The 10 Best CO2 Diffusers in 2024
If you dream of creating a lush, paradise-like aquarium setup, then you’ve probably realized that the carbon dioxide –something that’s critical to the growth of plants– isn’t usually supplied in adequate amounts by your resident aquarium critters. Like so many others before you, you may have realized that you need a reliable CO2 diffuser to truly make your tank bloom.
But with all the different products out there, it’s no surprise that finding the best CO2 diffuser can be difficult.
That’s where we come in. In this article, we’re going to tell you all the details you need to know to become a well-informed –and hopefully satisfied– buyer of the best CO2 diffusers that money can buy this year.
- Key Factors to Consider in Buying a CO2 Diffuser
- Top 10 Best CO2 Diffusers 2024
- 1. Best Overall Pick: Yagote Glass CO2 Diffuser
- 2. Best Budget Pick: Fluval Mini Pressurized CO2 Kit
- 3. Best Premium Pick: Jardli Pollen Glass CO2 Diffuser
- 4. Best for Small Tanks: Rhinox Nano CO2 Diffuser
- 5. Best Stainless Steel Diffuser: Fibst CO2 Diffuser
- 6. Best for DIY Systems: Yosoo U-Shape DIY CO2 Diffuser
- 7. ST International Aquarium Glass Diffuser
- 8. Best for Versatility: NilocG Aquatics In-Line CO2 Diffuser
- 9. Best in Durability: Dannisly CO2 Diffuser
- 10. Best No-Frills Pick: YOU+ CO2 Diffuser
- The Ultimate Guide to CO2 Diffusers
- Buying the Best CO2 Diffusers
Key Factors to Consider in Buying a CO2 Diffuser
Let’s face it, fishkeeping isn’t a cheap hobby. This is especially true when it comes to buying specialized items like CO2 diffusers. It makes perfect sense for you to do some research first to make sure that what you’re buying suits your personal preferences, the unique needs of your tank, and most importantly, your wallet.
Here are the things that you need to know to make your decision!
Type of Diffuser
There are several kinds of diffusers, each with its own merits. Some types are suited for larger aquariums, while some have a lower output and are okay for smaller volumes. Some have premium features and attachments, while some are basic.
Regardless, you have to assess which type of diffuser is best suited for your setup. To help you with this, we discuss the different diffuser types in more detail further down in this guide. Ceramic diffusers comprise the bulk of our product list, as these are the most popular variety, and are best suited for use in your home aquarium.
Material and Make
When choosing your CO2 diffuser, make sure that the material used is suitable for your budget and your setup.
CO2 diffusers are usually made from either steel or glass. Steel is very sturdy and durable, but it possesses a mirror-like surface sheen when placed in the tank. Glass diffusers, like the Yagote CO2 Glass Diffuser and Jardli Pollen Glass Diffuser, in contrast, tend to be less durable, but they blend well into whatever tank setup you may have.
If you want a good middle ground between the two, you can always opt for resin glass designs, like the Starside Aquarium CO2 Diffuser. Resin glass is more durable compared to normal glass, and it does not sacrifice the aesthetics of your tank. However, it tends to cost more than the other two options.
But once again, if you don’t care about aesthetics and want to keep things cheap and functional, a stainless steel diffuser, like the Fibst CO2 Diffuser is the best option for you.
Ease of Use
Most carbon dioxide diffusers are easy to maintain. Some versions come in ceramic discs and only need bleaching agents and water to get rid of mineral build-up and discoloration. Others, like the Fibst CO2 Diffuser, go a step further and require the disc to be replaced after a certain period, saving you the hassle of cleaning and maintaining an old one.
Of course, there are some that are quite difficult to set up. Most of these are those that come with complicated accessories that let you control every aspect of the carbon dioxide input to your tank.
Compatibility
Before you commit to a carbon dioxide diffuser, you should first determine whether or not it’s compatible with the volume of your tank.
