calcium reactor
 

Hi,

This might be a dumb question, has anyone thought of converting a canister filter such as a fluval or a magnum into a calcium reactor?? [img]redface.gif[/img]

My understanding to the operation of a reactor is to have water circulating through the media within a sealed container, at the same time contineously drawing a small amount of water from the sump, injecting co2 enough to maintain a ph of 6.5 within the canister and return the calcium rich effluent back into the sump. :confused:

Well, I did a little experiment. I took the o/p of my magnum 330 and connected it to i/p to form the closed loop. I fired it up, very good circulation. The magnum comes with a insert in which carbon can be added. But instead, I would add the ARM media, install fittings for the sump i/p, the effluent return and the co2 injection and voila, a diy calcium reactor. :D Just one of my crazy ideas. Will appreciate any inputs!!

calcium reactor
 

Hi,

Yupe, that would work and many reefers have done this before. I tried it with a Fluval (which was a bad choice)...but I retired the unit after I got my other reactor working.

You should be fine with your Magnum as a reactor.

I put a filter to protect the impeller from pumping too much fine/powder ARM around. The fine ARM can wear down the impeller and ultimately damage your canister.

- Victor.

calcium reactor
 

Thanks Victor.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the reactor that you are running is converted from a water filter. If this is the case, I am more interested in building it. Any info on it will be much appreciated. Thanks!!!!

calcium reactor
 

My first crack at a DIY calcium reactor was building one from a water purifier canister. the plans are on the web somewhere. I even used yeast and sugar water for the C02 production. Worked ok I guess, but would only recommend it for a small tank.

calcium reactor
 

Hi,

I don't have any plans for the reactor. As Brian said, there are some plans on the net regarding this type of reactor (water filter reactor). If you can't find them, I can try to describe what I have.

Personally, if I had a magnum, I would have made that my reactor. But, I have a Fluval and they don't work too well when you intentionally inject gas bubbles in to the water stream -- one of many Fluval flaws. If you can get your hands on an Eheim...even better.

- Victor.

calcium reactor
 

Water Canister Calcium Reactor Plans

http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~cap/raid/ca...s/waterfilter/

calcium reactor
 

Thanks Guys!!!!!

calcium reactor
 

Hey Victor,

For your water purifier diy reactor, what pump did you use???? Thanks!!!

calcium reactor
 

Hi,

Maxijet 900 - I upgraded from a 400.

- Victor.

calcium reactor
 

Hi, I'm very interested in your idea, I have a magnum as well. Could you let me know how it turns out? Pictures would be nice as well. What size tank are you using it on??? Rachel

calcium reactor
 

Hi Victor,

The MJ 900 you are using, is it been run as a external pump not submerged? Is this possible? I thought these powerheads needs to be submerged in water for them to work? The plan for a purifier type reactor suggest using a mag three. Thanks!!

calcium reactor
 

Hi Rachel,

Sure I'll keep you posted. But I can't see myself starting on the project until I can get my hands on a co2 tank. Talk to you later!

calcium reactor
 

Hi,

Unlike many other powerheads, the Maxijets have an O-ring seal around the impeller housing and the powerhead electromagnet. The o-ring prevents the powerhead from leaking and improves overall efficiency. It also allows the powerheat to operate in a non-submersed operation. Similar techniques are used on larger pumps such as Mags and Little Giants.

The Maxijet was my choice because I wanted an inexpensive pump that I could through out every three years. There is a lot of grit and calcium sand in the circulation path of thr reactor -- this tends to wear down the impeller...and sometimes entire powerhead. This is the case for the cheaper Mags and Maxijets. The Eheim pumps are...well...indestructable...so I would get that one instead. You'll notice that many of the heavy duty reactors use Eheim..including Canreef's. I think Mags are $60...so a $100 Eheim is a better investment.

- Victor.

calcium reactor
 

Thank You Victor for all the info!!!!