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Tom's DIY internal reactor...

Discussion in 'General Plant Topics' started by TexasRock, Jun 3, 2006.

  1. TexasRock

    TexasRock Prolific Poster

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    I am having trouble finding a "viewtainer" like what tom uses for his reactor... any other suggestions?

    What is the diameter of that tube? Could I just use PVC?

    Keith
     
    #1 TexasRock, Jun 3, 2006
  2. rrkss

    rrkss Prolific Poster

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    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

    I used a 20 oz Pepsi bottle with the label removed. It does the trick and allows me to see inside which I like.
     
    #2 rrkss, Jun 3, 2006
  3. TexasRock

    TexasRock Prolific Poster

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    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

    What size tank is that good for? I have a 100 gallon tank so should I use a larger diameter?

    Keith
     
    #3 TexasRock, Jun 3, 2006
  4. rrkss

    rrkss Prolific Poster

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    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

    I run mine on 29 gallon tank and it drives my pH from 7.4 to 6.0 which calculates to over 90 ppm of CO2. I am sure with your tank which is a little bit more than 3x my tank's volume, the pepsi bottle will do fine with an higher gas flow rate though you might want two diffusers to spread the mist out more evenly.
     
    #4 rrkss, Jun 3, 2006
  5. TexasRock

    TexasRock Prolific Poster

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    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

    What size powerhead (gph) should I use?

    Keith
     
    #5 TexasRock, Jun 3, 2006
  6. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

    I'd use a 150-200gph and use two of them, one on each side.
    You can order from www.veiwtainer.com

    I believe...........

    Old Flourish 500ml bottles also work.
    You pick the old plastic used bottle of your choice
    The veiwtainer does look good though.
    Aesthetics are important even if it's DIY:)


    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #6 Tom Barr, Jun 4, 2006
  7. quenton

    quenton Guru Class Expert

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    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

    I used the top half of a python-like vaccum tube. Its perhaps a wee bit smaller than those other things, but the output of my powerhead fit perfectly into the top -- I am susing a maxi-jet -- it you cut the part of the vacuum tube that the hose fits over down to just about 1/8", the maxi-jet output fits quite snuggly and you don't have to do anything else to hold them together.
     
    #7 quenton, Jun 4, 2006
  8. turbomkt

    turbomkt Lifetime Charter Member
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    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

    Don't forget to look around at Home Depot or Lowes. My Home Depot always has a bunch of different sizes in stock. They're great containers for holding nails, screws, and other small things.
     
    #8 turbomkt, Jun 4, 2006
  9. TexasRock

    TexasRock Prolific Poster

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    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

    Could you cap the end of the reactor and put an elbow on that to run to my return pump? That way I could mount it in my sump and have the CO2 enriched water blasted around my tank by my pump.

    Basically keep the design exactly like Tom has it, except put an elbow in the other end and have some 1/2" tubing running to my intake of my pump. I'd use a "T" on my pump that way it won't suck the water through the reactor, just use the CO2 enriched water to blast around my tank...

    Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?

    Keith
     
    #9 TexasRock, Jun 4, 2006
  10. TexasRock

    TexasRock Prolific Poster

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    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

    bump :rolleyes:
     
    #10 TexasRock, Jun 5, 2006
  11. Tom Barr

    Tom Barr Founder
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    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

    The good part about using a powerhead is that it is easy to turn on when the lights are on and off etc.
    If you Tee off from the main filter, this is fine provided you also have a solenoid that shuts off the CO2 gas flow.

    Regards,
    Tom Barr
     
    #11 Tom Barr, Jun 5, 2006
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