Anyone wants to build Calcium Reactors together? [Archive] - Boston Reefers Society Online Community

Reef55

11-23-2004, 04:09 PM

I'd be in on this I have a CO2 tank, just need the regulators and stuff and the reactor...how much for all the parts?

Regulators and stuff:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3212&item=4337904164&rd=1

Premade flanges:

http://www.myreefcreations.com/diy.htm

Recirc pump (mag 2):

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=DN1119

Feeder pump (maxijet 1200):

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=AS1117

Jon-quest fittings / misc parts / acrylic:

Home depot!

Oh yeah... the clear acrylic tube.... just so happens I have 5 clear acrylic tubes, each about a foot tall, 4" diameter, perfect for this project for whomever wants them. I'll happily accept any donation frags in return. :)

I have a calcium reactor running on my system now, so I can offer design help to those who need it also.

~Flighty~

11-23-2004, 05:41 PM

We are deffinately in on this if the whole "having a baby" issue is cleared up by then.

We've got frags to trade for acrillic :)

ScottM

11-23-2004, 05:47 PM

i have a bunch of tubes and extra misc and regs if people are interested.

i am just too lazy to make flanges. too cheap to buy andy's.
nate,
Whant to loan out your jig for flanges?

NateHanson

11-23-2004, 08:46 PM

I'll loan out anything, but we didn't make flanges for this last project. The tops were glued directly to the body of the skimmer.

I made a 6" kalk reactor with a flange, but I didn't make a fancy jig because there was just one flange to make. I must have an 8" pattern around for the outside (the inside is just pattern shaped to the inside of the tube after they're glued).

Armando

11-23-2004, 09:04 PM

I'd like to build a kick S reactor where can i find a large diameter cyl?

spectrum

11-23-2004, 10:21 PM

ScottM

11-23-2004, 10:27 PM

Spectrum is the MAN! with acrylic.

i'd be VERY interested in a 2xhigh reactor design.

Bidadari

11-23-2004, 11:02 PM

We just made a dual chamber reactor. It is a good DIY project.
http://webpages.charter.net/adjohan/reactor.JPG

JayG

11-24-2004, 08:27 AM

I still have some of the acrylic tubes from the group buy and would be interested in building a calc reactor. I've never really worked with acrylic before though....

clamm

11-24-2004, 09:19 AM

im interested in building one as well if anyone can help...

ScottM

11-24-2004, 09:43 AM

casey i have a tube for you. i also have industrial magnetic stirrirs for anyone interested in Kalk reactors

skatezen

11-24-2004, 09:45 AM

I could be interested in a kalk reactor too.

jmkeary

11-24-2004, 09:48 AM

well sounds like lots of interest just need to find a place to do this.

NateHanson

11-24-2004, 09:50 AM

I made a 6" kalk reactor with a flange, but I didn't make a fancy jig because there was just one flange to make. I must have an 8" pattern around for the outside (the inside is just pattern shaped to the inside of the tube after they're glued).

I just remembered how I made my flange. I turned it on the lathe. Also turned a retaining channel for the O-ring to sit in.

If people want to make flanges I'll turn you a pattern so you can easily make them with the router.

clamm

11-24-2004, 10:10 AM

ok, thanks scott!

~Flighty~

11-24-2004, 10:12 AM

We have a lot of room to do it, but not much in the way of tools. We have a four car garage (two deep, two wide) and a barn/workshop with electricity (but not heat).

spectrum

11-24-2004, 12:13 PM

I have the tools but not a lot of room. Now that winter is upon us and I really have nothing better to do after everybody here goes to sleep I'll make the same offer I made last year. Contact me and we can set up a time to build one one these in my 100 year old cellar (yes it's dusty and a little cramped) but I think I was able to make about 10 of these last year over the winter (nickoz, Heavydc2, Neo, jackfors, abbottsjumper, mikestod and others all have reactors I either built or assisted in) . I have a design I like to use, but if you have one you want to try out lets give it a shot.
One thing you'll need in addition to the tube (s) is 3/8 or thicker acrylic for the flanges and base. Anything thinner tends to bend and leak.
I think Scubadave should have first dibs because he's been waiting since last year (he's a busy man from the sounds of it)

Happy Thanksgiving.

spectrum

Armando

11-24-2004, 01:04 PM

Armando,
granted I doubt you'll take me up on the offer but I have a number of the 6" tubes that were bought in a group buy last winter. I'd be more than happy to assist you in making a reactor, I've made a number for the group and would have no problem in making one with you.

spectrum
Spectrum (or whatever your name is),

Although I hate to put this public, you already did so I feel obliged to respond in public.

