[APD] Setbacks Injecting co2 - need help.

["RJ Skall" <rjskall2 at hotmail_com>]

I am just not having any success injecting pressurized co2 and am a bit 
frustrated. First, I tried running an reactor inline with the the return on 
my Eheim canister - the result was a huge air (gas) gap in the top of the 
reactor and not much co2 in the tank (plumbing pics at 
http://www.sturmgewehr.org/co2page.htm). Now I have serious BBA problems.

Next, I made a DIY reactor from a gravel vac and rio powerhead exactly like 
the one at http://www.plantedtank.net/co2reactor.html - at first it looked 
great, but after an hour, once again I have a large gap at the top of the 
reactor tube (again, the water just trickling in), and the plants don't seem 
to be benefitting or pearling. The other problem with this setup is that in 
the morning, when the co2 and powerhead timer kick on, the powerhead just 
hums - I believe this is because gas is trapped in thr impeller. I don't see 
any difference between this reactor and the "vortex" ones at 
http://www.floridadriftwood.com/subcat.asp?0=217

Tom has online plans for building a venturi and "burphole" into this type of 
reactor to address this 
(http://www.chataboutgardening.com/The_2_CO2_power_reactor-1303422-432-a.html) 
but I'm terrible at DIY projects and after reading it over and over, I still 
don't understand the recipe...if I add a hole into the side of the reactor 
body, won't all the air/gas go rushing out when it's on? Will it completely 
fix the issue if the powerhead is on the side of the reactor body vs the 
top?

To make matters worse, I tried a glass diffuser but it broke. Right now I am 
using a wooden airstone and out of ideas. Hoping you folks can help. Thanks!

- co2-challenged


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