New DIY Ca reactor

[dvjanes]

Thanks for the ID GEBC. I'm trying to fabricate my reactor as close as possible to your design. I bench tested last night and everything seems to be operational. I'm a little concerned with drip rate and effluent PH but I guess that knowledge will come in time and after some tests. I'll post some pics as soon as possible for your stamp of approval.

 

[dvjanes]

Do you have any new pics of the Kalk reactor anti siphon loop?

 

[Vincerama2]

GEBC, these threads are getting huge...time for a DIY webpage!!

V

 

[greeneyedblackcat]

V, Thanks (great idea) do you know of any free web hosting? I could build a diy page if i could find free hosting.

 

[rbb213]

HEY GEBC, As you can see I am new to the CR arena....

I have 2 or 3 little questions that once it is explained to me, I can get a better feel for the setup..

1. How is water fed into the CR from the sump or wet dry?

2. Once the CO2 is injected and mixed (mag2 or similar pump) with the media..How is it put back into the tank?. (via the 1/4 tubing?) Dripped?

3. Is it really neccessary for a second chamber?...


TIA
Rocky

 

[greeneyedblackcat]

The supply water is fed via a peristaltic pump directly from the sump, the water is returned to the tank through the 1/4" tubing and the second chamber raises the ph of the effluent and uses up more of the remaining C02. You dont have to have the second chamber(the effluent ph will be lower and contain more Co2 with a single tower).

 

[dvjanes]

Calcium Reactor Completion

Calcium Reactor Completion

Once again I would like to thank GEBC for his flawless design. The reactor has been through 24 hours of operation and no leaks. CO2 running at 18 bubbles a minute. Effluent PH measured from the output of the second tower is 7.45 and is being dripped at a rate of 20ml per minute back into the sump. The reactor is being fed by an in-line splice I made out of .75" PVC and a .375" quick connect fitting. Total height is around 30". PVC & Acrylic parts totaled just over $90 dollars and the CO2 Tank was a gift from a family member thankfully owns a restaurant here in RI. Regulator is eBay and the Quiet-one pump is from DrsFosterSmith.com. All of GEBC help has been much appreciated because this calcium reactor was a much needed addition to my tanks needs plus my wife will be glad to see me again now that I do not have to dose the tank so much. Another plus is with the left over parts I'll be making a Kalc reactor virtually free of charge. More photos will be posted in my gallery for those who would like to see.

 

[greeneyedblackcat]

dvjanes, Thanks for the comments, your reactor looks great!

 

[brettco22]

sweet!

 

[pbs911]

Looks great! I have my screw tops and acrylic cylinders on order for this project.

 

[ONAGI]

Hello GEBC,
I just got my 4.5" od acrylic tube for this project and also the kalk reactor. I tried to get the 1/2" acrylic tube for the bubble counter but ran into a problem. I took the 1/2" schedule 40 pvc cap with me and 3/4" was too small and 7/8" was too big to fit. What was the size tube you used for this part?
While I'm asking questions, can you use one peristaltic pump for both reactors or does each one need thier own?
Thanks,
Omar

 

[greeneyedblackcat]

Omar, the 1/2" tubing for the bubble counter is not acrylic, it is clear pvc, I purchased it from aquaticeco.com ($1.85 per foot), it fits standard pvc fittings and glues with common pvc glue. As to the pumps I use two pumps, one for each. >>>>>>>>>GEBC

 

[ONAGI]

Thanks GEBC. I will get an order out for it. Will work out good that I haven't ordered the pressure plugs yet. One more question. When you drilled for the npt fittings what size drill bit did you use?

 

[greeneyedblackcat]

Here are the drill sizes for npt taps, most of my fittings are 1/4"npt.



NPT Size
Tap Drill Size (in.)
Decimal Equivalent (in.)

1/16 - 27
"C"
0.242

1/8 - 27
"Q"
0.332

1/4 - 18
7/16
0.438

3/8 - 18
9/16
0.562

1/2 - 14
45/64
0.703

3/4 - 14
29/32
0.906

1.0 - 11ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢1/2
1ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢9/64
1.141

1ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢1/4 - 11ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢1/2
1ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢31/64
1.484

1ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢1/2 - 11ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢1/2
1ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢23/32
1.719

2.0 - 11ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢1/2
2ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢3/16
2.188

2ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢1/2 - 8
2ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢39/64
2.609

3.0 - 8
3ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚¢15/64
3.234

 

[ONAGI]

Thanks GEBC. I am going to start assembling what I have so far this weekend. Happy New Year...Omar

 

[ONAGI]

Hello BEBC,
I have read through both reactor threads looking for this answer but couldn't find it. Where did you get the mag2 pump for $34? I have been looking but $46 was about the cheapest I found. Looking to buy 2, I'm making both of the reactors so that would be a nice little savings. Thanks,
Omar

 

[greeneyedblackcat]

Omar, Petsmart is where i got the pump for $34, its a pondmaster 250, the only difference is it has a barbed pump output that works just fine with this plan. If you dont have one local here is a link http://www.petsmart.com/fish/shoppi...tion___accessories/products/product_770.shtml

 

[ONAGI]

Thanks GEBC. There are two stores locally so this will work out well.

 

[ONAGI]

Hello GEBC,
I was able to get one of the pondmaster2's at petsmart locally for $34.99. I had to talk to the manager though to get him to honor thier website price. I'm going to see if the other store near me has one this weekend.

I just got done dry fitting the reactor base, tubes and tops. So far it is looking great. I am going to work on the recirculation, bubble counter and JG fittings tomorrow.

I cut the acrylic tube on my mitre saw and it worked out perfect. No cracking and nice straight cuts.

Picked up a 20 lb co2 tank on e-bay tested and full for $30.00. Now I need to get a regulator. Does yours have a solenoid on it? Just wondering how important this feature would be.

Thanks for sharing your plans and the help.....Omar

 

[greeneyedblackcat]

Onagi, I dont use a selenoid on my reactor, i use a peristaltic pump to dose so when the power goes out the reactor just stops.