The size and volume of the aquarium that a diffuser can handle are usually indicated by the ceramic disc’s size. Generally, the larger the disk, the larger the capacity. A diameter of 2 inches or more typically means that it can manage 70-gallons of water, with the scale going up or down from there.
Make sure that the CO2 diffuser you’re buying is well-suited to the volume and dimensions of your aquarium. Otherwise, you’re just going to end up wasting money on a diffuser that can’t cater to the needs of your aquarium. Some products, like the NilocG Aquatics In-Line Diffuser, have a variable diffusion rate, which makes them suitable for any size of tank.
Extra Features
A CO2 diffuser is merely one part of a system that functions to pump additional carbon dioxide into your aquarium.
When shopping around for a diffuser, consider buying packages that come with the rest of the equipment needed for it to work as a complete system, such as the Yosoo U-Shape DIY CO2 Diffuser. Such deals are often more cost-effective than buying individual items one by one.
Keep in mind that the more features and accessories that a product has, the pricier it tends to be. If you have to stick to a budget, include in your checklist only the most basic, tried-and-tested features that you actually need.
Top 10 Best CO2 Diffusers 2024
1. Best Overall Pick: Yagote Glass CO2 Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Yagote doesn’t experiment much on the original product –but then again, why experiment when you can just hone the basics until you’ve already got a top-of-the-line product? That’s the reason why the Yagote Glass CO2 Diffuser made it to the top of this list.
Quick Facts:
- Type: U-shaped glass diffuser
- Capacity: 15-50 gallons
- Material: Glass
Overall
Made with an elegant spiral design that doesn’t detract –and instead even adds to– the beauty of your tank, Yagote’s glass diffuser is certainly something worth considering if you’re scouring the market for the best CO2 diffusers.
Set-up and Features
The Yagote diffuser is incredibly easy to set-up. Just connect the proper linings and suction cup to the wall and you’re good to go.
The ceramic diffuser disc is available in 3 sizes and has atomic pores on it that atomize passing CO2 gas. This allows it to dissolve into the water column, guaranteeing powerful diffusion from up to 50 gallons of water.
It comes in a full kit, along with a bubble counter and a valve. At this price, that’s definitely a nice surprise.
Downsides
There’s no such thing as perfect, and even our top-pick is no exception to that. For one, the biggest available size of the ceramic disk isn’t that big, which limits this product’s effectiveness to only 50 gallons of water. If you have a bigger tank, consider going double or simply buying something with a bigger capacity, like the NilocG Aquatics In-Line Diffuser. Two, its glass construction makes it rather fragile, so it’s best to handle it with care at all times.
Pros
- Elegant spiral design
- 3 available sizes for the ceramic disk
- Easy installation
- Cost-effective pricing
- Comes in a kit
Cons
- Largest disk still small
- Glass construction is fragile
2. Best Budget Pick: Fluval Mini Pressurized CO2 Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Fluval has been a rock-solid name in the fishkeeping industry since 1975, and they’re keeping up their good reputation with their introduction of the cheap, sturdy, reliable Mini Pressurized CO2 kit.
Quick Facts:
- Type: Internal CO2 diffuser kit
- Capacity: 15 gallons
- Material: Plastic and ceramic
Overall
If you’re new to CO2 diffusers and want to see for yourself if they can help make your aquarium flora bloom, then we couldn’t recommend this unit enough. Ideal for tanks up to 15 gallons, the Fluval Mini Pressurized CO2 Kit has it all –and for a very affordable, hobbyist-friendly price.
Set-up and Features
As mentioned above, the kit includes everything that you could possibly wish for in a budget CO2 diffuser. Out of the box, you get a CO2 can, secure brackets, regulator valves, and the diffuser itself. All you have to do is to hook the can up to the diffuser and you’re all set.
The diffuser unit is made out of plastic with a ceramic diffusing disk that has atomizing holes to properly break down the gas and allow it to spread into the water column.
