The Rex Reactor

[rickztahone]

Originally Posted by Jowlz

Would putting a 90 degree elbow in the middle of this reactor affect performance? The layout of my cabinets would involve lots of extra plumbing but if I put a 90 elbow in the middle it would fit very well...

Imho I believe that might restrict flow significantly

[Jowlz]

Originally Posted by rickztahone

Imho I believe that might restrict flow significantly

Thanks. I should have been a little more clear. I was wondering if it would effect the way the CO2 was dissolved into the water. The two pumps I am using on this tank set up are too powerful for the size tanks. I was planning on 2 much bigger tanks but got a deal I couldn't turn down on 2 75's. I am having to install a return to the sump as is, so I can control flow to the tanks. The restriction will actually be welcome. Both pumps are rated at 1100 gph and are going only to a 75 gallon tank each....

[rickztahone]

Originally Posted by Jowlz

Thanks. I should have been a little more clear. I was wondering if it would effect the way the CO2 was dissolved into the water. The two pumps I am using on this tank set up are too powerful for the size tanks. I was planning on 2 much bigger tanks but got a deal I couldn't turn down on 2 75's. I am having to install a return to the sump as is, so I can control flow to the tanks. The restriction will actually be welcome. Both pumps are rated at 1100 gph and are going only to a 75 gallon tank each....

in that case it might work. do you have a pic?

[Jowlz]

I don't have a picture of the plumbing but the tank set up is in my profile and in the DIY stand thread. Thanks.

[Dave-H]

I am really interested in this type of reactor. But, I am concerned about flow.

My Eheim 2236 is rated at 185 gallons per minute, and my tank is a 54 gallon corner bowfront. Does anyone have an opinion about whether I would lose significant flow if I installed this type of reactor? I need all the flow I can get!

[idex]

Originally Posted by Dave-H

I am really interested in this type of reactor. But, I am concerned about flow.

My Eheim 2236 is rated at 185 gallons per minute, and my tank is a 54 gallon corner bowfront. Does anyone have an opinion about whether I would lose significant flow if I installed this type of reactor? I need all the flow I can get!

I didn't notice a significant decrease in flow with my 2236 after installing a diy rex style reactor.

[Dave-H]

Bingo! I was hoping someone else out there would have the 2236 working well with the rex style reactor

[Dave-H]

Another question:

I like the simplicity of the design, is the CO2 intake hole sealed in some way? Or is it just the pressure of the tubing sticking through the hole that keeps it sealed?

That seems like a weak point to me. Is it as simple as just drilling it then pushing the tube through to make the seal??

[idex]

Originally Posted by Dave-H

Another question:

I like the simplicity of the design, is the CO2 intake hole sealed in some way? Or is it just the pressure of the tubing sticking through the hole that keeps it sealed?

That seems like a weak point to me. Is it as simple as just drilling it then pushing the tube through to make the seal??

No extra seal needed... just drill the hole a little smaller than the diameter of your tubing and you're good to go.

[ojustaboo]

Building the rex reactor, but in the UK, the parts are hard to source.

I can do it if I use 50mm pipe.

Only thing is, the cheapest way would be to use a 50 - 40mm elbow at the top, then a 40mm - 3.4" reducer, then a barb into that.

Would that affect anything?

rough picture of the top bit below




Thanks

[Gplus]

Just as a future reference to anyone building this.....1.75 INCH PVC DOES NOT EXIST. You have to either downsize to 1.5 INCH or go up to 2 INCH. After building my own I can vouch for it and say it works AMAZINGLY well but I believe that the Piping Rex uses in the picture is 1.5 INCH not 1.75inch. .....Also when it came to drying time I was extremely impatient and completely fed up with my red sea in tank reactor. I only let the thing dry for about an hour before I couldn't resist the urge to hook it on and see it work. Everything was fine no leaks at all. The cement and sealer are designed to dry within a few minutes so if your in a rush you don't have to wait days for it to dry Imo.

[jaidexl]

Gotta run it through a Rex Grigg PVC Expander.


PVC cement doesn't take long to dry. When I fix pool equipment I give it maybe 10 minutes then fire her up.

[Gplus]

"Gotta run it through a Rex Grigg PVC Expander." Do they sell those at Hope depot?!

In all honesty I really love the rex grigg reactor it works amazingly well for a DIY. I think its my favorite piece of equipment (because its diy lol). Wasn't bashing just wanted to save people some confusion. 10-15 mins is plenty! Just rinse it out and your good to go!


Forgot to say it before but a big thanks to Rex Grigg for the great design!

[wakesk8r]

I just recently built these out of 2" clear schedule 40.
cool being able to watch how it all actually works

[jaidexl]

Originally Posted by blue-ram

I just recently built these out of 2" clear schedule 40.
cool being able to watch how it all actually works

Awesome. Please take video of that!