The only problem with the tube from IPP in Calgary is that it's extruded. It can be done but sometimes if you look at it the wrong way it cracks up like corn flakes.

Thanks for the input though.

Kari, have you actually had extruded crack on you? I ask because I've always built my skimmers and reactors from extruded, anywhere from 4" to 8" tubing, and as far as I know, pieces built 7 years ago are still in service. My Ca Reactor has been around for 5 years and the LFS is using one of my first skimmers built 7 years ago. I know it's not as clear, but it's always stayed crack free and not leaked. Just wondering if your experiences have been different?

brad what thickness extrudes did you use? I've used up to 1/8 extruded and it cracks like crazy (fine cracks where glue was applied)

I've used both 1/8 and 1/4, never had anything crack. You might see some crazing around seams, but no cracks. Maybe the material these days is crappier than 5 years ago? Dunno, just always used extruded

What I see a lot is crazing if extra care isn't used. For example glueing joints that have induced stresses from bending or polishing. Also glueing parts that are not at room temp. They say this can be avoided by anealing the parts but who's wife will let you cook plastic in the oven. I was caught, once was enough.

I wouldn't have even tried, I got enough crap for baking rocks and stuff after bleaching.

I never got much crazing, but all my joints were just plain old straight edges. I wonder if different suppliers have different grades? I got my tubing at a local shop, not IPP

There is a lot of really informative but dry reading in the tech support area at one of the acrylic manufacturers site (Cyro) for info on this subject. One would need to create a user name to get at it.

http://cyro.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/cyr...ge=std_alp.php


.

The guy at Ipp said that his tubes where cast and not extruded... I asked, I thought thats what he said anyways?? I would have to double check but im pretty sure he said cast.

Richard

Photos
 

A few photos of the first. Still waiting for the cool Swivel Push To Connect Elbows. Not tested yet.

Some details,
-6"OD 1/4"W cast tube
-3/8" cast flanges key holed
-misc 3/4" acrylic
-seated o-ring seal
-wall mountable vertical or horizontal
-sealed unit, out of sump use
-a few fittings and hoses not in photo yet

See any funky stuff, let me know and I'll modify to correct.

This one I beleave worked out to 3.9liters - $210

http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/zr-top.jpg
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/zr-side.jpg
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/zr-bot.jpg

wow! nice work

now thats impressive and original thinking. Brilliant work Kari.

Very Nice. Love the design. Looks even better in pictures then it did in design

J

Is that 3.9L of Zeovit it will hold, or 3.9L total chamber volume? Why not even holes throughout the entire space of the "plates"? Is it designed to just rotate it forward, then rotate it back right away...or rotate it forward one day, then next day rotate it back? Or whatever you want? :lol:

Looks FAN-TAS-TIC!!! Sign me up! :)

3.9liter media section (between the drilled plates). Or was it 3.7liter. I'll measure it again once I'm awake.

The theory on hole placement was for horizontal mount. It should help the water flow thru the media instead of short cutting above it.

I don't think it will need to rotate much. Just a quick back and fourth to move the media around. Speaking of media, I'll need to go buy a few bags to test. My guess is that it will work better in the vertical position.

Good call!!

Anyone find a source for Sedra pumps? What's the price on those puppies anyway?

Fantastic looking prototype... expected nothing less from you though, Kari. :wink:

Wendell sells Sedra pumps: http://oceanaquatics.com/store/categ...-%26-External/

Having said that is there a reason to go Sedra over anything else? They're just a pump. The Hydor Seltz pumps are smaller and draw less power for example:

Sedra 5000 - 500gph - 50W
Seltz L35 - 450gph - 23W

Sedra 2500 - 250gph - 25W
Seltz L25 - 265gph - 10W

(Anyhow, just a thought.. :) )

Wow Kari that is dang impressive!! :eek: Beautiful work!

I was just wondering what the length of that bracket it sits on is. Trying to figure if it will fit into my sump cabinet :biggrin:

I am in for one, pending getting another job :)

as soon as i am employed again i want one.

Did some measuring on the tester reactor and it works out to 3.50 liter media capacity and not what I guessed earlier.

The hanger bracket is 18" long and the reactor extends 8" out from the wall when it is mounted. I beleave it can be shortened by at least 2" and still have the same capacity but I would like to see the fittings first (still on order.) So, say 16" long.

I can make them between 5 liters and as small as you need by changing the length. It will be 0.389 liters per 1" length change.

This liters and inches thing is cool. Whatever, just units.

What's not shown in the photo and included is,

2 _ 1/2" swivel 90deg speed fit X 1/2"mnpt elbows
2 _ 1/2" hoses
1 _ 1/2" speed fit X 1/2"mnpt adapters
1 _ 1/2" single true union ball valve


The flow rate is suggested at 100gph/liter media.

I haven't looked into it much, I just always hear people saying Sedra pumps for the ZeoVit chambers. So I figured there was something special about them...adjustable flow maybe...? I have no idea. I've never even seen a Sedra pump before, or at least I've never noticed one before. ;)

If there's nothing special about them, then I will use something else. :D

Additional Photos
 

3 weeks later the fittings arrived.

The in/out fittings are 1/2" John Guest Swivel Elbows as per photo,
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/FITTINGS.jpg

The hose that I was planning on using I found at Norwesco (blue stuff.) Alternatively, one could use the typical more rigid 1/2" hose used on these fittings but I believe this hose will work better. It will give a bit more flex but not too much like the clear pvc and vinyl hose.
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/HOSE.jpg

Looking good....What will be the time to delivery once an order is placed.

After 2 gruelling beers worth of testing I have a few notes.

Tested using only 2 liters of zeo rocks and water supplied with a mag7. Pump selection would be dependant on reactor mounting height but something equivalent to mag5 flow curve performance would work for most cases.

The reactor works best mounted horizontally and I like it:lol:.

When setup vertically one needs to rotate the unit back and fourth a little too vigorously and that's no fun. The rocks were more of a mix in size, larger and more angular then I expected therefor causing them to compact easily.

The swivel fittings and hose work well creating a sealed unit that can be wall mounted in unused areas saving space for other equipment.

When mounted horizontally the rocks tumble and mix nicely like a lottery number machine with an effortless slow rotation (approx 300deg.)

I am a bit of a liar by claiming vert or horz mountable and apologize.

Here's a few test photos,

http://www.canreef.com/photopost/dat...test-front.jpg
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/data/500/test-end.jpg
http://www.canreef.com/photopost/dat...test-angle.jpg

I had to drink the beers to better illustrate scale in the photos.

Man that looks really promising. :cool: Think I'm really digging the horizontal mount too. No compaction has to be a benefit..

I have enough tube left to make one more if anyone is interested.

How large of a volume could you make with what you have left?

3 liter