DIY Calcium Reactor

[reefsoe]

Im looking to setup a calcium reactor, I wanted some feedback if poosible... I want to build it if possible, a DIY reactor.
Does anyone have plans and a part list that wouldnt mind helping me out
Thanks
ReefSOE

 

[wamp]

There are lots out there! I will bump this up in hopes someone who has them saved will post them. I just formatted my drive and lost all mine...

 

[reefsoe]

Thanks Wamp!
Does a DIY Reactor work as well? I love the stabalized PH and added calcium. I looked back some posts but couldnt find a complete one with parts and such. I would really like to speak to someone who has made one also.
Thank you all in advance!
ReefSOE

 

[richard rendos]

I have made several. They are pretty easy if you have the materials and the right tools. I found that out the hard way. Good plans for DIY reactors can be found here...at least these are the plans I used (then I modified them a little)
http://www.homestead.com/geosreef/reactordiy.html
Good plans, I just wanted quick disconnects and I used hard PVC instead of flex tubing.

 

[reefsoe]

What does one usually cost to build?

 

[wamp]

Richard built mine and it worked VERY well. Actually it was a secondary reactor.
The cost, well thats kind of a dificult question. The forst one you build will run you a little more due to tool costs. But once you get all the tools, about 50$ for the materials. PLUS, you'll need, a CO2 bottle, a regulator, and a neddle valve adgustment. Thats where a little more money comes into play.
Calcium reactors ain't cheap. But, their benefits are well worth it.

 

[richard rendos]

The last dual chamber calcium reactor I built was 21" tall and made from 4 1/2" diameter acrylic. I used a Mag 2 for circulation and cost a little more because of the quick disconnects. It's total cost for me was around $100.00. (not counting the tools)<p> You need a table saw, or a mitre saw with a carbide blade that is at least 80 tooth with a thin kerf...makes for smoother edges. You will also need a good sander, preferably a belt sander. Along with that, you will need a hole saw, and Weldon 16 or 4 to "glue" it together.

 

[reefsoe]

Oh well... there goes my budget... that will probably be in the near future then, I think ill go with an auto dripper and maybe an auto top off. With the Reactor in the near future after the holidays...
Have either of you built a auto drip or topoff?
I've seen plans that simple use an air pump and a few check valves for a doseing system.

 

[isz]

i made a post a month or so back about an auto top off, it was really cheap and works really well, just search for my name and you'll find it

 

[killyah]

ReefSOE
you can try the nilson reactor. it's better then dripping kalk the old way! i made one for $50 canadian, i used PVC tho instead of Acrylic to cut down on cost. Acrylic =$$$.. here is a link....
http://www.mv.com/users/besposito/nilsen.html
here is the one i made,

 

[mikegronholz]

I have a question, can some one explain HOW the reactor works ? The diagrams show an input of water. I take it this is "topoff" water stored somewhere. Where/How is the kalk added to the reactor ?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[reefsoe]

Is a top off system as simple as it sounds a float switch and a mag drive??
Or use two float switches with one in reverse if the water gets too high to shut it off?

 

[wamp]

The calcium reactor takes water from the tank or sump and adds it back. The input comes from a powerhead in the tank and then mixes it with C02 and the media and adds it back at a slow rate.