Basic CO2 diffuser

[Bees]

I think this design has been around a while but I didn't see any mention of it on OVAS when searching.  Essentially, you can use a cheap internal filter to make a basic powered diffuser for $15.

The filter is the Hagen Elite mini internal filter: http://www.petco.com/product/13796/Hagen-Elite-Mini-Underwater-Filter.aspx

Here are the steps:

1. Open the box and get rid of the included tubing – we don't need it because if you already have a DIY CO2 reactor, we're going to use the existing CO2 tubing that is currently putting the gas into the tank.
2. Open the filter and remove the sponge inside.  DON'T throw it away, we will need it later.
3. Remove the green 'adjustable flow control' tab.  Don't remove the whole impeller cap, put that back.  The idea is that with the tab gone we now have a small space for our CO2 tubing.
4. Put the filter back together, now without the sponge and tab.  As you do so, insert the CO2 tubing where the tab used to be.  Put enough tube in so it will not work loose, the filter case will hold it together.  Try to position the tube near the filter's intake (as that is the whole point!).
5. Now take the filter's internal sponge we put aside earlier and place it over the output flow nozzle and then attach the nozzle to the filter.  It snaps in where it is supposed to go.
6. Finally, place the filter somewhere appropriate in your tank.

The box says it has a maximum flow rate of 58 gallons per hour so it is good for tanks up to 40 or 50 gallons I think and you can put 2 of them in larger tanks because they are so cheap.  I found mine at Petsmart in Emerald Plaza and they had one more.

For a couple of pictures of the setup I put more details on my blog here: http://aquagarden.ca/diy-co2-diffuser-2/

[tbonedeluxe]

I have this little filter also being used as a co2 diffuser in my 55g tank.
Its works very well and is very powerful for its size.Hagen makes 2 different brands.
Here is the one i have but i got it on ebay for $10 shipped last year.
http://www.petco.com/product/13796/Hagen-Elite-Mini-Underwater-Filter.aspx