Can this diy work for pellet reactor?

[kris2001]

I just did a DIY using a water bottle design... will this work for a recirculating pellet reactor?

Using the valve I can regulate how much drip affluent goes into the tank.
See pic!
Thx

 

[Jason mack]

Yes

 

[Hillbillyreefer]

Maybe. You’ll need something to filter on top and bottom to keep the pellets from escaping the bottle. The pellets need to gently swirl around and bump one another to be effective, I’m not sure how well your setup will work.

When pellets first became the rage I made a simple setup for a biocube back chamber. I used an MJ400 friction fit into a hole in the bottle lid, with a piece of thin filter foam in the neck to keep the pellets out of the pump during power outages. Above that was the pellet chamber and topped it off with a piece of fiberglass window screen attached with rubber bands. The bottle simply overflowed the top and the effluent went into the next chamber holding the skimmer. That was the best diy I came up with, I wouldn’t do it again. If the need to run pellets arises again I’ll buy a reactor and be done with it.

Let us know how it turns out, DIY and tinkering are some of the best aspects to this hobby!

 

[kris2001]

Maybe. You’ll need something to filter on top and bottom to keep the pellets from escaping the bottle. The pellets need to gently swirl around and bump one another to be effective, I’m not sure how well your setup will work.

When pellets first became the rage I made a simple setup for a biocube back chamber. I used an MJ400 friction fit into a hole in the bottle lid, with a piece of thin filter foam in the neck to keep the pellets out of the pump during power outages. Above that was the pellet chamber and topped it off with a piece of fiberglass window screen attached with rubber bands. The bottle simply overflowed the top and the effluent went into the next chamber holding the skimmer. That was the best diy I came up with, I wouldn’t do it again. If the need to run pellets arises again I’ll buy a reactor and be done with it.

Let us know how it turns out, DIY and tinkering are some of the best aspects to this hobby!

Thx.... for the details.
I agree you get great satisfaction in diy... plus savings.

I was inspired by this guy... but wanted a recirculating feature since you don't want to mess with tuning the inlet that'll affect tumble speed.


In his design no way to regulate the output rate....

 

[Hillbillyreefer]

His idea of small holes drilled in the top is a much better idea than using screen and elastics. For flow control through the pellets, if you have room, a tee with a valve on it to release some of the flow from the pump might be easier to tune than the drawing you put up. It all depends on your tinkerfoo, and most importantly what works for your tank. Good luck with the project!

 

[kris2001]

His idea of small holes drilled in the top is a much better idea than using screen and elastics. For flow control through the pellets, if you have room, a tee with a valve on it to release some of the flow from the pump might be easier to tune than the drawing you put up. It all depends on your tinkerfoo, and most importantly what works for your tank. Good luck with the project!

But i thought the tumble rate shouldn't be tinkered with...[emoji848]