co2 reactor without a skimmer?

Spar · Jul 6, 2019

My skimmer (bubble king) does not pull air well enough to use a co2 reactor attached to it. Is it possible to rig up a co2 reactor in some other way than relying on the skimmer?

road_runner · Jul 6, 2019

I once connected it to an air pump. Simply had the co2 scrubber reactor in the middle of the air tube

it worked but you burn media fatser.

Spar · Jul 6, 2019

I might try that to at least see what my pH impact is and then decide on if the $ is worth it long term.

Spar · Jul 6, 2019

Ohashimz said:
I once connected it to an air pump. Simply had the co2 scrubber reactor in the middle of the air tube it worked but you burn media fatser.

what air tubes are you referring to? i got to thinking and wondering what to use as a diffuser of some sort to keep the low-co2 air from just bubbling out the top.

road_runner · Jul 6, 2019

Spar said:
what air tubes are you referring to? i got to thinking and wondering what to use as a diffuser of some sort to keep the low-co2 air from just bubbling out the top.

All I did is, took an air pump. Took Its output line, I cut it, put the reactor there. So instead of sir being sucked from the reactor, it is getting pushed to the reactor through the air pump. Then the output of the reactor I dropped it in the skimmer..my skimmer have ozone port on its head that's where I placed the tubing, otherwise you can drop the tuning at the air inlet of the skimmer.
Disclaimer: I did this for couple of months only...

Arthurfarris · Feb 25, 2022

As a co2 reactor, the ISTA performed better than I expected. you will see bubbles like a diffuser in the back. The ability to glide across the surface is phenomenal and works great even when it's a bit clogged.

Arthurfarris · Mar 1, 2022

Arthurfarris said:
As a co2 reactor, the ISTA performed better than I expected. you will see bubbles like a diffuser in the back. The ability to glide across the surface is phenomenal and works great even when it's a bit clogged.

The Ista turbo CO2 reactor is primarily a surface film skimmer. This means it removes the oily film that tends to form on the surface of the water in an aquarium. Not only is that substance disgusting, but it also affects the overall health of the tank. In addition to being a surface skimmer, this device can also work as a makeshift water filter.