I think people would need to know the size of your tank and type of reactor (Rex Grigg or Cerges).
DIY Reactor Size Suggestions
Just setting up a pressurized system and would like to build a reactor(griggs) for my dissolution method. Can anyone offer me a starting point with the dimensions of the pvc. I am aware there are quite a few variables but I'll list my setup and hope one of you has experience with some of these items.
Canister - 404b rated @ 525gph. ¾" tubing inside diameter. Below is a representation of canister internals
- PolyFill/Purigen
- Matrix Bio Media
- Fine Filtration (Beige Doctor Fosters Pads @ 2½")
- Coarse & Fine (Blue Bonded Foster Pads @ 2½")
From there tube is 20" before arriving at Hydor Inline Heater. After the heater, 12" of tubing before reaching the spray-bar attachment at the rim of the tank.
Height from top of canister outflow to top of tank 28"
I am well aware there is no definitive answer to, what length/diameter should I use, but if someone could get me in the ballpark I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for your time and consideration - Carpathian
Canister - 404b rated @ 525gph. ¾" tubing inside diameter. Below is a representation of canister internals
- PolyFill/Purigen
- Matrix Bio Media
- Fine Filtration (Beige Doctor Fosters Pads @ 2½")
- Coarse & Fine (Blue Bonded Foster Pads @ 2½")
From there tube is 20" before arriving at Hydor Inline Heater. After the heater, 12" of tubing before reaching the spray-bar attachment at the rim of the tank.
Height from top of canister outflow to top of tank 28"
I am well aware there is no definitive answer to, what length/diameter should I use, but if someone could get me in the ballpark I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for your time and consideration - Carpathian
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
With that flow I would think 2" by 18" should be plenty with a rex griggs. You may even get away with 1.5" but if it were me I would go 2". Just my opinion.
Dan
Dan
40g breeder griggsI think people would need to know the size of your tank and type of reactor (Rex Grigg or Cerges).
Thanks, I think the advice you received from @Dman911 is spot on then. That size (diameter and length) should be perfect. I'm running a 21" x 2" on my 60 gallon and I wouldn't change a thing.
Sounds good, thanks
One thing to note. I just got done fixing my DIY reactor. What was happening was i kept getting air pockets at the top, which would cause this water fall noise and i was getting micro bubbles since the pockets of air wouldn't allow for complete disillusion of c02. What i did wrong was use a 90degree elbow on the top of the reactor. I read on some forums others were having this problem as well. I guess using elbows at the top of the reactor makes for air pockets to form? The solution i read was to use a straight inlet at the top so that water is being pushed straight through clearing anything in its path. Just finished up 5minutes ago and sure enough now its working like a charm.
I was only able to fine straight barbs for 3/4" so I'm set there. I did find braided vinyl tubing that I am considering, very rigid and two plumbers stated that I could use silicone to attach the connectors, plugs, tees, etc. Given there wasn't a large amount of pressure. I purchased both and weighing the pros and cons of doing it the proven effective way or taking a calculated risk to save a few bucks.One thing to note. I just got done fixing my DIY reactor. What was happening was i kept getting air pockets at the top, which would cause this water fall noise and i was getting micro bubbles since the pockets of air wouldn't allow for complete disillusion of c02. What i did wrong was use a 90degree elbow on the top of the reactor. I read on some forums others were having this problem as well. I guess using elbows at the top of the reactor makes for air pockets to form? The solution i read was to use a straight inlet at the top so that water is being pushed straight through clearing anything in its path. Just finished up 5minutes ago and sure enough now its working like a charm.
Lol I contemplated this exact tubing when building mine but only because I was having trouble finding 2" fittings and pipe where I live. I managed to find a great place that every fitting imaginable and sold the pipe cut to size by the foot. The one thing that concerns me about that in the natural bend it will have from being on the roll. The other bonus to giving it a try would be its clear and you can see what's going on. If you were asking me which to use I would say 100% PVC but the curiosity in me wants to see the vinyl tubing. Let us know what you decide.
Dan
Dan
Amazon has clear tubing. 3' of 2" is about 8-10$. Plenty of people in the U.K. Use silicone instead of that pvc bond. White pvc also works, just doesn't look as nice. I'm using a 2' long x 1.5" tube... after switching out that fitting. Works awesome!
Edit: this photo was before I fixed the elbow. Excuse the wiring. This was after setting up everything haha.
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Edit: this photo was before I fixed the elbow. Excuse the wiring. This was after setting up everything haha.
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I'm in the process of building one myself. Are you gonna use a brass fittings for the co2 barb? I was looking into nylon barbs and i can't find what I need.
No bend, I purchased a precut 2' version and it is very straightLol I contemplated this exact tubing when building mine but only because I was having trouble finding 2" fittings and pipe where I live. I managed to find a great place that every fitting imaginable and sold the pipe cut to size by the foot. The one thing that concerns me about that in the natural bend it will have from being on the roll. The other bonus to giving it a try would be its clear and you can see what's going on. If you were asking me which to use I would say 100% PVC but the curiosity in me wants to see the vinyl tubing. Let us know what you decide.
Dan
I'm in the process of building one myself. Are you gonna use a brass fittings for the co2 barb? I was looking into nylon barbs and i can't find what I need.
I have used both, doesn't matter. I haven't had any leaks on either
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I built these and have no complaints.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/20-diy/964881-cerges-reactor-inline-heater.html
.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/20-diy/964881-cerges-reactor-inline-heater.html
.
Carpathian - glad to see you're making progress on the CO2 front! Best of luck!
Big Buddha - HAHAHAH love your signature <3
Big Buddha - HAHAHAH love your signature <3
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
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