Question on the Hole-in-the Wall Solution for CO2

radiata · Sep 2, 2017

When one makes a hole in one's outside wall for a pipe that will feed outside air into a skimmer, what do you use to prevent bugs and other critters from entering that pipe? Won't some sort of filter obstruct the flow of air?

Ty Hamatake · Sep 2, 2017

I hear a lot of people just use different types of screens. I small patch of window screen secured over the opening would do the trick.

mcarroll · Sep 2, 2017

A cotton ball should do it....enough to seal the tube but not restrict flow. Change the cotton ball every so often if it seem to get dirty at all.

wangspeed · Sep 3, 2017

Window screening is more appropriate. Make sure the pipe is at least 1/2". I used 1/2" cpvc and a tee at the end for extra intake. Covered with zip tied window screening. Cotton balls can clog quickly and will significantly restrict flow even when dry.

mcarroll · Sep 4, 2017

wangspeed said:
Cotton balls can clog quickly and will significantly restrict flow even when dry.

mcarroll said:
A cotton ball should do it....enough to seal the tube but not restrict flow.

I have no doubt that what you're imaging would turn out that way, but I'm not sure blaming the cotton balls is the most productive thing – just don't insert "too much".

Any method you pick is going to require the application of a little creativity. FYI, I've seen others do it this way. Less cotton or a larger opening would solve these hypothetical problems you stated.

If you find the cotton actually getting dirty enough to restrict air, then you need a new location for your inlet – screen is not going to help with this and cotton probably isn't catching enough!!

There's certainly more than one way to skin this cat though – screen is a fine idea if you find that easier or you have the materials on hand and your location has reasonably clean air!

newbreefer316 · Sep 5, 2017

I was thinking about using my BRS co2 scrubber and filling the catridge with some carbon and polyfil, run the intake from the vent outside in through the reactor and then off to the skimmers. I will use the largest pipe that will work since I will be running up to 3 skimmers off the intake.