Reddit mentions of U.P. Aqua Inline Co2 Atomizer System

That is all correct. Just not sure about airline tubing, I believe you need special tubing for CO2. Also, UP Aqua also makes an inline diffuser but not sure about how the quality compares.

If you have a hydroponics store nearby, a lot of them do CO2 tank rentals. It works like propane rentals, you put a deposit on an initial (full) tank and you pay to switch them out when you are empty. If you ever drop CO2 or need your money back, you just return the tank for your deposit.

For a regulator, I recommend going with a full regulator. Even if you ultimately go with a paintball sized canister, you can use an adapter to go down. While you can get an adapter to go the other way (paintball regulator on a full tank), it's much more limiting on the future. The Aquatek regulators are hit or miss (some people love them, some hate them), but I haven't had a problem with mine, and it was by far the cheapest option. GLA regulators are a work of art but much harder on the budget.

Aquatek regulators come with an integrated bubble counter and check valve, but you can use any check valves including the dollar ones at any pet store. Bubble counters are relatively cheap, but if you end up using a ceramic diffuser most have a bubble counter built in. You can get cheap ceramic diffusers on Amazon.

If you run a canister, I'd recommend just getting an Ista reactor. It's not much more money, it's less maintenance than cleaning diffusers, there's less CO2 lost, and less clutter in your tank. If have a canister you want to go something more sleek, you can get an in-line atomizer but I believe these require occasional maintenance compared to a reactor.

Here's another option with a cheaper (smaller) tank, different regulator, better diffuser, and a less expensive bubble counter.

I use an inline diffuser on my 90 gallon tank with an eheim classic filter. The inline diffuser I got works well with the plastic tubing that came with the eheim, but I don't think it would work on the ribbed fluval lines. So, if you go that route, be sure to find reviews on the specific model you are getting that say it will work with the fluval lines.

The dispersion is great, and most bubbles are disolved before making it to the surface. If you look closely at my tank, you can see that the spray bar is shooting micro bubbles across the entire aquarium.


This is the one I bought (maybe a different size):
http://www.amazon.com/U-P-Aqua-Inline-Atomizer-System/dp/B006HKMO06

That's exactly how it works.

This is the exact diffuser I have. I know the ceramic needs cleaned now and then but the tank hasn't had water in it for a week yet.

I pulled the pump out to check for blockage but it all looked good. I plan to take the diffuser apart Sunday just in case.

I also have a new pump coming that's going to triple my flow just in case the stock pump is just too weak for the diffuser.

For 10 to 20 gallons do this except instead of a power reactor use another bottle to make this

I've done diffusers, ladders, bells, flourish excel and I'm currently running co2 through an inline diffuser on my 75 gallon. For small tanks a co2 bell fed from some wine yeast will go for months, and produce more co2 than you can really use for less than the price of a co2 cylinder, let alone the regulator and diffuser and timer.

Pressurized is the only option once you hit 40 to 50 gallons. At that point, don't skimp on the regulator, the Milwaukee is worth every penny. It's kind of like going salt water, go big or go home. Every dime you save, ends up being more frustration, and often costing you more in the end.

If you do decide to go pressurized, this has been the best diffuser I've tried. Some people have had problems with them, it's been a champ for me for 3 years now.

If you decide to go the DIY route, remember, you don't have to use plain sugar and bread yeast. You can use honey and wine yeast, so when it's time to change out the bottle, you get mead or apple wine, or beer. Whatever floats your boat.