Downsides
Understandably, this mini kit is a bit limited when it comes to the capacities that it can properly serve, as it’s only good for small aquariums and nothing more. The diffuser tends to clog up occasionally, as well. The biggest concern though is the regulator valve, which sometimes switches to a stronger output for no reason.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very convenient to set up
- Kit contains everything you may need
- Sturdy materials
- Superb CO2 diffusing
Cons
- Very limited capacity
- Prone to clogging
- Unstable regulator valve
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: An experienced maker of aquarium accessories that specializes in glassware, Jardli knows just the kind of sturdy, elegant, and wonderfully functional diffuser that consumers need –and they bring all of that expertise forward in the Jardli Pollen Glass CO2 diffuser.
Quick Facts:
- Type: U-shaped glass diffuser
- Capacity: 30-50 gallons
- Material: Glass
Overall
Jardli’s Pollen Glass Diffuser is made of high-quality glass that is the perfect balance between elegance and durability. Just take one look at this diffuser and you’ll instantly see that it’s made for convenience, with its easy-to-install hardware, easy-to-find parts, and intuitive build.
Set-up and Features
Setting up this glass diffuser is very easy. It comes with a U-shaped, 4/6mm tubing connection, which is commercially available in many places in case you need to replace it. The package also includes suction cups that you’ll be using to attach the diffuser to the glass of your tank. When attached, it looks simple and elegant.
This wide, bowl-shaped diffuser has a large surface-to-volume ratio thanks to its high-quality ceramic membrane that allows a lot of fine bubbles to pass through. It can be hooked to pressurized carbon dioxide tanks with an injection rate of 2-5 bubbles per second, making it suitable for tank capacities up to 190 liters. Plus, it can atomize up to 98% of the CO2 that runs through it, allowing it to easily dissolve into water to be used up by plants.
Downsides
The build quality is quite disappointing, considering its price. For instance, the glass itself is a bit brittle and tends to break after just a couple of months. The tubing also doesn’t stay attached to the glass and sometimes gets disconnected, which is annoying for any tank owner.
Pros
- Large volume capacity
- Unobtrusive, understated, and elegant design
- High surface-to-volume ratio
- Commercially available tubing
- 98% atomization rate
Cons
- Brittle glass
- Tubing gets disconnected
4. Best for Small Tanks: Rhinox Nano CO2 Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: Rhinox injects life into your aquarium with its expertly-designed Rhinox Nano, which encourages healthy vegetative growth in your tank with its all-glass, cylindrical, atomizing carbon dioxide diffuser.
Quick Facts:
- Type: Cylindrical glass diffuser
- Capacity: Max 20 gallons
- Material: Glass
Overall
If you’re in the market for something suitable for your little tank, the Rhinox Nano CO2 Diffuser may be what you’re looking for. Made with beautiful, crystal clear glass, it’s both understated yet aesthetically pleasing enough to be a welcome addition to your tank. It may be one of the cheapest diffusers on our list, but its capabilities are certainly nothing to scoff at.
Set-up and Features
Set-up is extremely easy since it only has two parts: the glass diffuser itself and the suction cup that you’ll be using to stick it to the wall of your tank. You can slide the suction cup up and down the tubing to adjust its location. Looks-wise, it’s very simple, which means it doesn’t detract from the artistry of your small aquarium.
In terms of performance, it’s actually quite good. It’s made specifically for tanks below 20 gallons in volume, which means its cylindrical design allows it to slow down bubble speed for better CO2 absorption in small aquariums. The atomizing pores in its high-quality ceramic membrane allow for ultra-fine bubbles as well.
Downsides
The main drawback we found to this item is that it’s too small for even medium-sized tanks. Strangely, it also creates a little bit of noise as it operates. This can be mildly annoying since small tanks typically can’t isolate sound well. Some CO2 leakage can also be found in the underwater connection. Lastly, the kit doesn’t come with a regulating valve.