After ruining my past weekend and your failed attempt to ruin my reputation with other members, I find your offer distasteful, to say the least. I don't want to be held accountable for something you did (or you think you did) for me, like you already tried to do.

If you trade something with someone then whatever you traded is no longer yours OK? The person can do whatever they want with it. If you're not satisfied with what you got in return say something right away. Don't keep if to be used against the person it the future. Just so you know I gave the two tanks for free. I hope you enjoy the frags I gave to you.

I see your game coming here trying to play the nice guy but just FYI, I don't play these games. I am what I am, to everyone, with no discrimination, and I don't know what are your real intentions with this but I just can't deal with someone like you. So if you want to play the game you're going to have to play by yourself, I will no longer read this thread.

And as you can see, you ruined my Calcium Reactor building as well. I guess I'm going to have to shell out $300 to buy a new one, but believe me, it's well worth it.

Take care,
Armando

jmkeary

11-24-2004, 01:34 PM

??????????

clamm

11-24-2004, 01:39 PM

humm..im still interested...i think

spectrum

11-24-2004, 01:39 PM

Long story, not worth repeating. Every story has at least two sides and Armando and I unfortunately have picked opposing ones.
But I must say I was not trying to sabotage the reactor build, I was just offering to help.

spectrum

jmkeary

11-24-2004, 01:41 PM

well back on subject i have found a site that has a JBJ setup Includes two gauges, solenoid, bubble counter, needle valve and check valve. Fixed working pressure-meaning when you open the C02 tank valve, the regulator automatically ajusts it to the correct working pressure. for $99 price is good but not sure if the supplier is and what shipping would be here is the site http://www.aquabotanic.com/abstore/en-us/dept_3.html

james

jmkeary

11-24-2004, 01:45 PM

ok now i found it for $88 ;-)

clamm

11-24-2004, 02:30 PM

cool? btw have we settled on a time/place...i really want to do this but I have to make sure I can make the meetings so that I get help with it...otherwise I will have a handful of parts with some duct tape around them.

heavydc2

11-24-2004, 09:22 PM

well, I am sorry that someone had to lose there temper here (it was really tough), as you can see who it might be. Those of you that are still interested... everyone but... you should at least talk to Dan (spectrum) who actually gave a solemn post. He built mine last year, I think it was his second(only got better from there), and its fantastic. Anyone that has talked to him knows what kind of person he really is, not the portrale that someone else has(look at little deeper). Yes he is a personal friend of mine, yes he does not post too much on the board, but if you talk to anyone who has met him will say the same thing I do. I am not really trying to defend Dan in anyway(there is no need to.. lol), his actions speak more then someone elses words. If you have any questions about how to build a reactor, why not ask. He has made some professional looking skimmers and likes to help out a reefer in need.

clamm

11-24-2004, 11:39 PM

I know nothing about it and choose not to...

Moe_K

11-25-2004, 01:19 AM

We should let it go, so the thread need not be closed.
Thanks.

~Flighty~

11-25-2004, 08:58 AM

I think it is more fun (although probably much less productive) to get together and build a bunch at once. How hard would it be to bring the nessecary tools to one place and get some built in a day, then have beer? Are the nessecary tools truck transportable?

