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
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CO2 Reactor and Support
I was a complete newbie at this and their texting support was just friggin AMAZING at helping me set it up and even provided reference images! It works fantastically and I've had ZERO issues!
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Without doubt the best co2 reactor in the game.
This is a huge reactor so be sure to read the specs. I suggest adding 2” to what they list due to the hose connections. It’s a large volume unit where zero co2 escapes, zero waste! My tank is on point daily with co2. Plants pearling and my plumbing looks rad!
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Best co2 reactor on the market.
I’m not novice to using co2 reactors as I’ve got a few I’ve used. This GLA reactor is near perfect. I’d rate it 5 stars if it came with a check valve for the co2 tubing. Other than that it’s perfect. Very well made design without a drop of co2 escaping. I have mine hooked up to a dedicated pump made by Iwaki and it moves water like a beast at 1800gph. Reactor performs perfectly everyday.
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Absolute CO2 excellence.
I own quite a bit of equipment from GLA and every time it’s top quality stuff. Their service is also unmatched. I’m louding service because they have an incredible text message service. They provide photos and videos of whatever you might need. Really great people to work with. But back to this reactor, it’s a really good reactor. Comes with a bunch of hose fittings to choose from and they even include a whole dang roll of Teflon tape lol. It took me about two days to dial in to perfection. Tank is crystal clear and void of the 7-Up look from traditional diffusers. Now the only visible bubbles are my plants peeling like mad.
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Outstanding reactor and premium customer service.
The reactir is absolutely outstanding and GLA’s customer service is amazing. They should write a book on how to setup and install co2 systems on very large tanks. My tank is 230g in size and they helped me from start to finish and I could not be more pleased. Everything was shipped for free. The service was free and worth every penny in my investment in a full GLA CO2 system. Everything works like a top. Thank you GLA.
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It’s an absolute unit of a co2 reactor.
You really don’t get the size of how big it is until it arrives, it’s huge! Pro tip: I installed the GLA inline at the top to atomize co2 prior to it entering the reactor and it works INCREDIBLY well. Then! I used the original co2 inlet port for my GLA Nectar AIO Dosing port. Injecting fertilizer into a virtual mixing vessel prior to entering the tank. This was GLA’s advice and I could not be happier. What a work of art this system has turned out to be.
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GLA is the best in aquascaping gear.
Been a customer with GLA since 2008. Still using my old co2 kit from then and now upgraded to this co2 reactor. It’s been an amazing unit and works really well on my 120g tank. It’s a huge reactor so it’s been able to handle the high flow from my pump and large amount of co2. Thanks GLA for continuing to put out great products.
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Very pleased with this co2 reactor.
Super efficient and high quality reactor. Using this on my 90g has been an absolute success. Plants are happy and my drop checker is a perfect shade of green/yellow. Yes I keep my co2 on the high side but my tank is happy!
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Beast mode has been activated!
The photo does no justice with this reactor. It’s massive and works perfectly! Co2 levels are stable and stay steady everyday. I have my co2 on a ph controller so my levels are dialed into perfection. High quality unit that freaking works! A++
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This thing rocks!
This is what I’ve wanted since ditching my Cerges reactor. That thing was a nightmare and an absolute abortion of a design. With this it’s just super easy to use and I don’t ever mess with it. My co2 is stable and always puts my drop checker near the yellow zone in short time.
