C02 Setup question

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C

Chris Walrod

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 4, 2006
40
0
0
Yorba Linda, Ca
Since I have a planted tank, I thought it would be great to have a C02 system. So, I bought a new setup from the LFS; regulator with solenoid, diffuser and bubble counter. The tank I got from a local welding supply.

I have it set up a flowing at about a bubble per second for flow rate. I placed the diffuser near the bottom of the tank near the filter inlet screen.

When I turn on the lights and C02, it doesnt start flowing on its own, I have to crank-up the rate some to get the flow started, then re-establish the one bubble per second rate.

Seems as though water tends to syphon back up the line when the C02 is off during the night and the slow set flow rate isnt enough to push out the water in the lines. Is this a result of mounting the diffuser so low? Where is the ideal location for the diffuser??

Many thanks!
 
That sounds like your problem. Does it ever restart if you just turn it back on and leave it?

And do you really want the diffuser at your filter inlet? Won't that put too much co2 in your filter and kill the bacteria, possibly causing an anerobic event?
 
Yesterday, I moved the diffuser up towards the top of the tank. This morning when I turned-on the lights and C02, it took a little time, but it started on its own without a purge. Water still seems to syphon back into the rubber line down the back of the tank some. Curious if check valves are available in 3/16"??

Thanks!
 
just use a good airline check valve
water can damage your regulator and solenoid
if your bubble counter is separate from your diffuser then just run your line directly into your filters input (assuming its a canister) this is one of the best ways to input co2 most passive diffusers suck
 
How about an air pump check valve (anti siphon) ?

Can you raise your co2 tank to above water level maybe that would stop some more of the problem.
 
I bought a check valve at my LFS and installed in-line, near the diffuser but above water level. Turns out, the rather low flow rate of the C02 system doesnt have enough pressure (or flow) to overcome the check valve.
Any ideas?

Since I travel a lot during the summer (currently in Toronto), I really want to get this system setup such that my wife can turn on the lights and C02 without monkeying around with the C02. Its getting a little frustrating to be honest. I am a patient and pragmatic person, so I will get this system problem resolved, but would like to tap into the wisdom of this great forum!! I really do enjoy reading this forum daily!!!:D
 
make sure its not a metal valve, these will deteriorate unless made specifically for c02

make sure your airline doesnt have any leaks, this sometimes can cause your problem, also, why dont you try turning on the valve to the 1 bubble a second point, and wait for a good 15 minutes, it may just need to push out the water that has gone up the line, or get down the hose fully
 
If you want to help your wife out, rainbird or orbit make an inexpensive timer to turn every thing on and off (they're programmable too) just add a couple of relays (24v ac system).

Is the co2 tank and hose all above the waterline? ie. regulator straight down to the water or is the tank on the floor with hose going up to the tank, looped over the edge then down to the diffuser at the bottom of the tank?

Pressure will build in the tubing at 1 bubble/minute but may not compensate (push back water) for water pressure caused by a deep tank.

Do check for leaks in hose connections, possibly a bad regulator, I've never had a reg. back bleed before except a cheap one once (it was all plastic).

If I'm telling you something you already know, I appologize.
 
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