TheClark Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 Let's see em! What type of regulator, Co2 tank, feed method, dual chamber, flow meter, peristaltic pumps...? How do you run it? What makes it reliable? What do you watch out for to prevent crashes (clogged output, running out of CO2 etc..) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Z Reef Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 (edited) CR140 reactor 5lb co2 tank Aquatic life reg Feed via manifold off my RF Dart return pump with ball valve Controlled VIA Archon with pH probe in reactor Effluent controlled with pvc needle valve from usplastic Media used is TLF Reborn and BW mag media As far as clogging, the needle valve is a bit more prone. I check the outflow and make minor tweaks. Occasionally I will open it wide open into a container to clear the lines out. Stays pretty consistent overall though. If I had money to throw at it, there are some crazy lab grade peristaltic pumps that people use for feed. I haven't really noticed any inconsistency with the manifold though. Here's and older pic, it's on the LHS Edited March 17, 2015 by Blue Z Reef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted March 17, 2015 Author Share Posted March 17, 2015 CR140 reactor 5lb co2 tank Aquatic life reg Feed via manifold off my RF Dart return pump with ball valve Controlled VIA Archon with pH probe in reactor Effluent controlled with pvc needle valve from usplastic Media used is TLF Reborn and BW mag media As far as clogging, the needle valve is a bit more prone. I check the outflow and make minor tweaks. Occasionally I will open it wide open into a container to clear the lines out. Stays pretty consistent overall though. If I had money to throw at it, there are some crazy lab grade peristaltic pumps that people use for feed. I haven't really noticed any inconsistency with the manifold though. Here's and older pic, it's on the LHS Awesome, great info Jeff, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanmike01 Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Here's mine. Just recently hooked up. Reef octopus reactor DIY Secondary chamber made from a two little fishes media reactor. Feed by a manafold from my iwaki MD100. Return controlled by pinch valve Milwaukee gauges, solenoid, and needle valve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spilo Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 How long does a 5lb tank last you?... I'm thinking about going the reactor route instead of these dosing pumps.. I have a 20lb tank to use but it's kinda big and ugly.. thinking about downsizing it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanmike01 Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 How long does a 5lb tank last you?... I'm thinking about going the reactor route instead of these dosing pumps.. I have a 20lb tank to use but it's kinda big and ugly.. thinking about downsizing it Honestly, no idea yet. This is the first reactor I've used. From the research I've done I'm guessing at least 6 months give or take. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 My 5 lb tank lasted about 9 months on my tank. I had to replace/add media after about 6 months. My reactor is the same as fishmanmike, but I've got a fancy 2 stage regulator that Wanareef built up. I've also got a Dwyer MMA flow gage for effluent, and running a Sicce 1.0 pump for feed. I have a throttle ball valve on discharge of feed pump going into reactor, then a fancy Vertex/Uline needle valve for final balance. Took a bit of patience to get dialed in, but now it's a no brainer that I rarely have to even look at. I have a secondary chamber, but I believe it's worthless really. I've got magnesium on top of reborn media in main reactor that isn't breaking down, so no co2 is making it to second chamber to make it worthwhile. I still have to add magnesium to my tank manually. I don't miss having to mix 1 gal jugs of 2 part once a month though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted March 18, 2015 Author Share Posted March 18, 2015 Here's mine. Just recently hooked up. Reef octopus reactor DIY Secondary chamber made from a two little fishes media reactor. Feed by a manafold from my iwaki MD100. Return controlled by pinch valve Milwaukee gauges, solenoid, and needle valve. Thanks Mike, I really like the TLF DIY second stage reactor. Very cool idea, low cost but effective. Curious how you converted it over to the 1/4" or whatever sized line? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spilo Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 I have a dual stage regulator too.. just need to find me a reactor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanmike01 Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 My 5 lb tank lasted about 9 months on my tank. I had to replace/add media after about 6 months. My reactor is the same as fishmanmike, but I've got a fancy 2 stage regulator that Wanareef built up. I've also got a Dwyer MMA flow gage for effluent, and running a Sicce 1.0 pump for feed. I have a throttle ball valve on discharge of feed pump going into reactor, then a fancy Vertex/Uline needle valve for final balance. Took a bit of patience to get dialed in, but now it's a no brainer that I rarely have to even look at. I have a secondary chamber, but I believe it's worthless really. I've got magnesium on top of reborn media in main reactor that isn't breaking down, so no co2 is making it to second chamber to make it worthwhile. I still have to add magnesium to my tank manually. I don't miss having to mix 1 gal jugs of 2 part once a month though. What benefit is gained from a two stage gauge? Pic of it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanmike01 Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Thanks Mike, I really like the TLF DIY second stage reactor. Very cool idea, low cost but effective. Curious how you converted it over to the 1/4" or whatever sized line? Thanks! It just made sense seeing as I have like 6 of these lying around. The top of the media reactor has two nipples sticking out of it, I just cut the center one off and drilled and tapped a JG fitting into it. The other I just plugged a piece of vinyl tubing on it with a plug. Then drilled and tapped another JG fitting into the bottom. This one is a 90 degree fitting however. If you want more details hit me up and I can get you some closer pictures. