Need Calcium Reactor Advice

JB I have a custom reactor that I built for my self that I'm not going to need for a long time! (I can just build another one later!)

I would be willing to trade for some frags, (once my tank is done cycling)

Or I could build one to your needs? If your not interested no problem just trying to save a guy some money.

As far as regulators go. Most of the brands out there are OK, just get one with a bubble counter.

As for solenoids valves go they are normally closed until power is applied to them, (via controller).  If a solenoid goes bad it will generally just close or stay in the close position.

I have a Milwaukee MA957/co2 regulator with bubble counter & solenoid valve on it, looks like nice quality stuff. I think I payed $99.

Here are some pics.

 

I think someone is going to get some great frags.

 

Posted By jbrunken on 01/01/2009 04:13 PM
Wow, that's a pretty impressive DIY project! I have the start of a DIY reactor, but it wasn't nearly as nice as that... Is that a PH probe port I see on the top?
I'll have to keep your offer in mind, but I don't know that I have enough frags to make it worth your while...
Right now I'm really trying to figure out what features are really make or break in a calcium reactor.
It sounds like the Korallin, Geo and MRC units are all nice but they are really expensive. I see that there is now an Octopus Calcium reactor that seems to have all of the features and it's a lot cheaper, but I can't find much information from people using them other than one positive review.
-JB
Thanx JB
Yes, that is a PH probe port on top. Its not perfect but for my first C/R its not bad.
I just want to do what I can to help other club members out. I have the tools and the abilities to build this stuff, so if I can help someone save $100 I will.
If you would rather I can build you one with all the features you want, You pay for the materials and give me some nice frags for my labor?
Some good features to look for:
PH prob port, to monitor the PH inside the chamber.
Dual chamber, to utilize as much of the co2 as possible before it leaves the C/R.
I like the up draft designs, keeps media from packing in.
Easy to clean lids.
The Octopus line is a good product for a fair price!
I hope this helps on your search!!
Good luck, Keep me posted.
-Rick-

 

Not yet. I was going to do that to the next one.

If you give me some dimensions on the hight I could give you a ruff Idea.

 

Looks like your reactor actually has everything my really expensive Koralline does and then some. I do like the idea of a dual chamber, but I don't know if they are really worth the extra time and effort. The extra acrylic and reactor media are not cheap.

 

Thanks Travis!

Ya, The main advantage with the dual chamber is more efficient use of your co2, yes at the cost of a 2nd chamber.

JB do you have a extra pump laying around, one that can be used externally?
For a 6" by 18" tall dual chamber your looking at $130. Thats with out fittings and pump. ( should hold 16 to 18 lbs of media = 400g + tank)
For a 4" by 18" tall dual chamber your looking at $100. Thats also with out fittings and pump. ( should hold 10 to 12 lbs of media = 250g + tank)
The fittings and PVC shouldn't be to much more! ($20 to $30 ) 18" tall is just the chambers them selves add 4 to 5 inches for the base and top.
My labor priceless.

 

Wow that is some incredible craftsman ship!

 

JB hear are some answers to your ? .
2-3 weeks max.
How about a combo, 6" main chamber 4" secondary?
As far as the main pump an Ehiem 1048 would be plenty, and a Maxi Jet 600 or a aqua lifter pump would be fine for the feed pump.
The co2 is fed into the pvc tubing via speed fitting. Output is regulated by another speed fitting.
Doing a DIY post would be fun!!! You bet!
As far as media goes I would use a larger size for the flow of the 1048. (what kind is up to you).
Hope this answers some of your questions!
Just let me know what you think.
-Rick-

 

JB this is a good example.
Help you see it all together.
http://www.geosreef.com/forms/ca_re...ctions.pdf

 

OK sounds great!!

I will order the acrylic, It will only take 2-3 days to get here.

I'll start marking the templates out, to get things ready to go.

I don't have to work next weekend so if you want to come over and give a hand that would great.
If you could get the pump by then and bring that with you, that would be awesome. ( or if you want me to order it I can just let me know)!
I will let you know if there is anything else that I will need.
-Rick-

 

No problem JB

Please don't feel like you have to come and help! There isn't a whole lot you can do. (But it is fun to watch).
If that pump comes just bring it over and you can check out the progress. (I don't work Friday if it were to come this week you could swing by in the afternoon)? UP to you!! 
Acrylic is ordered and so is the glue, ships Monday!!

 

Looks pretty good to me.