bioplastic reactor for.....$15.00

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by rc_mcwaters3, Nov 29, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2010
    Messages:
    2,036
    Location:
    Valdosta, Ga
    This all started when I got some npx biopellets on a black friday deal for $15.00. I thought I was going to put it into my old ehiem filter but the old filter did not do what I wanted to do so I ventured onto the internet to look for a reactor. all in all it was going to be about $75.00 bucks with shipping but thats more than I have to spend on the old fish tank this week so I ventured into the world of DIY. This is my first DIY walk through so if you need more info just let me know.

    [​IMG]

    First step: chose what size you need

    I went with two little fishies NPX biopellets because they are better suted for nano tanks. 100ml per 25 gallons. I have about that in total water volume so I will only use half the bag at a full dose. just make sure you know that it is recomended that you add it slowly until you are at a full dose and not all at once.

    [​IMG]

    next is the size or the reactor. mine is a old gravel vacume body that is 11 inches long by 1 1/4 inches in diameter. This would be a good chance to use clear PVC from a local store. I couldnt get any here so this was the next best thing. plus it gave me part of the pluming for the body.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 30, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  2. Click Here!

  3. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2010
    Messages:
    2,036
    Location:
    Valdosta, Ga
    step two assment and assembly

    I have the bottom of the reactor already but no top. so here is how it is assembled.

    you will need: a coupling for the size you need

    [​IMG]

    a threaded plug for the size hose you need. bad pic but it it the pice sticking out if the top.

    [​IMG]

    and a threaded barb for the top of the plug

    [​IMG]

    and shazam!!!

    [​IMG]

    this was my top but you can make two for a bottom as well if your using clear PVC.
     
  4. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2010
    Messages:
    2,036
    Location:
    Valdosta, Ga
    step three: final details

    the biopellets were really small so I had to use plastic fabric mesh from walmart
    $3.00 total for three big sheets.

    [​IMG]

    next was to cut it to fit into the top and bottom of the reactor to make sure the biopellets stay where they are suposed to be. I cut them to fit snugly and didnt glue them into place just incase I need to ever replace them. once you put them onto the body they wont go any where.

    top:

    [​IMG]

    bottom:

    [​IMG]

    once you have the screen in place place one one side place you media in and put it togther. I used teflon tape to water proof everything not PVC cement so thet I would be able to remove or add media as I need to.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2010
    Messages:
    2,036
    Location:
    Valdosta, Ga
    now all you have to do is hook a small pump to it and bam you have a cheep reactor.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    and here is a short video and how well it works.

    [​IMG]

    all in all I recyled an old pice of fresh water tech and got a nano reactor for about 15 bucks ;D
     
  6. salt4me

    salt4me Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2010
    Messages:
    277
    nice build, got me to thinking about that old skimmer again lol.
     
  7. ReefBruh

    ReefBruh Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2010
    Messages:
    4,813
    Location:
    Clearwater, FL
    Definitely a nice DIY.
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2010
    Messages:
    2,036
    Location:
    Valdosta, Ga
    i though of using my old skimmer first but it was just to big for my little 20 gallon.

    thank you sir ;D
     
  10. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2011
    Messages:
    2,062
    Location:
    Nashville TN
    Nice! I would expect nothing less from a Georgia boy. good job
     
  11. norg.

    norg. Kole Tang

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2009
    Messages:
    1,766
    Location:
    Muskego WI
    Sweet DIY project. You got me thinking about doing the same on my thirty gallon.
     
  12. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2010
    Messages:
    2,036
    Location:
    Valdosta, Ga
    ;D

    I love it for my 20 pluse if I get a good reactor for christmas I still will probably use this one