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteRock Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 My 5lb lasts me about three months. It sucks. It's currently at zero psi and I'm sure my ALK is not much higher. I'm confident I have an air leak somewhere, but can't be bothered to find it and fix it. Doesn't help the local airgas closes at 5pm either. Think its time for a whole new setup. It is surprising to me how resilient my corals are. Full tank of SPS and the CaRX has been down for weeks, no problem. I don't seem to get much growth without it, but they hang tough! Just added a bunch of acans from reefnjunkies tank and they are looking happy as ever as well. For kicks I'll test my alk tonight. this will be funny and embarrassing at the same time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Z Reef Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 My 5 lb tank lasted about 9 months on my tank. I had to replace/add media after about 6 months. My reactor is the same as fishmanmike, but I've got a fancy 2 stage regulator that Wanareef built up. I've also got a Dwyer MMA flow gage for effluent, and running a Sicce 1.0 pump for feed. I have a throttle ball valve on discharge of feed pump going into reactor, then a fancy Vertex/Uline needle valve for final balance. Took a bit of patience to get dialed in, but now it's a no brainer that I rarely have to even look at. I have a secondary chamber, but I believe it's worthless really. I've got magnesium on top of reborn media in main reactor that isn't breaking down, so no co2 is making it to second chamber to make it worthwhile. I still have to add magnesium to my tank manually. I don't miss having to mix 1 gal jugs of 2 part once a month though. I've noticed the same thing with the mag media. When I read about it, some people said it needs lower ph to melt. I also dose in addition but I think it is partially helping because I don't dose very much mag. What's your ph set point? Mine is 6.6 with a .2 hysteresis, seems to be ideal for my setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteRock Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Check out this heap. No gas, got a replacement pump zip tied to it, sittin in Tupperware coz it leaks gas and water, you know, real proppa like! Tested the alk, journal says last time I checked it was November!! When I multiply by 0.056 I come up with 4.2. Guess I can't be too mad though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanareef Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Here's our DIY calicum reactor, 20" tall and using a 10" tube will hold about 3 1/2 tubs of the ARM coarse media using a mag 5 for a recirc pump. The tank is the garden variety 20lb size with an industrial CO2 regulator that has been rebuilt with new seals and guages, a Parker solenoid and Swedgelok needle valve all controlled by an Apex -industrial grade- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Pete you kill me-love that post Here is mine- Dual stage reactor built by non other than Mr. Wanareef MRC Dual 18" Reactor -rated for 1500 gallons I think (time to upgrade tanks) Reactor is feed off of the return and effluent is monitored by DIY probe holder-Rate of effluent is roughly 12mls per second-I don't have to worry anymore about my return valve plugging Media is TLF Reborn and each reactor holds about 20 pounds Im sure but a 20lb CO2 bottle lasts me about 6 months-my effluent is kept around 6.96 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spilo Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 K where can I find a reactor that's just the reactor... no pump or anything... of good quality Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted March 19, 2015 Author Share Posted March 19, 2015 (edited) Awesome posts guys. Reefnjunkie - You say ' I don't have to worry about my return valve plugging'. Is that because your flow rate is 12 mls / minute? Oops, I see, 12 mls per second or 720 mls per minute. You have a very high flow rate, I get it. My bad, did you all catch that? PeteRock - That is an epic picture, showing a result no one would have predicted. Tank look fantastic and alk is 4.2? What the heck!!?? Wannareef - Unfortunately your pics are tiny so I cannot admire your handiwork, although Brad's reactor sure looks nice. Reefnjunkie - How could you possibly count your bubbles? Can you at that rate of CO2 consumption? Edited March 19, 2015 by theclark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Yep your bad-I caught it I don't have a bubble counter- on the previous reactor I had one but couldn't count, my guess would have been 15-30 per second LOL I guess I got a lot of calcium "sponges" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted March 19, 2015 Author Share Posted March 19, 2015 (edited) Oh I found your bubble counter on your R2R build thread, reposting here for those interested... Edited March 19, 2015 by theclark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishmanmike01 Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Yep your bad-I caught it I don't have a bubble counter- on the previous reactor I had one but couldn't count, my guess would have been 15-30 per second LOL I guess I got a lot of calcium "sponges" Wait! At this point would your tank be carbonated? Lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 Wait! At this point would your tank be carbonated? Lol. Yes, Brad is the brain behind the SodaStream countertop fizz dispenser that so many wifes had to have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanareef Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 darn camera phone 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanareef Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 10" body x 20"tall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted March 19, 2015 Share Posted March 19, 2015 10" body x 20"tall That reactor should handle ~ 1700 gallons, looks like an upgrade is in the future aye? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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