Lipsontherun
New member
So I've become addicted on making quality equipment for pennies on the dollar and ending in a usually better product. With that said, I've started my quest to find and design a quality CR that I can rely on. I recently owned a Koraline CR and Aquamax premium regulator that torched my system.(240+)
So needles to say I had some choice words with my LFS owner and returned the P'sOS and started my DIY JOURNEY!!
I first found a DIY regulator thread and have since purchased 2 SS regs and 1 Brass reg. and parts on the way. Actually, one has arrived and holds pressures like a BOSS!!!!! So now, after looking at this BEAUTY I can't justifyably put a commercially built overpriced POS behind my new regulator.
So the hunt was on again for a DIY CR plan this time. I've found a few on you tube but this one looks like it is a fine design short of a few up to date mods. (like quick connect fittings) Here is what I found. http://jjgeisler.com/reeftank/diy_calcium_reactor.htm
The couple mods I'm thinking would work (one of which is Koraline inpired)
1) a self filling bubble counter. If you look at this picture. http://jjgeisler.com/reeftank/images/projects/calcium_reactor/calcium_reactor-01.jpg and place a quick "T" before the pvc and "T" it into the top of the BC. I think it would fill it with water ater the system fills.
Thoughts from you all on my idea?
2) a PH probe. I'm thinking if I use a "T" as the supply fitting and hang a tube below that is capped off with a quick connect fitting and valve for controlling efluent and a probe mount on the top. In this manner I think it will have all the features of the BIG$$$$ CR's for a VERY REASONABLE PRICE.
Another thing, and it's not much of a mod. But I will be using another slip union connection between the pump and the reactor where he used a piece of tubing. When I'm done I'll put together a better parts list and some added pictures I feel may be handy. While I built an airstone skimmer some years ago, it was NOTHING PRETTY but it performed flawlessly!!
For now, what I'm hoping to hear about is, what you think about the design of this reactor. And what you think of my mods to improve this unit? Would you do anything different? Better design? I'm a big boy. Let me know what you honestly think.
So needles to say I had some choice words with my LFS owner and returned the P'sOS and started my DIY JOURNEY!!
I first found a DIY regulator thread and have since purchased 2 SS regs and 1 Brass reg. and parts on the way. Actually, one has arrived and holds pressures like a BOSS!!!!! So now, after looking at this BEAUTY I can't justifyably put a commercially built overpriced POS behind my new regulator.
So the hunt was on again for a DIY CR plan this time. I've found a few on you tube but this one looks like it is a fine design short of a few up to date mods. (like quick connect fittings) Here is what I found. http://jjgeisler.com/reeftank/diy_calcium_reactor.htm
The couple mods I'm thinking would work (one of which is Koraline inpired)
1) a self filling bubble counter. If you look at this picture. http://jjgeisler.com/reeftank/images/projects/calcium_reactor/calcium_reactor-01.jpg and place a quick "T" before the pvc and "T" it into the top of the BC. I think it would fill it with water ater the system fills.
Thoughts from you all on my idea?
2) a PH probe. I'm thinking if I use a "T" as the supply fitting and hang a tube below that is capped off with a quick connect fitting and valve for controlling efluent and a probe mount on the top. In this manner I think it will have all the features of the BIG$$$$ CR's for a VERY REASONABLE PRICE.
Another thing, and it's not much of a mod. But I will be using another slip union connection between the pump and the reactor where he used a piece of tubing. When I'm done I'll put together a better parts list and some added pictures I feel may be handy. While I built an airstone skimmer some years ago, it was NOTHING PRETTY but it performed flawlessly!!
For now, what I'm hoping to hear about is, what you think about the design of this reactor. And what you think of my mods to improve this unit? Would you do anything different? Better design? I'm a big boy. Let me know what you honestly think.