Pros
- Beautiful, sturdy glass
- Cylindrical design
- Slow-rising bubble action
- Ultrafine bubbles
- Very affordable
Cons
- Limited capacity
- Makes some noise during operation
- Some CO2 leakage observed
- Doesn’t come with a valve
5. Best Stainless Steel Diffuser: Fibst CO2 Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: The mirror-like finish and the graceful U-shaped hanger do make Fibst’s champion stand out amongst the crowd, but its appearance isn’t the only noteworthy thing about it.
Quick Facts:
- Type: U-shaped stainless diffuser
- Capacity: 10-60 gallons
- Material: Stainless steel
Overall
The perfect intersection of elegance and functionality, Fibst’s high-quality stainless steel diffuser has a charming aesthetic that you can’t get anywhere else, all while maintaining a high diffusion rate and long-lasting performance.
Set-up and Features
Setting it up is as easy as hooking the steel tubing to the side of your tank. The diffuser and the tube are both made out of stainless steel, which makes them tougher than their fragile glass counterparts.
The diffuser has a sturdy ceramic disk that comes with a 6-month warranty. It also comes in a lockable design that allows the ceramic disk to be easily replaced should it wear out. The disk itself has highly atomizing pores to assure you of a high diffusion rate throughout your aquarium. For your convenience, it comes in three different sizes that can cater to tanks from 10 to 60 gallons.
Downsides
If you like everything instant, this diffuser is not for you. First of all, you need to soak the disk for up to 3 hours in aquarium water for the bubbles to achieve a fine mist. Even then, you still have to wait a full 24 hours for it to reach its optimal state. Second, the kit doesn’t come with a control valve, so you’re going to have to buy that yourself. And third, the diffuser membrane has a small surface-to-volume ratio, which limits the unit’s capacity somewhat.
Pros
- Subtle, modern design
- Sturdy material
- Offers warranty for parts
- High diffusion rate
- Comes in three sizes
Cons
- Requires a long soak time for optimal performance
- Doesn’t come with a valve
- Small surface-to-volume ratio
6. Best for DIY Systems: Yosoo U-Shape DIY CO2 Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: If you're looking to reduce costs and want to make a DIY system of your own, then the convenient, versatile, and reliable Yosoo U Shaped CO2 Diffuser is perfect for your DIY needs.
Quick Facts:
- Type: U-shaped glass diffuser
- Capacity: Max 50 gallons
- Material: Glass
Overall
If you’re looking to save some bucks by rigging your CO2 diffuser from scratch, then Yosoo’s DIY CO2 Diffuser is right for you. It comes in a complete kit that is not only cost-effective but also has everything you need to set it up in your tank.
Set-up and Features
As mentioned above, this product is actually a diffuser kit, which means that aside from the actual diffuser, it also comes with the suction cups, bubble counter, and check valve.
The check valve is sturdy and doesn’t let in water from the tank, while the bubble counter works well and allows you to see the bubbles. The diffuser itself is made out of glass, and although it’s not as pretty or elegant as Jardli’s, it works just as wonderfully. It can create a fine mist of CO2 bubbles and can handle volumes up to 50 gallons.
Downsides
Take note, it does need to soak in water for a bit for it to create that fine CO2 mist. The product is also liable to clog with algae, but you can easily clean it with bleach or citric acid.
Pros
- Easy set-up
- 4-in-1 product
- Made with sturdy materials
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Ceramic membrane clogs
- Needs to soak in water for fine bubbles
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: If you’re strapped for cash and your hard-earned bucks have better places to go than your aquarium plants, but you still want that lush, vibrant aquarium that you dream of – well, ST International’s Glass Diffuser has got you covered.
Quick Facts:
- Type: U-shaped glass diffuser
- Capacity: Max 30 gallons
- Material: Glass
Overall
If you don’t want your high-tech, high-maintenance tanks to take up a lot of your budget, then ST International’s offering may be the perfect diffuser for you. It costs just a fraction of the big brands but performs just as well, with only a few minor drawbacks.