Scuba_Dave

12-03-2004, 02:29 PM

I thought I heard someone post my name & CA Reactor build ;)

spectrum

12-03-2004, 03:51 PM

I thought I heard someone post my name & CA Reactor build ;)

You did, and it's in the works as we speak, give me a bit and it'll be done

spectrum

Scuba_Dave

12-03-2004, 06:38 PM

Any night you want me to come over let me know. I've been on the go since the new job, finally getting some breathing room

Piscevore

12-06-2004, 10:35 PM

Sorry to Hijack a thread, but Scuba_Dave, you don't have PM or email or IM....Do you know anyone or anywhere you could suggest where I purchase a wet suit/semi dry for my girl. She's small. I was hoping you could give me a suggestion ... :)

Swim74

12-07-2004, 12:25 PM

I would like to build my own calcium reactor. I think that its going to be cheaper than buying a already made one, and I think I will save money in the long run by not having to add additive.

I have NO idea how to go about doing this, but I am willing to shell out cash for beer, pizza, supplies, etc.

just say when and where and how much if it has not been established already.

I have access to some tools from my neighbor as well. good stuff. power tools baby.

MarkO

12-13-2004, 06:24 PM

Hey, just wanted to bump this thread. I think it's a great idea. Can we start a list of people interested?

Anyone have a parts list?

Piscevore

12-13-2004, 06:27 PM

I'm interested in a double barrel reactor group build.

MarkO

12-13-2004, 07:36 PM

Ok,
I'm interested in a double barrel reactor group build as well.
I'll start a thread just for a list of names.

JayG

12-13-2004, 08:39 PM

I would be interested in building a reactor. I still have 2 if the tubes everyone purchased from Ebay.

Scuba_Dave

12-15-2004, 02:46 PM

I'm interested, I need to build 2 or 3

scavdog

12-16-2004, 11:30 AM

I have pics from when a few of us made reactors. Maybe I can post online.

MarkO

12-16-2004, 12:44 PM

Sure, a few photos would help. Also, if anyone has a parts list?
Thanks in advance.

~Flighty~

12-16-2004, 12:51 PM

We want to build one too.

spectrum

12-20-2004, 03:01 PM

Hey Scubadave,
your reactor is finished. Contact me about getting it. I have a couple of questions also.

Dan

Scuba_Dave

12-20-2004, 06:26 PM

?? Wow!!, I thought you were joking last time!! I have the mag3 pumps & some sheets of (acrylic - wow pulling a brain cramp), plus some tubes.
I'll send you a PM or an E-mail
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rick and Sandy

12-27-2004, 07:45 AM

We would be interested. We have our tubes already (and might even have an extra 1-2 as well.) WHEN AND WHERE?

R&S

spectrum

12-27-2004, 03:20 PM

Here is an example of one of the reactors I've built. I have made a few modifications to the recirculation manifold. Instead of using 1 "+" connector for water and CO2 inlets, I used 2 "T" connectors instead.

As I have stated before, I have no problem helping people make these but I really cannot fit that many people into my cellar workshop.

Rob

12-27-2004, 03:43 PM

Dan, thats a real nice reactor. I only see one minor problem
its not under my tank...........

count me in.

I can fit 10 or so folks in my basement but lack most of the tools and stuff to build., so if a place is in need, I'll offer up my basement.
Hell we can even to get a few games of pool and darts in......

Rob

Rick and Sandy

12-28-2004, 08:42 AM

Nice looking reactor - Count us in!

MarkO

12-29-2004, 04:42 PM

If you guys want, I've got enough room for about a dozen people here in Lowell (basement). I've also got a garage, but it would probably be a little too cold in there.

Scuba_Dave

12-29-2004, 05:55 PM

I'm trying to get over a cold, but still interested in attending one of these DIY sessions

~Flighty~

12-29-2004, 07:03 PM

We seem to have lots of possible build locations. What tools do we need? can anyone post a list?

Rick and Sandy

01-09-2005, 10:58 AM

Any updates?

spectrum

01-09-2005, 01:33 PM

For all of you that want to build reactors and have the tubes from the EBAY purchase I have a little project for you. In order that these tubes mate perfectly to both that base and the flanges the ends HAVE to be made flat. The best way I have found is to take a piece of 300 grit wet/drive sandpaper spray contact adhesive on the back and glue it to a very flat surface. I use a piece of medium density fiberboard.
Now, take your tube into both hands and sand the bottom of the tube using a circular or figure eight motion all the time keeping a firm downward pressure.
This technique is very similar to one used by people who make there own mirrors for telescopes. When one end is done, do the other. Repeat for the second tube. This will take a while but is absolutely nessesary. I would strongly suggest that those who want to build reactors do this, it will save us time when assembly time comes.

