Smoothdog's 150DD build
- Thread starter smoothdog
- Start date
frogspawn74
New member
I need one for carbon. Who has the hook up?
Schplitter
New member
How is that lid working? I was thinking about doing something like that on my Ca reactor instead of the thumb screws. Those are a PITA!
Any chance up can post some closeups of it next time you take it apart?
smoothdog
Active member
I got mine from Premium Aquatics with the shopping spree I got for most CDP points this year. Donate enough and you can get the hookup for 2 of these next year.
Seems really nice so far, just snugged the lid down and no leaks. I really like that there is no down tube and media plates to deal with lining up. The media plates are welded right into the bottom and lid. I'll try to remember to get pics but hopefully I won't be opening this up to clean and replace media any time soon.
smoothdog
Active member
smoothdog
Active member
Cleaned the CaRx last night and added media. I also pulled the feed off the manifold and hooked up a MJ to feed it. It was just too hard to keep it dialed in off the manifold due to the high pressure pump. Maybe if I find the right kind of valve to dial in the feed pressure easily and won't clog I'll try again, but this was the easiest route. Think I'm gonna need to upgrade to a larger reactor with all these sticks though. Picked up an Avast you-built effluent chamber that just came in today. Hopefully it will help reduce CO2 usage and let me go longer between refills for now. I'll post some pics of the build when I have some time to work on it.
Schplitter
New member
I'm about to do the same with my feed pump for the Ca reactor. The pressure from the main pump is just too much. I have to fiddle with it almost every day to keep it steady. I'm fed up with it at this pint.
smoothdog
Active member
Pife reminded me that I said I'd post up my Avast CaRx effluent chamber build so here it is.
Came well packed:
Untitled by ksw2005, on Flickr
Untitled by ksw2005, on Flickr
After test fitting all parts, cemented the top flange:
Untitled by ksw2005, on Flickr
Then the dispersion plate to the down tube. Had to do a little sanding of the hole in the plate first (with the included sandpaper) since the fit was a little snug.
Untitled by ksw2005, on Flickr
After a day of curing, cemented the bottom plate and screwed the fittings in the lid. Another day of curing and I was able to fully assemble:
Untitled by ksw2005, on Flickr
Untitled by ksw2005, on Flickr
Overall this is a pretty easy diy project that saves a good amount of cash. My only issue was when attaching the top flange to the tube, since the tube goes into the hole in the flange instead of attaching to a groove, some of the cement pushes out. I didn't want it sticking to the paper that was protecting the table so lifted it before it dried. This caused some of the semi-cured cement to string out and it made the joint a little messy. It's still perfectly functional and when assembled hardly noticeable but I know it's there. :hmm5:
Came well packed:
Untitled by ksw2005, on FlickrUntitled by ksw2005, on FlickrAfter test fitting all parts, cemented the top flange:
Untitled by ksw2005, on FlickrThen the dispersion plate to the down tube. Had to do a little sanding of the hole in the plate first (with the included sandpaper) since the fit was a little snug.
Untitled by ksw2005, on FlickrAfter a day of curing, cemented the bottom plate and screwed the fittings in the lid. Another day of curing and I was able to fully assemble:
Untitled by ksw2005, on FlickrUntitled by ksw2005, on FlickrOverall this is a pretty easy diy project that saves a good amount of cash. My only issue was when attaching the top flange to the tube, since the tube goes into the hole in the flange instead of attaching to a groove, some of the cement pushes out. I didn't want it sticking to the paper that was protecting the table so lifted it before it dried. This caused some of the semi-cured cement to string out and it made the joint a little messy. It's still perfectly functional and when assembled hardly noticeable but I know it's there. :hmm5:
smoothdog
Active member
Well, with all my sticks my little GEO 612 calcium reactor was working it's heart out but I was having to refill it every 2 months or so then dial it back in. Not a great formula for stability. Nanook hooked me up with one of his old custom GEO 824 media reactors. We sent it in to GEO and he converted it into a calcium reactor. Can't thank Dave and GEO enough! Picked it up from Nook last night and this is one sweet reactor. GEO's attention to detail is awesome and just get's better and better! Notice then new black silicone tubing that won't get stiff and grow algae inside.
20140508_113324 by ksw2005, on Flickr
The intake port on the lid is now routed out too so any bubbles are pulled back in and dispersed better.
20140508_142511 by ksw2005, on Flickr
GEO also made this sweet little custom mounting plate for the pump!
20140508_142559 by ksw2005, on Flickr
20140508_142530 by ksw2005, on Flickr
Now I just need the pump to get back in stock so I can get this bad boy running!
20140508_113324 by ksw2005, on FlickrThe intake port on the lid is now routed out too so any bubbles are pulled back in and dispersed better.
20140508_142511 by ksw2005, on FlickrGEO also made this sweet little custom mounting plate for the pump!
20140508_142559 by ksw2005, on Flickr20140508_142530 by ksw2005, on FlickrNow I just need the pump to get back in stock so I can get this bad boy running!
