DIY Calcium Reactor

[untouchables]

since one of the main cost is the arcylic and cutting, is it possible to DIY using a resun FR? need to drill, etc but should still be very cheap. fbf-1000 as main chamber, fbf-500 as secondary chamber!

anyone knows where i can get info on how a good CR should be? dun want to go through the units sold here cos then i will be copying their product. juz want to see a logical diagram. i can probably figure out the parts and how to DIY it.

cheers!

[untouchables]

juz found a good diagram from here DIY info

this is single chamber and no c02 recirculation.

[typrobin]

perhaps u might wanna take a look at the DIY CR tat are available in singapore...i dun think it will be considered as copying as u still came out with the idea of using a Resun FR....the rest of the pipings are quite similar throughout the brands that are available...the diagram that u posted already show what's required...so u can simply follow it...

but beware, CR are a little pressurised during operation, so u MUST ensure that all joints and pipes are leak proof...

[tineng]

this guy uses milk bottles and provides list of shops that he went to for the cheap stuff.....you might want to check it out if you have not already read this link

[untouchables]

perhaps u might wanna take a look at the DIY CR tat are available in singapore...i dun think it will be considered as copying as u still came out with the idea of using a Resun FR....the rest of the pipings are quite similar throughout the brands that are available...the diagram that u posted already show what's required...so u can simply follow it...

but beware, CR are a little pressurised during operation, so u MUST ensure that all joints and pipes are leak proof...

thanks for the heads up on the pressure thingy. i think should be ok since im gonna use eheim tubes with hose clips and everything will be sealed with silicone.

as for design copying, the diagram shows a basic setup. the niche or specialty in CR from the various sponsors are mainly how to recirculate the co2, which i intend to do but trying not to copy. the problem is that sometimes, there is only one best method and as a result end up using same solution. but i think if i diy for myself onli, no one will complain

[untouchables]

this guy uses milk bottles and provides list of shops that he went to for the cheap stuff.....you might want to check it out if you have not already read this link

i intend to diy co2 using coke bottles, which i have been doing when i was into planted tank. the problem is how to control the amount of co2 and pressure, which is a plus point of a cylinder. maybe i juz diy the coke first and if the diy cr is good, i will buy a co2 cylinder. juz need to last 6 months can liao so no need so big one... also heavy to carry around during top up.

[typrobin]

i intend to diy co2 using coke bottles, which i have been doing when i was into planted tank. the problem is how to control the amount of co2 and pressure, which is a plus point of a cylinder. maybe i juz diy the coke first and if the diy cr is good, i will buy a co2 cylinder. juz need to last 6 months can liao so no need so big one... also heavy to carry around during top up.

are u referring to the yeast method?? i did it before when i was doing my planted tank as well...but as i mentioned earlier, CR are pressurised units...so the pressure in the coke bottle might not be able to withstand the pressure from the feeding pump...so the sea water might feed into your coke bottle instead of your tank....u might wanna consider that as well...

with lotsa fine tuning, it should work the same, but y not omit 1 trouble when u already have lotsa other things to fine tune (like the effluent rate, bubble count)

just my opinion....

[untouchables]

are u referring to the yeast method?? i did it before when i was doing my planted tank as well...but as i mentioned earlier, CR are pressurised units...so the pressure in the coke bottle might not be able to withstand the pressure from the feeding pump...so the sea water might feed into your coke bottle instead of your tank....u might wanna consider that as well...

with lotsa fine tuning, it should work the same, but y not omit 1 trouble when u already have lotsa other things to fine tune (like the effluent rate, bubble count)

just my opinion....

tyrobin, thanks for the feedback. i got thinking about that over the weekend and decided to get a co2 cylinder since it is under $100 for used unit but now got lost with all the techie words. juz wondering any bros can help to clarify...

a. what is the difference between manual (ie normal) and solenoid regulator?

b. is this regulator a so called pressure regulator, which is very important if we want to use needle valve for very fine tuning?

c. what are the items that i need and how much do these things cost?

d. dual gauge unit comes with a pressure regulator inside?

i was told a 3l unit with manual regulator cost about $100?

[untouchables]

design based on the diagram in this thread.

version 1.0:

a) air stuck in tube that cannot be easily removed.

version 2.0: added air release outlets at strategic points. ver 1.0a problem resolved.

a) effluent outlet ended up as venturi intake instead.

co2 inlet seems to be allowing water out when co2 is not connected. opposite of scenario of a). dunno if i connect co2 to it will solve the problem as co2 will have pressure to push???

version 3.0: moved effluent to tap from the canister directly but in sufficient pressure to push effluent out through the tube. ver 2.0a problem remains to be solved.

version 4.0: doing tonite but still not new ideas drawn up yet.

cheers!

[weisoon]

Why not get a brand new aluminum CO2 cylinder made in USA brand Catalina 10lbs (6.7Liters) with chrome plated valve at $150 only?

[untouchables]

Why not get a brand new aluminum CO2 cylinder made in USA brand Catalina 10lbs (6.7Liters) with chrome plated valve at $150 only?

weisoon, thanks for the info.

i juz bought a used 2l co2 cylinder (3/4 full) with single gauge and manual regulator for $45. condition is very good so i think worth the buy.