MarkO

01-09-2005, 02:36 PM

Spectrum, do you happen to have a link or a supplier for the tubes?

spectrum

01-09-2005, 02:43 PM

Afraid I don't. Mine came from an EBAy group purchase. You can buy 6 in extruded tubes from local plastics companies

spectrum

01-13-2005, 09:52 PM

Here is another item those of you making reactors will need, O-rings.
I've been buying mine from www.allorings.com

For those of you who want to use flanges for the top of the reactor tubes, these are essential. Here is what I use on a flange for a six inch tube

Website: www.allorings.com (they are in Hampton Falls, NH)

2-258 EPDM O-RINGS 70D BLACK

These are 6.00" diameter 1/8 thick silicon O-rings sutible for very harse enviorments, much greater that they will see in a reactor. (Sorry, I'm an engineer and have a tendancy to over-engineer my projects)

Dan

MarkO

01-14-2005, 10:08 AM

How long are the tubes?

NateHanson

01-14-2005, 10:53 AM

Spectrum, do you happen to have a link or a supplier for the tubes?

You can buy them from either USPlastic.com or mcmaster.com

Another supplier for O-rings of any size or material is Marco Rubber in North Andover. They gave me a few 6 1/4" and 4 1/4" o-rings when I stopped in there a couple months ago. Nice folks, and local too.

Armando

01-14-2005, 11:51 AM

Nate any o-rings hanging around accumulating dust? :)

NateHanson

01-14-2005, 12:58 PM

I've got two 4 1/4" x 3/16 o-rings that I don't have immediate plans for. You can have them if they're the right size for you. Marco rubber is also right up here, so you could stop by and get exactly what you need next time you go to aquaaddicts or someone's place up here, if you want a different size.

Armando

01-14-2005, 01:03 PM

Well this thing about getting Marco's rubber is a bit extreme :D But in any case, my parts list says 2 6" O-rings so i won't be able to use the 4" thank you anyway.

Scuba_Dave

01-14-2005, 01:07 PM

Group buy on O-rings...I could use 8 or so...

NateHanson

01-14-2005, 01:15 PM

Well this thing about getting Marco's rubber is a bit extreme :D But in any case, my parts list says 2 6" O-rings so i won't be able to use the 4" thank you anyway.

Well, no offense to Marco, but I don't think his rubbers are 6" around anyways.

(uh, sorry about that)

Armando

01-14-2005, 03:19 PM

I'll be ordering all parts online tomorrow. That's going to be a painful process to find all the right parts and putting them in the shopping cart :( I'll post SKU Numbers so ppl don't have to go through this.

NateHanson

01-14-2005, 03:59 PM

Yeah, Armando, I'd like to see that list, incase I ever get around to doing this project.

Nate

Armando

01-15-2005, 12:06 AM

After picking a bunch of items their web site went down i hope i dont lose the cart information :mad:

Armando

01-15-2005, 10:48 AM

this is what i came up with. if anyone has corrections let me know.

Kim

01-15-2005, 11:35 AM

Thanks Armando!

NateHanson

01-16-2005, 01:10 AM

What's the plan you're using for this Armando. Can we see it somewhere?

spectrum

01-16-2005, 08:32 AM

Armando's reactor will be like all the recent reactors I've made. 2 6' tubes 18" tall, flanges on both. Pump underneath forcing a CO2 enriched water upwards through a diffusser plate and then media and then recirculated. a smallet tube will connect the first tube to the second to assist in the offgassing of extra CO2 from the water, then exit the top of the second tube.
There are a few pics floating around on BRS about one of my reactors

spectrum

01-16-2005, 08:42 AM

actually the design is a few posts up

MarkO

01-16-2005, 11:08 AM

Armando, can you tell me where you purchased those items?

Armando

01-16-2005, 11:18 AM

MarkO that shopping cart is from www.usplastics.com. Make sure you double-check if the list is correct before you order. I am not sure if the john guest fittings are the right ones. The 6" tubes I bought from www.mcmaster.com.