Set-up and Features
With only two parts, this glass diffuser is very easy to install in your tank. It comes with a strong suction cup that will help make the process even easier. You can easily do maintenance on the ceramic membrane for cost-effective, repeated usage.
The diffuser itself is made of thick, high-quality clear glass that not only won’t break easily, but also won’t grab attention away from your beautiful aquarium. Its ceramic membrane can create a fine mist that allows for high CO2 absorption.
Downsides
The low price does come with some caveats. For one, the CO2 bubbles are large enough to make quite a bit of noise during operation. Two, you need to up the flow a bit to create that fine mist that is ideal for plant absorption.
Pros
- Amazingly cheap
- Durable materials
- Understated aesthetics
- High-quality ceramic membrane
- Fine CO2 mist
Cons
- Generates noise
- Needs more power for CO2 misting
8. Best for Versatility: NilocG Aquatics In-Line CO2 Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: If what you want is a high-powered, highly versatile, and highly performing CO2 diffuser that you can use in any tank size, then NilocG’s In-line CO2 Diffuser is the big gun that you’re looking for.
Quick Facts:
- Type: In-line diffuser
- Capacity: Any tank size
- Material: Plastic
Overall
No matter the volume, NilocG’s In-Line CO2 Diffuser can provide a 100% diffusion rate. It’s all thanks to its wide, composite material diffuser and its sturdy plastic housing that ensures it can withstand the pressure of any filter that it’s hooked up to.
Set-up and Features
Setting it up is easy, since the package already contains the parts you need to fit into your existing canister filter. To maximize ease of installation, the tubing comes in two sizes:1/2 inch and 5/8 inch.
The diffuser works well no matter the aquarium size, since it adjusts based on the filter of your setup. It has a clever design that allows it to hook to the filter tubing seamlessly and be able to function in sync with almost any filter brand.
Downsides
In-line diffusers don’t generally take well to maintenance, and NilocG’s product isn’t an exception. It’s rather difficult to clean and seems like it’s built to be replaced – which can be difficult because of the relatively high cost. It also takes a bit of pressure to operate the diffuser, which makes it difficult to find an adequate pressurized filter for the job.
Pros
- Ease of installation
- Two tubing sizes available
- Ensures 100% diffusion rate
- Sturdy plastic housing
- Seamless connection and in-sync operation
Cons
- Difficult maintenance
- Doesn’t disassemble
- Requires a lot of power to run
- A little pricier compared to regular diffusers
9. Best in Durability: Dannisly CO2 Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: If you’re the clumsy sort that needs their stuff to be a little tougher, then the high-quality, high-durability glass of the Dannisly CO2 Diffuser has got your back.
Quick Facts:
- Type: U-shaped glass diffuser
- Capacity: 10 gallons
- Material: Resin glass
Overall
Made from reliable, high-bending resistance glass that can take significantly more abuse than normal glass, Starside’s offering is specially made for durability.
Set-up and Features
The package comes in two pieces: the pre-assembled diffuser with an attached tube, and a suction cup. Thanks to its high-quality glass build, it’s pretty hard to break with a little force, which means you can rest easy come maintenance time.
More than that, the diffuser itself functions well, allowing a mist of CO2 bubbles to diffuse into the water column efficiently. It’s also extremely easy to install, with its simple, functional, plug-and-play design.
Downsides
The U-shape glass piece that’s meant to fit over the top of the tank is only good for rimless aquariums. Since it’s so narrow, it’s hard to fit in rimmed aquariums. You might also want to replace the included suction cup, as the one that comes with the package tends to let the diffuser slip. It’s also quite small, and not capable of handling tanks with a larger capacity.
