My DIY Reactor Project

[catfishbum]

I finally went and built my reacor today. I just wanted to show it to everyone and list some prices for people to see how cheap this thing was to build. I work at lowes, where i found everything i needed. So ill include a list if prices in order from top left to right in the first pic as follows:

1 - 2"x2' PVC SCH40 pipe part # 256099 ($2.28)
1 - pipe tread deal tape part # 25010 ($.87)
2 - 1/2 inch ball valves part #21481 ($2.28 ea. just an extra expenditure)
1 - 1/2" male NXP X barb elbow part # 194589 ($.30)
1 - 1/2 MNPT barb adaptor part # 194539 ($.39)
1 - 1/2" riser adapter X 1/4"B ML part # 234223 ($2.37) (has c02 barb)
1 - 1/2"x6" cutoff riser part # 23008 ($.24)
2 - 2"sch40 cupling part # 23902 ($2.66)
2 - 2" x 1/2 sch40 Bushing part # 51013 ($1.57 ea.)
TOTAL=15.81 with shut-offs
11.25 w/out shut-offs

The coolest thing is the 1/2 valve adapter that has the barb for the c02 molded into it, i was very surprised and happy to have found this! Now for the pics.......i decided to paint it green that i had laying around, what do you all think?

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[Sponsors]

[catfishbum]

The braided pvc flex piping im going to use on my fluval 305 to run the reactor, i previously cut mine too short to do anything with it. Ill post another pic in an hour or so after it is fully dried....

[catfishbum]

[Wasserpest]

Nice, thanks for sharing. That 1/2" riser adapter X 1/4"B ML part # 234223 is neat... never seen one like that. Sure makes things a bit easier.

[catfishbum]

yea i couldnt believe it when i saw it. my biggest problem with the DIY c02 was getting the tub to seal on the bottle cap. I didnt want to attempt to drill and seal another and i found this to my surprise.

[Wasserpest]

If you use that for DIY CO2 be careful... the back pressure from a canister filter is considerable. You better have perfect bottle cap seals...

[catfishbum]

im switching to pressurized now, thats what inspired me to do the project. Thanks for the lookout though

[gmccreedy]

Yea, that fitting is sweet. First time I have seen one like that.

[catfishbum]

i guess its used for a lawn sprinkler systemm or something, or something being a DIY reactor!

[okia42]

That great fitting. Is no good. Cool idea, but it leaks

[helgymatt]

Originally Posted by catfishbum

1 - 1/2" riser adapter X 1/4"B ML part # 234223 ($2.37) (has c02 barb)

Ok Lowes man,
Does every Lowes have this part? Where do you find it in the store and does it come in 3/4" size? I want it!

Thanks,
Matt

[ColeMan]

Originally Posted by okia42

That great fitting. Is no good. Cool idea, but it leaks

have you had problems with this particular piece leaking in the past, or are you just speculating? Similarly, if you did have problems was it the result of a defective part, or are all of these fittings designed to leak? What about you catfishbum, any problems?