Piscevore

01-16-2005, 11:25 AM

what did you get for tubes armando ?

Armando

01-16-2005, 11:26 AM

VPPR I ordered the:

Clear Cast Acrylic Hollow Rod 6" OD X 5-1/2" ID, 3' Length (Same as 8486K935)

MarkO

01-18-2005, 10:13 PM

Thanks Armando!

MarkO

01-19-2005, 10:30 AM

FWIW:
US Plastics also sells 6" OD x 1/4" wall thickness clear plastic tubing.
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/default.asp
Part number:
44079
$29.64 per l.f.

Armando

01-19-2005, 10:54 AM

that's more expensive though. on mc-m site you pay 26.33 per ft.

MarkO

01-19-2005, 11:44 AM

I was going to mention that. Did you order 2-18" lenghts or one 36"?
Also, how much was the shipping?

Armando

01-19-2005, 11:46 AM

they only have 36" option. total:

Products
Line Quantity Part Number Description Unit Price Total Price Ships
1 1
Each 8486K938 Clear Cast Acrylic Hollow Rod 6" OD X 5-1/2" ID, 3' Length (Same as 8486K935) $73.11 $73.11 today

Merchandise $73.11
Shipping $5.25
Your credit card will be charged $78.36

MarkO

01-19-2005, 12:55 PM

ok, cool. I'm going to order up the parts tonight. (I just may head over to HD though)

MarkO

01-26-2005, 10:59 PM

OK, I got my parts (minus a few), ready to start. Spectrum, how did you cut the circular acrylic parts?

spectrum

01-27-2005, 08:16 AM

you mean the tubes? very carefully on a table saw. Then I take some 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper and glue it to a piece of mdf. Then take the ends of the tubes and sand in a circular or figure 8 motion until flat, then do it again with 300 or 400 grit paper.

MarkO

01-27-2005, 09:52 AM

Actually, it appears that you cut circular parts from the flat acrylic sheet. By any chance do you have a template, or the dimensions you cut the flat pieces to?

Piscevore

01-27-2005, 11:16 AM

Find a circle shaped something.Make sure its hard. STICK it to your acrylic and use it to pattern route an acrylic disk.

NateHanson

01-27-2005, 12:02 PM

Ryan's advice works if you have something flat and round (i.e. not a dinner plate - you need it to have good large-area surface contact in order to safely stick it to the acrylic). Use double-sided carpet tape, available in the flooring section of HD/Lowes. After sticking the two together use a clamp to press around in various places to make sure you have a secure bond. It could be hazardous to your present 10-fingered-state if the pattern and stock were to separate during routing. After all that, carpet tape is more than sufficient for pattern routing.

A good way to make an initial pattern is to cut an acrylic square a quarter inch larger than the circle you want to make. drill a 3/8" or larger hole through the center of the acrylic square (the hole-center needs to be exactly the pattern radius away from one edge, and slightly farther from the other edges). Get a piece of plywood that you can clamp to the top of your router table. Drill a hole in it a little more than the pattern radius away from where the router bit will be. Push a 1" length of dowel into the hole. Mark where the edge of your circle will be on the board, and run the board into the router bit until you are just up to the line. Do it once more to widen the path for the bit. Turn off the router. Clamp the board in place on the router table. Put your square onto the dowel, turn on the router and turn the workpiece. You'll get a perfect square.

Now if you want different sized circles, just drill another hole in the plywood, and move the dowel to the appropriate radius distance from the router bit.

NateHanson

01-27-2005, 12:06 PM

Or tell me what size pattern you need and I'll turn one on the lathe and bring it to the meeting.

MarkO

01-27-2005, 01:09 PM

Do you have the dimensions that you cut these pieces of the flat acrylic to?

spectrum

01-27-2005, 04:22 PM

I make my flanges exactly how Nate said in the above message. I start with a roughly 8inch blank. I draw line from from all corners to their opposing corner. This gives you a center mark then I take a square and mark from the center mark out to the sides. This will leave you with 8 lines converging on a center point. Drill a 1/8 hole on center and follow Nate's instructions above.

