Reactor Finished

ldzielak · #1 01-10-2002, 02:01 PM

So here are some pictures of the reactor I made. Thanks to Reef-Raf for the tubing and Titus for the flanges. The unit is 18" tall with 6" primary chamber and 4" secondary. For setup I'm using only the first chamber to dial it it. I need some more fittings and tubing that is not easy to find in Campbell River. The first 2 pics are in construction and the second is on my tank. I did make some changes before it was too late [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Aquattro · #2 01-10-2002, 03:50 PM

Looks great Lee! What material did you use for the media support at the bottom of the tube?

smokinreefer · #3 01-10-2002, 07:22 PM

if you wouldnt mind, could you let me know the costs involved in building one of those. i dont need a breakdown of costs but just the total cost.
thanks

smokinreefer · #4 01-10-2002, 07:23 PM

doh!!...btw, looks real nice! [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

ldzielak · #5 01-10-2002, 10:59 PM

Brad,
The local place in Courtney has this sheet of PVC with the holes in it. I figured it was perfect for the screen. I cut out 2 pieces of each size using a router. So I have 1 on top and below the floss I put in side.

Reefer cost for material (Acrylic and PVC) $250, I have some left over, but not tubing. The bottom sheet of 1/2" cost $45 alone, rest was not too bad. Flanges cost the most, but they look good. Eheim 1250 Pump was $120 after tax. I spent $450 total to get up and running including leasing a 20lbs tank for 1 year and 2 containers of ARM media. I got the flow meters with valves, regulator and solenoid for free.

Aquattro · #6 01-11-2002, 01:49 AM

Lee, can you bring me a couple sq. ft. of that sheet next time you come down? Would be better thatn making them from scratch! Unless of course it's some NASA type material worth big bucks [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

My reactor probably cost me just shy of $375 including a 10# tank. I HAD to BUY my regulator LOL

reefburnaby · #7 01-11-2002, 02:28 AM

Hi,

Looks pretty good...makes mine look like Fisher Price.

My mediocre ca reactor (you'll understand when you see it at the meeting) cost me :

$150 for 20 lb tank + fill + lifetime valve check
$100 for regulator + needle valve.
$50 for dual stage reactor (water filter based).
$50 plumbing and pump (MJ400).

Total = $350. It the most expensive equipment in my tank..... Oh well...it works.

- Victor.

Shadetree · #8 01-11-2002, 02:53 AM

Hey Lee,

The reactor looks pretty good, but... I like the two wheeled accesories in the background [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Scott

ldzielak · #9 01-11-2002, 11:38 AM

If only my tank had wheels too [img]images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

ldzielak · #10 01-21-2002, 09:22 PM

Update,

I tested my tank today and my calcium is up to 420 and Alk 10.6 I'm so happy, I was fighting to keep a calcium of 350-370 with the Kent Tech CB 2 part system, dosing 2 times per day for 2 months. Too much work!!! The reactor has been online for 3 weeks now.

I do have 1 problem. I get a great change in flow rate through the reactor some times. I don't know if the needle valve is pluging with debris or what. I did have to remove the check valve / quick connect I had installed in the line from my pump to the reactor.

I have T'd into the line that goes to my ETSS skimmer and use this pressure to give the flow through the reactor. I have noticed that the foam level has a very minor change in the flow on the flowmeter. Any thing I'm missing? I think I will try a dedicated powerhead and see what happens. What does everyone else use??

Also now that I have the system up I will put the media into the second chamber.