A few questions on this design please;

What is the purpose of the cross line going from the power pump’s intake to the mid-point of the diffuser chamber? What is the flow rate of the pump? Lastly how long is the diffuser?

Thanks

This adds a fine venturi mist once the capacity limits and stauration levels(O2) have been reached in the tank. It basically pruges the gas (namely O2) when you don't need it anymore. If you keep adding more CO2 beyond this, the burp hole will burp out gas bubbles.

So this is a self leveling device but also acts to disperse (O2) CO2 well in larger tanks like a very effective diffuser stone, this is better since it also has water movement added.

Other gases besides CO2 influence diffusion. Once these levels(O2) build up about 1/2 way through the day, the reactor's abilty to 100% diffuse CO2 is greatly reduced. Then the gas bubble increases and the venturi kicks into high gear, the O2 is expelled and the CO2 is still diffused, although not 100%, this is still a very good solution to "O2 pruging" of the gas chamber.

I designed this 10 years ago and to date no one has said about why the bubble builds and why the venturi helps. Some suggested CO2 saturation levels but that is not the case. We can measure that easily.

Most folks that own CO2 reactor see a gas build up during the photoperoid, this is also directed correlated and proportional with a rise in O2 levels.

O2, unlike CO2, does not dissolve as well in water, so we have a build up in the chamber. This adds the pure O2 to the tank as well while also pruging the unit of other gases besides CO2 and allowing it to continue adding just CO2.

So there's your answer and probably more.

Regards,

Tom Barr

If the bubbles are smaller, they have more surface area to volume ratio, this should equal out = same dissolution if not more the smaller the bubble and the more contact it has with moving water.

Time is the factor I think you are likely interested in.

I think you and I need to get to the bottom your CO2 issue once and for all.

I'll go back through basic stuff, bare with me, we all need to do it once in awhile.

How big is the tank?

What are you measuring the pH/KH with?

Surface movement, filter type etc?

I have to tell folks that seem to be having the right amount to add more CO2 sometimes if the tank is not performing like it should. Just watch the fish.

How big is the reactor?

My design should be up once I get my stupid line running at home. Phone company wants 10 days. I might just go cable and say forget the phone line altogether.

The reactor I have for the site is a simple DIY internal version, this is very responsive and multiple units can be used to increase that.

I have a 350 gal tank that responds very quick now after much work.

Regards,

Tom Barr

Tom wrote:

Tom, go cable modem for broadband then get Vonage Digital for your phone.
If you make any international calls, you won't believe the savings! An added
benny is it's like an unlisted number so it's good-bye to all those people asking
for donations after you've already made your preferred donations. Sorry, OT.

Bill Ruyle

Got cable, works swell.

For subscribed members, I have an external DIY Reactor that removes the gas bubble to a user determined level which is also flexible and adjustable.

Only one reactor made can do this and is not set up for it and cost 150$+.
This can be made for 10-15$.

Thanks,

Tom Barr

I use a cell and will not use the regular phone at all, that will off set any additional high speed cost.
I also have wireless now.

Nothing like mobile freedom!

Now if I can transfer all that data to the laptop I'll be in good shape.
Took me 10 years, but I guess you can teach an old hound new tricks.

Regards,
Tom Barr

I'll have a diagram with labels for the DIY up soon or Greg might post it.
Subscribers will get the external version diagram and pics in a few weeks.

I've posted five pics of the Barr Venturi in the Gallery here: http://www.barrreport.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=11

Greg

The diagrams are up here now for Subscribers only: http://www.barrreport.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=11

Greg

It looks like this design is made to go in the corner (Suction cups going in two directions) with the opening pointing down. If so, is the venturi enough to disperse the amount of flow coming out of the bottom so it doesn't disturb substrate?