To build a Ca Reactor or buy one?
- Thread starter SINNERMF
- Start date
BeanAnimal
Premium Member
It all depends on your skills, the tools you own and how much time and energy you are willing to put into the project. Trial and error can be expensive, as can purchasing tools to finish a project that you have already invested considerable money in.
dngspot
Premium Member
The easiest one I have seen to build if you want a clear housing is this one.
Aside from the disk used to hold up his media most of it is drilling, tapping and slip fitting pvc type pluming. I think he spent $75.00 to do the job.
I think he posted it on RC but there is more detail on the local site he uses.
Here is the link.
http://wichitaaquariumclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1292
Aside from the disk used to hold up his media most of it is drilling, tapping and slip fitting pvc type pluming. I think he spent $75.00 to do the job.
I think he posted it on RC but there is more detail on the local site he uses.
Here is the link.
http://wichitaaquariumclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1292
DAVID!!!! First time seeing you on here lol...NICE REACTOR...kinda looks like mine LOL!!!!
I just finished this reactor, and it was very cheap and performs just as good as a pricey store bought one. Search DIY calcium reactor..it was just posted very recently on here as well. For this reactor, majority of the parts are from home depot, the rest is from a local plastics dealer. I think the total cost was $60-70 including the pump.
I just finished this reactor, and it was very cheap and performs just as good as a pricey store bought one. Search DIY calcium reactor..it was just posted very recently on here as well. For this reactor, majority of the parts are from home depot, the rest is from a local plastics dealer. I think the total cost was $60-70 including the pump.
BeanAnimal
Premium Member
I would imagine that the threaded PVC lid is hard to install and remove. Teflon paste (a much better option for large diameter PVC anyway) would likely help as opposed to teflon tape. The design above is simple enough that a little inconvenience a few times a year may be worth the savings and lack of a need for expensive tools.
The DJ88 reactor was also a pretty cool project, but I have not seen reference to it in quite some time.
FWIW, I used nylon thumbscres on my skimmer and would NEVER use them on anything again. They are horrible. Stainless or Ti next time!
The DJ88 reactor was also a pretty cool project, but I have not seen reference to it in quite some time.
FWIW, I used nylon thumbscres on my skimmer and would NEVER use them on anything again. They are horrible. Stainless or Ti next time!
You should not have to mess with the media at all. If you drill the holes in the acrylic media plate evenly (and drill enouph of them) the water from the recirc will flow evenly through it. You should have a slight tumble on the top of the media, that way it is constantly aggitating it. Like Kim stated, you should only have to open it for refilling it, nothing more. You set it, forget about it and watch the coral line and coral grow...nice and simple.
There is no inconvenience at all. With any design, you still have to open and close it for refilling. The threaded PVC lid is 10 times better than nylon screws. The lid is very easy to open and close and it comes c/w rubber gasket and is 100% water tight. No need for tape or paste on this application.
cornhusker85
New member
I was going to build my own till I seen how cheap and easy to use they are at this website.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbo.../BRS-GFO-and-Carbon-Reactor/product_info.html
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbo.../BRS-GFO-and-Carbon-Reactor/product_info.html
Lost in Tanks
New member
excellent thread, I seen that one a while ago. I really like those containers. Bulkreefsupply.com uses them for just about everything, but you have to pay the extra price for the look and great functionality. I know a few people that have bought the carbon and geo reactors from there...nothing but good comments.
hllywd
Premier World Traveler
This was pretty easy. You won't mistake it for a commercially produced model but I didn't have any plans, drawings, or instructions either. Just a pic and some parts and it works like a charm! With a used pump I have maybe $100 in it. Switched from a Coralife 500 to a much easier to use and reliable DIY. I already had my CO2 system.
Tools needed: some way to cut the 6" tube - I used my table saw, drill press, misc. drill bits, hole saw for the Uni-Seals, polishing wheel and rouge for the bench top grinder, a tap to fit the JG fittings, router and table to cut the flange.... You can do the same thing for less and with fewer tools if you don't need to see in and use sch 40 PVC and fittings...
Tim
Tools needed: some way to cut the 6" tube - I used my table saw, drill press, misc. drill bits, hole saw for the Uni-Seals, polishing wheel and rouge for the bench top grinder, a tap to fit the JG fittings, router and table to cut the flange.... You can do the same thing for less and with fewer tools if you don't need to see in and use sch 40 PVC and fittings...
Tim
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