Aqua Medic Co2 Reactor Compact Diffuser

Description

Aqua Medic CO2 Reactor Compact Diffuser — CO2 reactor with built-in check valve and bubble counter for planted aquariums up to 200 litres

CO2 only feeds plants once it has dissolved in the water, and a bubble that reaches the surface intact is gas paid for and lost. Aqua Medic CO2 Reactor Compact Diffuser (SKU: AB71630) is the compact reactor in Aqua Medic’s CO2 equipment range, which the maker describes as a CO2 reactor with an integrated non-return valve. A German Aqua Medic stockist lists it with a built-in check valve and bubble counter for aquariums up to 200 L, so the one unit dissolves the gas, shows the dosing rate and protects the regulator from water running back up the line. In Aqua Medic’s line-up it sits below the reactor 100, a passive reactor for aquariums up to 250 L, and the reactor 1000, a closed external reactor for systems up to 2,000 L.

In a pressurised CO2 system, gas runs from the cylinder through a pressure regulator and needle valve, along CO2-resistant tubing and into the reactor, where it is brought into contact with aquarium water and dissolves. The integrated non-return valve stops water siphoning back towards the regulator when the gas is turned off, so no separate check valve is needed at this point in the line. With the bubble counter built in, the dose is set by counting bubbles at the reactor while turning the needle valve: start slowly, raise the rate in small steps over several days, and watch the fish for rapid breathing at the surface, the usual sign of too much CO2. Aqua Medic’s CO2 indicator, which shows the carbon dioxide content in freshwater aquaria, confirms the level once the rate is set, and an electronic shut-off valve such as the M-ventil switches the gas off with the lights.

Usage & Application

When to Use

• Planted tanks to 200 L: The working range given by the stockist.
• First pressurised CO2 set-up: Check valve and bubble counter already built in.
• Demanding plants: Carpeting and stem plants that need more carbon than the water holds.

Installation & Setup Guide

• Connect the gas line: Run CO2-resistant tubing from the needle valve to the reactor inlet.
• Fill the bubble counter: Add water so each bubble can be seen and counted.
• Start slowly: Set a low bubble rate and increase it gradually over several days.
• Monitor and automate: Check with a CO2 indicator and fit a solenoid for night shut-off.

Product Specifications & Highlights

Key Features

• Integrated non-return valve: Stops water flowing back to the regulator, per Aqua Medic.
• Built-in bubble counter: The dosing rate is visible at the reactor.
• Rated to 200 L: For small and medium planted aquariums.
• Compact size: The smaller option below the reactor 100 and reactor 1000.
• System part: Works with a pressure regulator, solenoid and CO2 indicator.

Product Details

• Brand: Aqua Medic (Germany)
• SKU: AB71630
• Barcode (GTIN/EAN): 4025901134988
• Product Type: Aquascaping & CO2 > CO2 Reactor / Diffuser
• Type: CO2 reactor with integrated non-return valve
• Bubble Counter: Built in
• Suitable Aquarium Size: Up to 200 L
• Gas Supply: Pressurised CO2 via a pressure regulator and needle valve
• Companion Products: Aqua Medic Regular CO2 regulator (AB71011); M-ventil solenoid; CO2 indicator
• Larger Alternatives: Aqua Medic reactor 100 (to 250 L); reactor 1000 (to 2,000 L)
• Target Environment: Freshwater planted aquariums