Now at the 1/8 hole on center and use a compass to lay out my bolt hole pattern, about 3 3/4 from the center I swing an arc. everywhere the arc crosses a line is where I drill a hole. It makes it easier to mate the top and bottom part of the flange and drill one hole, tap that hole and insert bolt. Now drill another hole and tap, insert bolt. Now you can drill the other 6 without messing up the hole patter on the two pieces.

MarkO

01-27-2005, 06:16 PM

Thanks Nate and Spectrum for your help. I think I may cut the flanges tomorrow night before I quaff a few pops... but if I am too thirsty, I just may go with square flanges :D

Scuba_Dave

01-27-2005, 06:43 PM

hmmmm. never thought of square flamges... :D

delta

01-27-2005, 07:10 PM

nevermind

spectrum

01-28-2005, 12:35 AM

No real reason not to make square flanges, in fact the reactor I made for HeavyDc2 has them. I just make mine circles because I made the router jig to do it, plus I can polish the edges nicely by attaching it to my drill press and hitting the edges with progressively finer sandpaper and then 0000 steel wool. I figure if I'm going to make somebody a reactor, it may as well look quasi-nice. I'm a frustrated yankee craftsman woking in a computer engineers life. And yes, after a couple of pops, I've made a few flamges

spectrum

01-29-2005, 09:15 AM

Here is Armando's reactor. The tubes a 6" X 18" tall, MAG 2 pump. This should handle a very large aquarium..

Armando

01-29-2005, 10:46 AM

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!!!!

i'll give you a call soon

MarkO

01-31-2005, 05:19 PM

Well, I got all the parts to build my reactor. Cut and sanded the tubes. Anyone else gotten started yet?

spectrum

01-31-2005, 06:05 PM

Got photos of the tube ends? Just curious how they came out. Did you use the methode I mentioned?

MarkO

01-31-2005, 06:44 PM

I used a 60 tooth 10" blade on the table saw. Since I couldn't make the cut in one pass, I just kept rotating the tube. To take off the burrs and blade marks, I rotated the tubes over some 100 grit then 220 grit.
Should I sand them down to 400? (I have Weldon #4)

NateHanson

01-31-2005, 06:45 PM

Dan, can you tell me what the three ports on the vertical PVC are each for? (I'm guessing pH, tank water in, tank water out?)

Also, How does the pump detach from the bottom of the reactor, is there another union? And how do you attach the PVC to the top-side of the tube?

What do you use for screen material on the bottom to keep media away from the pump?

How is the second chamber connected to the first?

Thanks, Nate

spectrum

01-31-2005, 07:51 PM

First off Marco...perfect job. no need to go with 400. I don't used Weldon at all, I use Plextic , it's a very watery solvent applied with a squeeze bottle with a hypo needle on the end.

Dan

spectrum

01-31-2005, 07:59 PM

Nate,
The three connectors starting at the top.
1st This is a CO2 feedback loop, it's attached to the top on the main reactors flange. It helps suck any unused CO2 back into the pump for recirculation.
2. H2O input
3. CO2 input

I mount the pumps as such. I take the impellor housinf off and screw it into the 1/2 NPT hole on the base in the center of the tubes footprint. I the reassemble the pump.
The PVC manifold is attached to the tube via a 1/2 NPT hole. I use a threaded to slip connector with teflon tape.

The screens are just 1/4 inch acrylic sheets that I glue 1/8 grid paper on, the start drilling, about a gazillion holes (I know there must be perforated plastic sheets out there but I'm too lazy to look, and I've never been fond of eggcrate for this application.

The first chamber is attached to the second by 2 John guest fittings and some semi rigid tubing. From the top of the first to the bottom of the second. This connection is made on the backside so it's hard to see in the photos.

MarkO

02-01-2005, 01:11 PM

Dan,
Regarding the top flanges, I'm assuming the lower flanges that are glued to the tubes have a 6" opening (router cut), and an approximate 7.5" or so outer flange? I also assume the top covers do not have any holes (with the exception of the holes for the plastic bolts)?
Also, you don't tap the bolt holes, right?

