Description
GLA PRO-CO2 Atomizing Reactor 5L
Advanced Atomizing CO₂ Reactor for Nature Aquariums
The GLA PRO-CO2 Atomizing Reactor 5L combines high-pressure CO₂ atomization with reactor-based dissolution to improve CO₂ absorption while reducing gas accumulation.
Unlike traditional reactors that rely primarily on contact time and large gas chambers, the PRO-CO2 Reactor utilizes a removable ceramic atomizer to convert CO₂ into an ultra-fine mist before it enters the reactor chamber. This dramatically increases gas-to-water contact area, helping CO₂ dissolve more rapidly and efficiently than conventional large-bubble reactor designs.
The result is improved CO₂ utilization, reduced gas accumulation, and more consistent CO₂ delivery throughout the aquarium.
Hybrid Atomizing Reactor Technology
The PRO-CO2 Reactor uses a two-stage dissolution process:
- Stage 1: High-pressure atomization creates thousands of microscopic CO₂ bubbles.
- Stage 2: The reactor chamber provides additional contact time for efficient dissolution.
Rather than relying solely on contact time, this hybrid design combines atomization and reactor-based dissolution to help maximize the amount of injected CO₂ that enters solution before water returns to the aquarium.
- Faster CO₂ dissolution
- Improved CO₂ utilization
- Reduced gas accumulation and pocketing
- More stable dissolved CO₂ concentrations
- Cleaner aquarium presentation with no visible in-tank diffuser
Improved CO₂ Utilization
The GLA PRO-CO2 Reactor is designed to help maximize the effectiveness of every bubble of CO₂ introduced into the system.
By atomizing CO₂ before it enters the reactor chamber, the system increases gas-to-water contact area and improves overall absorption efficiency.
Many aquarists can achieve target CO₂ levels while operating at lower bubble rates than conventional large-bubble reactor designs. Actual results will vary depending on aquarium size, filtration flow, circulation, plant mass, and CO₂ demand.
- Reduced CO₂ waste
- Potentially lower operating bubble rates
- Reduced gas accumulation within the reactor
- More stable CO₂ levels
- Longer intervals between CO₂ cylinder refills
By improving overall CO₂ utilization, the reactor helps make more efficient use of every CO₂ cylinder refill.
High-Pressure Ceramic Atomizing Core
At the heart of the reactor is a removable high-pressure ceramic atomizer that produces an ultra-fine CO₂ mist for rapid dissolution and improved reactor efficiency.
- Increased gas-to-water contact area
- Faster CO₂ absorption
- Reduced gas pocketing
- Improved performance across a wide range of flow rates
- Removable for cleaning and servicing
Oversized Internal Flow Path
The latest PRO-CO2 Reactor features an enlarged internal standpipe and expanded flow path designed to reduce restriction and improve water movement through the reactor.
- Larger internal standpipe
- Larger flow passages
- Reduced hydraulic restriction
- Improved flow capacity
- Enhanced compatibility with larger filtration systems
These improvements allow greater water throughput while maintaining excellent CO₂ dissolution performance.
Expanded Filter Compatibility
The reactor includes adapter sets for 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, and 1" tubing, making it suitable for a wide range of canister filters, external pumps, compact planted aquariums, and larger high-flow systems.
- 12mm Adapter Set Included
- 16mm Adapter Set Included
- 20mm Adapter Set Included
- 1" Adapter Set Included
- Compatible with many Fluval FX Series installations
Each adapter connection utilizes a clear silicone O-ring to provide a water-tight seal between the adapter and reactor lid.
High Flow Capability
The PRO-CO2 Reactor is engineered to operate across a wide range of flow rates and is particularly well suited for larger planted aquariums, high-energy aquascapes, and high-flow filtration systems.
- Minimum Recommended Flow: Approximately 300 GPH
- Typical Operating Range: 400–1200 GPH+
- Suitable for many canister filters and return pumps
- No additional power required; operates using existing filtration flow
Push-Connect CO₂ System
The reactor utilizes a push-connect CO₂ fitting and removable atomizer assembly for quick installation and simple servicing.
- Tool-free CO₂ tubing installation
- Easy atomizer removal
- Simplified maintenance
- Long-term serviceability
Serviceable Atomizer Design
Unlike permanently integrated systems, the PRO-CO2 Atomizing Reactor uses a removable ceramic atomizer assembly.
- Removable for cleaning and maintenance
- Replaceable if needed
- No need to replace the entire reactor for atomizer maintenance
Maintenance-Friendly Construction
The large reactor body and removable top allow easier inspection, access, and routine maintenance. The clear chamber also makes it easier to observe reactor operation during setup and troubleshooting.