Pros
- Adequately diffuses CO2 into the water
- High-quality glass make is very durable
- Easy, worry-free set-up and maintenance
Cons
- U-shaped glass tubing won’t fit rimmed aquariums
- Weak suction cup attachment
- Only suitable for smaller tanks
10. Best No-Frills Pick: YOU+ CO2 Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Why we like it: If you’re looking for a basic, no-frills approach to injecting CO2 into your tank, then YOU + CO2’s offering is a great option, as it provides high-quality diffusion and reliable build quality that wouldn’t let you down.
Quick Facts:
- Type: U-shaped glass diffuser
- Capacity: Max 20 gallons
- Material: Glass
Overall
YOU + CO2 has got the basics down pat. Ideal for small aquariums below 20 gallons, this U-shaped glass diffuser is made of sturdy, high-bending resistance glass that is good enough for regular use.
Set-up and Features
This U-shaped CO2 diffuser is easy to install and a breeze to maintain. The package includes a built-in bubble counter and check valve so you wouldn’t have to buy those separately – and all for a great price.
In terms of diffusing performance, it has an atomizing ceramic membrane that can efficiently diffuse carbon dioxide into bubbles. The cylindrical design also allows for slow-rising bubble action.
Downsides
It’s quite difficult to put the airline on, as it keeps on slipping no matter how hard you press. The curved U-shape attachment also can’t fit on rimmed tanks. The membrane also has a tendency to be clogged by algae and minerals.
Pros
- Made of high-bend resistance glass
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Slow-rising bubbles
- Comes with a bubble counter and check valve
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Attachment not strong enough
- U-shaped glass doesn’t fit rimmed aquariums
- Membrane gets easily clogged
The Ultimate Guide to CO2 Diffusers
If you’ve reached this far, you probably already know that choosing the perfect CO2 diffuser for your aquarium is serious business.
To say it simply, that green, vibrant paradise you’ve always envisioned for your aquarium relies upon choosing this little piece of equipment.
In the next sections, you’ll find everything that you need to know about CO2 diffusers when shopping for this essential item for your tank.
What Is a CO2 Diffuser?
Just as humans need oxygen to survive, plants too can’t live without carbon dioxide. Usually, aquarium plants get their carbon dioxide from the creatures that live in the aquarium, such as fishes or invertebrates.
However, this amount of CO2 is usually just enough to get by, but not enough for plants to flourish and bloom to their full potential. When this happens, you’ll notice little to no growth in your aquarium plants, even though you feel like you have a lot of fishes around.
If you really want your plants to increase their growth potential, you need to have at least one of two things: high amounts of light or high amounts of CO2. This is how high-maintenance, high-intensity planted tanks can achieve such lush and vibrant environments.
To increase the amount of CO2 gas dissolved in the aquarium system, you need a carbon dioxide diffuser, also known as CO2 diffusers.
CO2 diffusers increase the surface area of water that is exposed to the gas. This is done by passing the gas through the diffuser’s ceramic disc, which dissolves the CO2 into very small particles, making it easier to dissolve into water. Once the CO2 dissolves, plants can easily use it to speed up the photosynthesis process.
Types of CO2 Diffusers
There are several types of CO2 diffusers in the market, each one built for a different purpose. You have to at least know a bit about each type to know which one suits your aquarium setup best.
Ceramic Diffuser
Ceramic diffusers, typically with bodies made of either glass or stainless steel, are more easily available and are much cheaper compared to CO2 reactors. They’re called ceramic diffusers since they have a ceramic disk in the middle.
This type of diffuser is submerged in the aquarium and secured to the glass walls of the tank with suction cups. It produces very small bubbles that slowly rise through the ceramic circles. Due to its size, it’s the preferred option for small to medium-sized aquariums and is perhaps the most common type in the market right now. In fact, most of the diffusers featured on our list are classified under this type.
In-Line Diffuser
In-line diffusers are hooked up to the filter’s output, straight into the aquarium. Due to this, an in-line diffuser tends to be more efficient than other types.