Jim Tansey

02-01-2005, 06:03 PM

I would guess the flanges have a 5 1/2 inch Diameter bore not 6.00 inch, as most times the flanges are glued to the end face of the tubes.

Jim

MarkO

02-01-2005, 07:05 PM

Good observation Jim...
I meant to say routed to the inside (5.5") diameter. I did not plan on mounting the flange to the exterior of the tube. I would definitely end up with some flamges.

spectrum

02-01-2005, 08:49 PM

Marko, Jim is correct, I use a circle cutter to bore a 5 1/2" hole in the botton half of each flange. Both top halves have a 1/4 NPT hole in the center. Part of it is a relic of the manufacturing process and the other is in the first chanber I use it to recycle CO2 and in the second it's the output of the reactor

Armando

02-05-2005, 09:30 PM

Here is Armando's reactor. The tubes a 6" X 18" tall, MAG 2 pump. This should handle a very large aquarium..
Picked up my reactor today. This thing is sweeeeeet! Thank you spectrum!

spectrum

02-05-2005, 10:42 PM

armando,
I'm so glad to see that you are pleased with my handiwork. I must admit, this is one of the best I have made, Enjoy.

Dan

ScottM

02-06-2005, 12:42 AM

maybe its been posted already but, how did all of you decide what size pump to use? is there a formula?

Dan,

I'd love to get a few sets (4) of flanges from you for 6" tubes. feel like making a few?

as always, great looking work.

spectrum

02-07-2005, 11:48 AM

Scott,
I'm sure we can come up with something mutually beneficial

MarkO

02-07-2005, 10:08 PM

Dan, can you tell me where the John Guest fittings go?

Corwyn

02-08-2005, 04:33 PM

I know that this is probably way too late for this round, but I think I will go to a reactor when I rebuild my tank in the spring.

How big do I need to go for a 200G tank? How much savings is there on DIY?

spectrum

02-08-2005, 05:41 PM

Dan, can you tell me where the John Guest fittings go?

2 on the recirculation manifold, 1 on top of each flange, and a pair to connect the top of the primary chamber to the bottom of the secondary.

Dan

MarkO

02-08-2005, 05:49 PM

2 on the recirculation manifold, 1 on top of each flange, and a pair to connect the top of the primary chamber to the bottom of the secondary.

Dan

I have different sized John Guest's, (1/4" and 3/8").
Are the 3/8" ones the ones connecting the top of the primary to bottom of the secondary? and about how far from the top/bottom of the tubes are they?

spectrum

02-09-2005, 03:51 PM

3/8 are for the connection between the two tubes. I put the far enough away from the edge so that in case I need to replace it, I have enough clearence to unscrew it.
On the bottom of the second trube the same thing, and then make sure you mesh plate is higher that that

MarkO

02-09-2005, 04:46 PM

Thanks.
Should I go with a MAG 2 or a MAG 3 pump?
Also, connecting the manifold to the 6" tube, do you drill and tap, or just glue the elbow to the 6" tube?

spectrum

02-09-2005, 06:15 PM

I'd use a Mag 3, and the manifold should be drilled and tapped.

MarkO

02-09-2005, 08:02 PM

Awesome, I think I am good to go! Just need a Mag 3

spectrum

02-11-2005, 07:35 PM

any picture updates?

MarkO

02-11-2005, 08:55 PM

funny you might ask. I just drilled and tapped the holes :rolleyes:, and dry assembled the manifold.
Waiting till I pick up a Mag 3 before I cut and mount the base.

Scuba_Dave

02-11-2005, 09:30 PM

Octagon flanges, that looks nice

MarkO

02-11-2005, 11:36 PM

I settled on something easy yet functional ;)

spectrum

02-12-2005, 08:00 AM

nice work!

NateHanson

02-12-2005, 11:19 AM

Looks great Mark!

What do you guys think about tube diameter for a ~100g system. 2 6" tubes seems big but maybe that's what it takes? I have no idea. What about 2 4" tubes, or a 6" first stage and 4" second stage?

MarkO

02-12-2005, 11:39 AM

I can't speak from experience, but if you go by what My Reef Creations says:
http://www.myreefcreations.com/castandard.htm
http://www.myreefcreations.com/calarge.htm
you'd probably be fine with 4" tubes.

