DIY Zeo or Ultra Lithe Reactor

[Chowder]

I got tired of shaking my phosban reactor to aggitate and clean the Zeolithe. I decided to make a pump still reactor out of my phosban reactor. To do this I bought some 1/2 inch acrylic rod , a 1/2 barbed plug, some 1/4 inch white plexy and weld-on 16.
This is what I ended up with......




I started by drilling out the center hole in the lid to 1/2 inch to receive the 1/2 inch rod. I ended up loosing the barbed fitting on the out side of the lid. I had to file the hole a little so the rod would move smoothly in the hole.



I then took the two round red pieces from inside the reactor and drilled the holes in the center to 1/2 inch. I saw the flanges off on the one side of each piece so I could glue them flush together. I glued them together because I thought it would be more durable that way since they are made of brittle plastic. I then took a 1 inch hole bit and drilled a 1 inch washer. I drilled a 1/2 inch hole in the middle of it. I cut the 1/2 inch rod into a 14 inch length. I glued the two red pieces together then glued it to the rod . I glued the white washer behind it as a extra support.



I then started to drill the hole in the phosban tube. I drilled it out to 5/8 to fit the 1/2 inch barbed plug. I worked my way up to 5/8 by drilling a number of smaller holes untill I got to 5/8. I did this slowly because I was scared the acrylic tube would crack quite easily. I had to file the hole a little for the plug to fit. I glued it into place with weld-on 16. The reason for the barbed fitting in the bottom is to create flow from the bottom up.



I have not actually tested it yet in my tank. I will be setting it up in the next day or two and will let you know how it works. I am quite sure that there will be water comming out the top from around the rod. Similair to the actual Zeo reactors. Hope this helps someone .

Chris

[Delphinus]

What a great idea. Good luck with the testing!

[Jason McK]

Look'n good Chris. I don't think it will mater if water leaks from the top. the first gen Zeo Reactors just over flowed

J

[Chowder]

Thanks Guys. I am going to try and get it up and running tonight.

[Jason McK]

Try? come on. you can do it!

[christyf5]

Wow cool idea, its a pain shaking that phosban reactor every day, one of the hoses would always dislodge and it would leak all over the place. I can't wait to hear how it pans out

[Chowder]

I had the same problem those fitting are just not ment for that.

Chris

[Chowder]

Got the reactor up and running tonight. Everything works like it should. There is no water comming out of the rod hole. I do not have much flow going threw it though. Just changed the whole Lithe out and can't run it at a higher flow yet. The only thing I would change is for some reason I did not extend the rod to the bottom of the reactor. The bottom red brackets stop on the 1/2 inch barbed plug and make it a little uneven. It would be solved if the rod was extended to the bottom. The plunger is a little hard to start but flows easily up and down after the first inch. So far I am pleased with how it works.


Chris

[hecks220]

I shake mine every day or other day. It's actually a great arm and shoulder work out! Shake and bake

[FlamesFan]

Any update on the reactor? Was thinking of making one, please lemme know the cons if there have been any.