dsandson
Member
Hi folks
I've just got a small co2 system for the 60l tank, and in doing so have now ended up with 2 inline external diffusors. Hence I thought a little comparison wouldnt go amiss.
Boyu In-Line Diffusor
Cost me about £5.50 through ebay from Hong Kong. Fits 12mm & 16mm hose fittings.
I have to admit, even with postage, this is an excellent value purchase. Not only is it cheap, its also very efficient and produces a fine mist of micro-bubbles through the spray bar. No leaks at all, though for security I've used a pair of jubilee hose clips to ensure the hoses dont slip off. One major drawback is at a reasonable co2 rate on my 180l it was quite loud. Easily solved by wrapping a tea towel around it. The other is the relatively narrow bore (I think another member measured it at 9mm), which provides a small dip in flow.
Up Aqua CO2 Atomizer
Not as widely known as the above unit, this was also bought off ebay. This time for £19. Comes in 3 sizes, this one is specifically for 16mm hoses.
First off its considerably dearer, and about 2/3 the size of the Boyu diffusor. However, it is made for the specific hose size you use, so the bore is an appropriate diameter. It has nuts on both hose connections, which I found to be rubbish, so ended up with the jubilee clips again. The co2 connector has a nut again, and this is fine to use.
When finally fitted, there were no leaks and the construction seemed much better quality, as befits the price. When in use, it almost completely dissolves all co2 when powered by the same 1500l/hr filter as was used with the boyu. It's also whisper quiet. I really have to put my ear right against it to hear if the co2 is really running ok!
I have to say I liked both of these, but would go with the Up Aqua CO2 Atomizer if I had the choice.
Dave
I've just got a small co2 system for the 60l tank, and in doing so have now ended up with 2 inline external diffusors. Hence I thought a little comparison wouldnt go amiss.
Boyu In-Line Diffusor
Cost me about £5.50 through ebay from Hong Kong. Fits 12mm & 16mm hose fittings.
I have to admit, even with postage, this is an excellent value purchase. Not only is it cheap, its also very efficient and produces a fine mist of micro-bubbles through the spray bar. No leaks at all, though for security I've used a pair of jubilee hose clips to ensure the hoses dont slip off. One major drawback is at a reasonable co2 rate on my 180l it was quite loud. Easily solved by wrapping a tea towel around it. The other is the relatively narrow bore (I think another member measured it at 9mm), which provides a small dip in flow.
Up Aqua CO2 Atomizer
Not as widely known as the above unit, this was also bought off ebay. This time for £19. Comes in 3 sizes, this one is specifically for 16mm hoses.
First off its considerably dearer, and about 2/3 the size of the Boyu diffusor. However, it is made for the specific hose size you use, so the bore is an appropriate diameter. It has nuts on both hose connections, which I found to be rubbish, so ended up with the jubilee clips again. The co2 connector has a nut again, and this is fine to use.
When finally fitted, there were no leaks and the construction seemed much better quality, as befits the price. When in use, it almost completely dissolves all co2 when powered by the same 1500l/hr filter as was used with the boyu. It's also whisper quiet. I really have to put my ear right against it to hear if the co2 is really running ok!
I have to say I liked both of these, but would go with the Up Aqua CO2 Atomizer if I had the choice.
Dave
