bubbles. next I put on a T that I am using, getting bubbles. Nest I will put on the other T that is attached to the pressure valves. Getting bubbles.
Looks like its the atomizer. Either it doesn't work or the screw to hold the tubing is choking, because I put a pump to it and got nothing.

I know it can't be running out of CO2. I actually made a mistake in the recipe and put 1 tsp instead of 1/2 tsp. It's only been running since Monday. No way can it be out???

Has any one used this one before?

I tried several different things and even plugged it into a pump and yes the pump works perfectly tested it on several things. The pump can't even get air through this darn thing.

Need help..

It maybe that of course my lack of knowledge once again has screwed me, It might well be that I am of course using the incorect type.

Since I am only using DIY CO2, I don't have any where near enough pressure to get this
atomizer to work. It requires a heck of a lot of pressure. So I guess I wasted a bunch of cash, got several headaches and now in search of buying the original diffuser I wanted, but could onlt find in the UK. So I guess I am right back to square 1.

Ok well if you have any TIPS please send them along. And if you want a brand new diffuser, let me know...
Thanks...

 

yeah diy has its limits but I would think your air pump should be able to push bubbles threw. are you sure the diffuser isn't broken?

a co2 ladder would work, prob not as good as a diffuser.


I think this one might work, maybe...

 

I have no clue if it's broken. If it is then I'm screwed out of the money. I tried everything I could
think of to try and get something out of it.

Yes I have to get something else now. Also like I said in my first message. about getting the
silicone to adhere to the plastic of the syringe?

 

The Hagen CO2 Natural Plant System Bubble Counter. is that a "diffuser" and bubble counter at the same time?

Every time I find something I want from Amazon, It won't be delivered to my address.
For instance that ladder. Yes I have looked in my local fish stores.

I found the ladder and should be getting it in a week.

 

glad you found one.

I'm not sure what your talking about with the silicone to the syringe?

 

I guess I won't need to worry about a bubble counter since the Ladder is a diffuser/counter in one.

I do have one important question:

I am using a rather large bottle (1.36L) for the plain water, would that have ANY AFFECT on the pressure that could be lacking? I just liked it because of the large lid.

Most people use a small water style bottle say less then 500ml, could this be an issue for me?

 

I have no idea I have never done a diy setup. If its not to much work I'd give it a try....

 

I am going to get a smaller bottle and try it... if that is what you meant jojo?

 

yeah that's what I meant, give it a try and see if that helps.

 

Would any one know how long a 20oz CO2 cannister would last for a 29G aquarium?
The reason why I asked, is something came to me when I use to play Paintball, we used CO2 and you can get 20oz co2 cannisters. With the right adapters I am sure I could get this to work.
SOooooooo...

Would any one know how long a 20oz CO2 cannister would last????

 

I have no idea, the smallest I have is a 5lb co2 tank. it will last for around 4 months on my small 8g tank.

I have a regulator and I have seen paintball adapters for it.

 

I've read in in forum somewhere on a search I did that a 20oz paintball lasted more than 6 months at 3 bubbles per second. Also, I have tried using the bubble ladder. It doesn't completely diffuse CO2. So I "stacked" 2 bubble ladders by drilling a hole on the bottom ladder so that the top one would catch it. It worked better but still not completely. Looks awesome though. I used two 2 liter DIY bottles. I now use an Ista Max Mix (medium) and it's awesome. 100% diffusion rate.

 

I've read in in forum somewhere on a search I did that a 20oz paintball lasted more than 6 months at 3 bubbles per second. Also, I have tried using the bubble ladder. It doesn't completely diffuse CO2. So I "stacked" 2 bubble ladders by drilling a hole on the bottom ladder so that the top one would catch it. It worked better but still not completely. Looks awesome though. I used two 2 liter DIY bottles. I now use an Ista Max Mix (medium) and it's awesome. 100% diffusion rate.

6months, THAT IS AWESOME... I have a ceramic atomizer that I would like to use, and I should be getting a ladder next week to use with my DIY for now. But since my brain came up with the paintball idea, I will hopefully get that going very soon. I do not know what Ista Max is?
Thank you... If you have any ideas on what things I would need for the co2 Cannister setup, that would be appreciated.

 

Aquatek Paintball Regulator with solenoid so you can hook up to a timer.


Or if you buy a cheap regulator you can use this adapter for your paintball cylinder.


This is the one I use plumbed in line with canister outlet. Or you can use a powerhead.
ISTA Max Mix CO2 Reactor Diffuser (medium)

 

Can any one tell me with assuredness that the Milwaukee MA957 regulator will
fit onto a 5lb CO2 "cannister" without any needed adapter?

 

Yes, I have the same regulator on a 5lb CO2 tank. As long as the tank you get is a standard CGA-320 fitting, then it will fit.

 

Thank you. I ordered the regulator, but now I need to find a place in town who
sells 5lb co2 canisters.

 

Yeah, that can be hard to come by for some. Generally welding supply, home brewing, and sometimes hydroponics stores have the tanks.

 

$18 for a 175gph powerhead at walmart. Use that as a diffuser if you haven't given up on DIY CO2. . I can barely see the bubbles coming out of the powerhead they are so tiny -- not to mention the powerhead makes sure the micro bubbles are pushed all throughout the tank allowing for a great dissolve rate.

Also, that relief valve you are using isn't the greatest for creating an air tight pressurized seal due to it being plastic. I"ve used those before with horrible results. Petsmart should sell the metal ones, if not, then a LFS will certainly.

As for silicone sealant with the bubble counter -- gob it on there, and jam it in -- let it dry for 24 hours, then put another layer overtop of the seal, smoothing it out in all directions.
I didnt use silicone for my bubble counter, I just cut some 3/4" tubing about 1" in length, then worked that onto the check valve. Then worked that into the syringe for an air tight seal. Wasn't easy, but it works wonderfully.