Why Choose a CO₂ Reactor?
Many aquarium CO₂ systems lose efficiency when undissolved gas accumulates within equipment or returns to the aquarium before fully dissolving.
The GLA PRO-CO2 Reactor is engineered to maximize CO₂ absorption before water returns to the aquarium, helping provide:
- Stable CO₂ levels
- Improved plant growth potential
- Reduced CO₂ consumption
- Cleaner aquarium presentation
- No visible in-tank diffuser
- Reduced visible microbubbles in the aquarium
- No additional power required
Specifications
- Reactor Chamber Capacity: 5 Liters
- Height: Approximately 19"
- Diameter: Approximately 6"
- Minimum Recommended Flow: Approximately 300 GPH
- Typical Operating Range: 400–1200 GPH+
- Installation Location: Filter return line
- CO₂ Connection: Push-connect fitting
- Included Adapter Sizes: 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, and 1"
- Construction: Acrylic
What’s Included
- GLA PRO-CO2 Atomizing Reactor 5L with Installed High-Pressure Ceramic Atomizer
- 12mm Adapter Set
- 16mm Adapter Set
- 20mm Adapter Set
- 1" Adapter Set
- Clear Silicone O-Rings
- Installation & Maintenance Guide
Feature Highlights
- Hybrid Atomizing Reactor Technology: Combines high-pressure atomization with reactor-based dissolution.
- Improved CO₂ Utilization: Helps reduce CO₂ waste and may allow lower operating bubble rates.
- Reduced Gas Pocketing: Designed to minimize gas accumulation inside the reactor chamber.
- Removable Ceramic Atomizer: Serviceable atomizer core for easier cleaning and maintenance.
- Push-Connect CO₂ Installation: CO₂ tubing and atomizer assembly push in easily for simple setup and servicing.
- Oversized Internal Flow Path: Helps reduce restriction while supporting strong water movement.
- Expanded Filter Compatibility: Includes 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, and 1" adapter sets.
- Fluval FX Series Compatible: Designed to support many high-flow Fluval FX filter installations.
- External Installation: Keeps the aquarium clean with no visible in-tank diffuser.
- No Additional Power Required: Operates using existing filtration flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from a traditional CO₂ reactor?
Traditional CO₂ reactors primarily rely on contact time to dissolve larger CO₂ bubbles. The GLA PRO-CO2 Atomizing Reactor first atomizes CO₂ into an ultra-fine mist before introducing it into the reactor chamber. This increases gas-to-water contact area and improves overall dissolution efficiency.
Will this reactor reduce CO₂ consumption?
Many aquarists find they can achieve target CO₂ levels while operating at lower bubble rates compared to conventional large-bubble reactor designs. Actual results will vary depending on aquarium size, flow rate, plant mass, circulation, and CO₂ setup.
Does the reactor eliminate gas pocketing?
The atomizing core is designed to significantly reduce the gas accumulation commonly associated with traditional reactor designs. Small amounts of gas accumulation may still occur depending on flow rate, CO₂ injection level, and system configuration.
Is the ceramic atomizer serviceable?
Yes. The ceramic atomizer assembly is removable for cleaning, maintenance, or replacement if needed.
What filter tubing sizes are included?
The reactor includes adapter sets for four installation sizes: 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, and 1" tubing.
Are silicone O-rings included?
Yes. Clear silicone O-rings are included for the adapter connections. Each O-ring should be properly seated beneath the adapter connection to help provide a water-tight seal between the adapter and reactor lid.
Is this compatible with Fluval FX Series filters?
Yes. The included 1" adapter set provides compatibility with many Fluval FX Series filter installations.
Where should the reactor be installed?
The reactor should be installed externally on the filter return line after the canister filter and before water returns to the aquarium.
Correct installation:
Canister Filter → PRO-CO2 Reactor → Aquarium Return
Do not install the reactor on the filter intake line.
Will I still need an in-tank diffuser?
No. The reactor is installed externally and is designed to dissolve CO₂ before water returns to the aquarium, helping maintain a clean display without a visible in-tank diffuser.
Does the reactor require additional power?
No. The reactor operates using existing filtration flow and does not require a separate pump or power source.
Can the atomizer be removed for cleaning?
Yes. The atomizer assembly can be removed for routine cleaning and servicing.
Will I see microbubbles in the aquarium?