MarkO

02-12-2005, 05:12 PM

Does the Mag drive draw water through the bottom of the primary chamber, or does it push it through (up)?

NateHanson

02-12-2005, 05:27 PM

If you push up with the pump, it won't create a brick/type sludge of broken down reactor media at the bottom of the chamber.

MarkO

02-12-2005, 05:50 PM

hmmm, I was under the impression it was the other way around. I figured if it were drawing down through the media, the pump would draw the media into the pump causing it to possibly clog.
I guess I'll hold off drilling that hole tonight.

NateHanson

02-13-2005, 12:37 PM

Yeah, I think we're saying the same thing, but check with Gustavo first.

I'm saying the flow in the chamber should go upwards, exit the top of the pump into the PVC manifold, and return through the pump to the bottom of the chamber.

spectrum

02-13-2005, 01:22 PM

All the reactors I've made flow bottom to top, easier to plumb them and does seem to prevent sludge forming on the bottom

MarkO

02-13-2005, 03:43 PM

Oops sorry Nate, I mis-read your post.
All holes drilled and tapped. Now just need to glue the base and manifold!

NateHanson

02-13-2005, 07:28 PM

Mark, have you bought all the accessories (bubble counter, solenoid, regulator, bottle, etc)? How much did all that cost you. Others can answer too. I'd probably do the project if it didn't cost $300, but I've been getting the impression that's not too far off. :()

Nate

MarkO

02-14-2005, 12:00 AM

I think I paid about $80 for the tubes, another $60 for other plastic parts, the solenoid/regulator was $135. I've still got to pick up a MAG 2/3 (but I may give it a shot with a leftover Mag 7 I got lying around), but they run $40-50.
I haven't picked up a bottle yet, but I figure that will run $50 or so. I'll build a bubble counter out of spare parts, and I think the ARM might be $15 or so. So to get one up and running, $400 might be a better guess.
(I also bought 3 NPT taps for $25... but I'm a sucker for buying tools I'll prolly never use again :rolleyes: )

MarkO

02-14-2005, 12:05 AM

Oh yeah, forgot about the O rings. I cut my own tonight and it cost me a bit of frustration as I cranked down on the flanges too tight and subsequently cracked the flange. Doah!!!
Anyway just re-fastened it with Weld-on. Seems to be working ok. Didn't you mention there was a place in Lawrence/Andover area for o-rings?

NateHanson

02-14-2005, 12:18 AM

Ha! I did that same thing on my kalk reactor! But I busted the flange with 70 pounds of line pressure. (duh) I just fixed the crack and it doesn't seem to be any worse off, so yours should be fine.

Yeah, I got my o-rings from "Marco Rubber" in North Andover. Every imaginable o-ring under one roof! They gave me a few of various sizes I thought I'd need, and didn't charge me.

Nate

MarkO

02-14-2005, 12:56 AM

Great, thanks. I'll stop by there later this week.

MarkO

03-28-2005, 10:38 PM

hey guys,
I finally picked up a solenoid, regulator and pump. All I need now is the CO2 tank.
Before I hook it up, I need to know where to attach the CO2 to the reactor? Basically, where does the guage, line in and line out go?

MarkO

03-31-2005, 12:36 PM

Spectrum, Armando, anyone?

lactrain

04-03-2005, 04:21 PM

I realy didnt have the patience to read through this entire thread .... But I must give credit to whomever the reactors look awesome .... just wondering now all said and done if you all can put a cost on the DIY reactor ...

NateHanson

04-03-2005, 11:52 PM

I think I paid about $80 for the tubes, another $60 for other plastic parts, the solenoid/regulator was $135. I've still got to pick up a MAG 2/3 (but I may give it a shot with a leftover Mag 7 I got lying around), but they run $40-50.
I haven't picked up a bottle yet, but I figure that will run $50 or so. I'll build a bubble counter out of spare parts, and I think the ARM might be $15 or so. So to get one up and running, $400 might be a better guess.

Here's Mark's answer to that question. Not sure how that compares to Dan's experience.