DIY Nitrate reactor (retrofit build)

[1DeR9_3Hy]

After cleaning up my misc. fishing stuff that i have collected through the years i was left with this:

...and an idea after reading this:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-01/diy/index.php

I want to retrofit this sand filter (above pic) and turn it into a nitrate reactor that i plan to use on my breeder setup to help clean it up, and possibly find a second use for the breeder system (prop system!).

Anyone that wants to lend a hand with either some helping words, an idea or two and some know how would be greatly appreciated since i have never built a reactor of this style before.

 

[1DeR9_3Hy]

The main hurdle i see is attaching a top to this. It is acrylic, and i have not worked with it before.

I am thinking i will cut a circular piece with a large hole in the center that i will weld onto the top. Then cut a second circular piece (sans large hole). This second piece will be secured to the top via nylon screws and nuts like in the reef keeping article above.

Does this sound like a good way to go about that "lid" section of this?

 

[1DeR9_3Hy]

Any ideas? Im working on procuring a little piece of acrylic. I also need to find some misc plumbing parts to setup the plumbing side.

The plan is to be used in sump, but i will see how water tight it is...