Anyone wants to build Calcium Reactors together?

[spectrum]

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]

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]

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

 

[MarkO]

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

 

[spectrum]

any picture updates?

 

[MarkO]

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

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Octagon flanges, that looks nice

 

[MarkO]

I settled on something easy yet functional

 

[spectrum]

nice work!

 

[NateHanson]

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]

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]

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

 

[NateHanson]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[NateHanson]

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]

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 )

 

[MarkO]

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?