This site is supported by the advertisements on it, please disable your AdBlocker so we can continue to provide you with the quality content you expect.
  1. We are after as many aquarium plant images that we can get, doing so will assist us in completing the aquarium plant database.

    https://barrreport.com/threads/aquatic-plant-images-wanted.14374/
    Dismiss Notice

Tom's DIY internal reactor...

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

  1. TexasRock

    TexasRock Prolific Poster

    Joined:
    May 31, 2006
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    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

    Joined:
    May 7, 2006
    Messages:
    67
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    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

    Joined:
    May 31, 2006
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    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

    Joined:
    May 7, 2006
    Messages:
    67
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    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

    Joined:
    May 31, 2006
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    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
    Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2005
    Messages:
    18,691
    Likes Received:
    711
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    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

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2006
    Messages:
    170
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    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
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2005
    Messages:
    108
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    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

    Joined:
    May 31, 2006
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    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

    Joined:
    May 31, 2006
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    Re: Tom's DIY internal reactor...

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

    Tom Barr Founder
    Staff Member Administrator

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2005
    Messages:
    18,691
    Likes Received:
    711
    Local Time:
    12:05 PM
    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
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Loading...
Similar Threads - Tom's DIY internal
  1. mdwheeler

    Tom's DIY External Reactor: With my modification

    mdwheeler, Sep 21, 2010, in forum: CO2 Enrichment
    Replies:
    10
    Views:
    207
    mdwheeler
    Oct 5, 2010
  2. geektom

    geektom's sanity tank

    geektom, Jul 16, 2017, in forum: Journals
    Replies:
    238
    Views:
    10,497
    geektom
    Jun 27, 2018
  3. jarrod0987

    Understanding Tom's Algae Research

    jarrod0987, Sep 10, 2015, in forum: General Plant Topics
    Replies:
    13
    Views:
    819
    jarrod0987
    Sep 16, 2015
  4. jarrod0987

    Want Tom's info on Algae

    jarrod0987, Sep 7, 2015, in forum: Algae Control
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    491
    jarrod0987
    Sep 9, 2015
  5. reef12

    What is this Orange red plant in the Pic from Tom's tank?

    reef12, Nov 3, 2013, in forum: Aquatic Plant Species
    Replies:
    6
    Views:
    405
    UDGags
    Nov 4, 2013

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice