calcium reactor

JoJo · #1 05-30-2002, 10:08 PM

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!!

reefburnaby · #2 05-30-2002, 11:41 PM

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.

JoJo · #3 05-31-2002, 12:09 AM

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!!!!

Bryan · #4 05-31-2002, 12:51 AM

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.

reefburnaby · #5 05-31-2002, 02:40 AM

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.

Bryan · #6 05-31-2002, 03:47 AM

Water Canister Calcium Reactor Plans

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

JoJo · #7 05-31-2002, 04:01 AM

Thanks Guys!!!!!

JoJo · #8 05-31-2002, 08:57 PM

Hey Victor,

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

reefburnaby · #9 06-01-2002, 02:28 AM

Hi,

Maxijet 900 - I upgraded from a 400.

- Victor.

sea gnome · #10 06-02-2002, 01:01 AM

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