CO2 Diffuser

[blizzack1]

Hi guys,

I've ordered my Sumo regulator and now need to decide on a diffuser for the tank (48 gallon).

I'm trying to save some money here (as I mentioned, I bought a sumo rig and saw a couple diffuers on ebay via Aquatic Magic.

A Rhino 5000 for $20 + shipping

http://cgi.ebay.com.my/Rhinox-5000-Glass-CO2-diffuser-Pollen-Aquarium-Beetle_W0QQitemZ250305228880QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item250305228880&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

A spiro 3 for $9.99 + shipping

http://cgi.ebay.com.my/S3-CO2-Diffuser-Aquarium-55-Gallon-Tank-Glassware_W0QQitemZ250392325667QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item250392325667&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

I'd appreciate some input on the effectiveness of these products, and maybe some experiences with Aquatic Magic (delivery timeframe, for example).  Additional recommendations are greatly appreciated (aside from a DIY, that is a last resort).  I can't go inline because I have a fluval filter right now and would have to get new tubing (it is ribbed).

Thanks a lot.

[fischkopp]

I use a couple of the Rhinox diffuser (the smaller size and the medium one). They do a good job, but the bubbles are not as fine/small as shown on their picture. Also, many bubbles will reach the surface are are wasted; you won't get a 100% efficiency unless you trap these bubbles and redirect them into the tank. I have Aquaclears and powerheads installed above the diffuser for this purpose and even then you won't get 100% diffusion. But other than that they are ok. I clean them with H2O2 every once a while compared - I find this more convenient than bleach.

Shipping can be expensive, if you plan to order more than one item contact aquatic magic directly and ask for a quote. The service I got a year ago was great.

I have another option for you: you can feed the CO2 into the intake of your fluval and use the powerhead & canister as reactor. I do this on one of my tanks, too. Seems to work quite well as long as you don't need to pump huge amounts of CO2 into the tank.

Hope this helps.

[jart]

I think the diffusers sold by Orlando at Green Leaf are top notch.
http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-diffusers/diffuser-5000.html

That Rhinox unit looks pretty sharp.
Of course any diffuser needs to be kept clean in order to function properly.

As pointed out, the idea of having the bubbles stream into the opening of a powerhead is a good one. Lack of circulation in a planted tank can cause major algae problems.

[fischkopp]

I think the diffusers sold by Orlando at Green Leaf are top notch.
http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-diffusers/diffuser-5000.html

That is exactly the same model that aquatic magic sells as rhinox.

[dan2x38]

I bought one of these at Big Al's http://www.aquaristic.net/eheim-air-diffuser.html?lang=1 for $7.99. It creates a nice mist. I ppaced under the output of my filter so the water current dispurses it even more. I find it did the same of better job than theglass diffusers I order from aquatic magic ebay store and there was no shipping. If Big Al's doesn't have them in stock they can order them. Likely other LFS locally can get them too.

[blizzack1]

I bought one of these at Big Al's http://www.aquaristic.net/eheim-air-diffuser.html?lang=1 for $7.99. It creates a nice mist. I ppaced under the output of my filter so the water current dispurses it even more. I find it did the same of better job than theglass diffusers I order from aquatic magic ebay store and there was no shipping. If Big Al's doesn't have them in stock they can order them. Likely other LFS locally can get them too.

Thanks a lot, guys.

Much as I'd like a glass one, I might try the plastic. as I've got a couple cans of krylon fusion and can spray paint it to match my background (Except where the bubbles come out, obviously).

Which Big Al's did you get it from, Dan?

Cheers,

Josh

[dan2x38]

Innes Rd. it is also adjustable...

[Bees]

I bought one of those eheim diffusers too based on what Dan said about them previously and I like the results as well.  As Dan mentioned you can adjust the bubble flow rate as it has a kind of 'screw top' over the foam diffusion disk which can be adjusted with a nickel.  I placed mine under the downward output of my fluval's return head and the tiny bubbles get swirled around quite nicely.  Sure, some of them make it to the surface but for 8 bucks I'm not complaining. 

I bought mine at Kanata BA's - it was on the rack by the pond equipment near the little marine bio-cube they have on display in the main area.