A special property of an inline diffuser is that the carbon dioxide entering your aquarium has already dissolved into water from the outflow of the filter, making it easier for plants to absorb and thus, produces less wasted gas.
Airstone Diffuser
As its name suggests, this type of diffuser utilizes a common aquarium air stone. But instead of oxygen, it’s carbon dioxide that passes through the stone.
However, the porous nature of the airstone means that it creates large bubbles, which rise faster into the surface and are more difficult for the water to absorb. Due to this, most aquarists consider an airstone diffuser a waste of time. It should only be considered an option when you really need a diffuser but all you have at the moment is an airstone.
Ladder Diffuser
Made for smaller aquariums, ladder diffusers get their name from their ladder-like appearance. This type of diffuser works by passing CO2 through a ladder-like contraption made of plastic that effectively atomizes and exposes the CO2 to the water level.
They’re quite efficient and don’t need frequent cleaning, but they’re also much bigger than the more popular ceramic diffuser and, subjectively speaking, don’t look as nice inside the tank. Therefore, we didn’t think it was worthwhile to include any ladder diffusers on this list.
Reactor
A reactor is one of the priciest types of diffusers that one can buy right now. It’s capable of very high amounts of carbon dioxide output into the tank. We chose not to include any reactor diffusers on this list, because these units are commonly used only for very large fish tanks.
Maintaining Your CO2 Diffuser
Although most CO2 diffusers are typically low-maintenance, you still do need to take care of them properly if you want to get your money’s worth.
First off: Installation
There are a variety of ways that you can install a CO2 diffuser in your tank. For some, you can secure them to the glass wall with suction cups. Others can simply be placed on the aquarium floor, and yet others are hooked up on external tubes that run to the tank. Usually, this aspect of CO2 diffusers varies per brand. It’s up to you to determine the most convenient and cost-effective setup for your specific circumstances.
Second: Maintenance
Every once in a while, you need to do some cleaning to ensure that your diffuser is always working in tiptop shape. Cleaning it once a month, or every time there are noticeable discolorations, should be enough to keep it pristine.
For instance, if you have a ceramic diffuser, the ceramic disks where the CO2 bubbles come out will have to be cleaned or even changed after some time. The body of the diffuser itself and even the membrane may also acquire some discoloration because of exposure to algae and minerals in the water. To clean it up, simply take the diffuser out of the aquarium and wipe it with a 1:1 water and chlorine solution to remove the dirt and debris stuck on its surface.
Be sure to thoroughly rinse it before putting it back in your tank, as you don’t want to pollute your water with whatever chemical that you used to clean your diffuser. Lastly, always check the product manual, as the exact kind of maintenance a diffuser needs will depend on its type and even brand.
What Is a Bubble Counter and Do I Need One?
A bubble counter is a device that lets you count the number of CO2 bubbles that go into your tank for a set period. It will tell you exactly how much CO2 you have in your tank, allowing you to have better control over your aquarium’s environment.
Some diffuser kits, like Yagote’s or Yosoo’s, include bubble counters in the package. But if you’re buying one separately, then you might be wondering if you even need one in the first place.
If you’re the type of person who likes full control and wants to bring out the maximum potential of your underwater paradise, then a bubble counter will definitely help you get closer to your goal. After all, you can use the data given by the bubble counter to better plan your CO2 arrangements.
However, there’s nothing wrong if you choose not to get a bubble counter. Some planted tank enthusiasts don’t want the added stress of closely monitoring the gasses that their plants can use for food –and that’s perfectly acceptable, too.
Buying the Best CO2 Diffusers
And there you have it –everything you need to know to buy the best carbon dioxide diffuser for your planted aquarium needs! Remember to keep in mind all the considerations we listed above when choosing the best CO2 diffuser for your aquarium. Not only will your plants grow more beautifully, but your fish will also be much happier in their healthier environment.