The reactor is designed to maximize CO₂ dissolution before water returns to the aquarium. Depending on flow rate, CO₂ injection level, and aquarium configuration, some microbubbles may still be present, but many aquarists experience significantly fewer visible bubbles compared to traditional diffuser-based systems.
Do I need any tools to tighten the reactor lid screws?
No. The reactor lid screws are designed to be tightened by hand only. Do not use screwdrivers, drills, power tools, pliers, or excessive force when tightening the lid screws.
Over-tightening may damage screws, threads, seals, O-rings, or acrylic components. Tighten the screws using moderate hand pressure only.
Is a check valve included?
A check valve is recommended between the regulator and reactor to help prevent water backflow into the CO₂ system. Check valve sold separately and not included with the reactor.
Improved CO₂ Utilization. Reduced Gas Accumulation. Professional-Grade Performance.
Customer Reviews
-
They should call this the SUPER co2 reactor.
The pictures do not do justice, this thing is a big and burly. I can not stress enough how intense my plants produce oxygen by the end of the day, its super intense and no diffuser ever did that for me. Super impressed with this, and thank you David for helping tune my co2 levels!
-
Huge thanks to GLA and team!
Highly recommend GLA products. Got a whole co2 system and this reactor and could not be happier. Everything was high quality and packaged well. Service was top notch!
-
This bad boy is the jam!
This is THE co2 reactor. 3 weeks solid so far and haven’t touched a dang thing. My apex controller says my co2 has never been more stable. Love this thing!
-
Brilliant co2 reactor and great customer support!
Wonderful experience was had working with GLA and my first co2 reactor. I come from years of old diffusers and inline diffusers but grew tired of the frothy bubbles all over. It wasn’t bad but once you see a clear tank enriched with co2 it’s hard to pass up the concept. My local fish shop has GLA products and they had one of these hooked up on a big display tank. I ordered one with a new co2 system and in 5 days it arrived and was set up. I did have GLA assist me with tuning the co2 bubble rate and in 48hrs my drop checker was a lime yellowish green and was advised to lower my bubble rate. Day 3 it was perfect. Everything has been sparkling clear and my plants are loving it! A million thanks David at GLA for all your help!
-
GLA has the best co2 equipment no exception here.
I have the first gen version of this reactor in steel and very pleased with it. I waited a while for my second tank to get all the bits in line and this was the final piece. After two days of dialing in my co2 this thing is incredible. My water is crystal clear and plants are pearling like mad. I get more pearling plants with this reactor than I did with my inline diffuser. Solid build quality typical of GLA.
-
Loving this reactor so far.
Ditched my inline diffuser for this and the results are incredible. My atomizer never made my plants pearl nearly as much. Didn’t take long to get dialed in thanks to the support from GLA. Their tech support is amazing and very helpful. If you buy this and never used a co2 reactor before, reach out to these guys and save yourself the time of knowing how to properly use a reactor. You won’t regret it.
-
This is what a co2 reactor should be.
Retired my previous reactor to give this a whirl and man is it a beast. I have it hooked up to my Eheim Pro 3E and it’s a beast. My co2 is totally saturated and by late noon my plants are pearling like crazy. This thing is awesome!
-
What an absolute beast of a co2 reactor wow!
I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box. This is larger than my co2 system. This is an absolute unit! I use Eheim 2262 to power this monster. I spent 3 days fine tuning the reactor which prepare yourself it will take a few days. GLA sided me in getting me dialed in and I learned so much. There expertise and vast knowledge paid off. David was all hands on deck getting my 150g tank dialed in to perfection. I have 100% saturation, no huge gas bubble in the reactor. Drop checker almost a lime green at 2.5 bubbles per second, possibly 2 per second. 3 days of tuning and I’m on day 9 and haven’t touched anything in my co2 system. I find myself tending to the plants more than anything and no more diffuser cleanings. Happy camper here!
-
Best co2 reactor ever built.
The reactor works extremely well with my Fluval FX. 100% saturation of all the co2 I inject is all I ask for. Only took me about 2-3 days to dial in to perfection. A+ co2 reactor GLA!
-
Our shop 100% approves of these baby’s!
Our shop recently took in a shipment of GLA goods and onboard were a bunch of these reactors for a new set of display tanks. Most of not all our techs are not huge fans of atomized co2 in the tanks as they tend to feel distracting. We’ve already set up several here and in client installations and can confidently say these work extremely well. We use only XL canister filters from Ehiem and Aquaelle. These filters are huge and push big flow which mates well with this reactor. Crystal clear water and an amazing amount of pearling from the plants, including in our plant display tanks. GLA does a great job at bringing quality to aquascaping.
