Diy algae reactor help.

[anomeda]

Hi.
I'm thinking about building an chaeto reactor for my 20g tank and would really need some help how to do this.

I have two ideas so far.

1)Build a new media basket and place a pump in the first chamber( I have a spare jebao dc 1200 i can use ) Where should i put the return hose from the reactor?

2)Build a single manifold and run the reactor from the jebao dc 1200 return pump.
However this means 16" hose down and 16" back up, alot of flow with other words and probably to much for the dc 1200 to handle even with fully open gate valve. So what i could do in worst case is change to a jebao dc 2000 which would give me alot of extra flow and i guess enought for this application? It's a shallow tank only 11.4" in hight.
Where should i place the return hose if i choose that design?

Any thoughts or maybe even a better solution to share?
The rector i have in mind is aquaforest AF90.

This is how the sump looks right now btw. I also added a protein skimmer next to the heater a while ago(green in the sketch)

Thanks.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It's not too much head pressure w the 1200. You'll be fine.
My HOB is running on a tiny 12v D.C. Pump and the chato needs to be trimmed weekly.

 

[anomeda]

Okey that sounds great. Thanks for the help!

 

[anomeda]

Btw. Where do you suggest i place the return hose?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Personally I'd run a single and keep the fuge seperate reagent than mess with trying to balance the return/fuge. It's simpler.

Both will work. But imo in the manifold you'll need a valve to balance or just deal with loss of turnover / return rate.
If that makes sense.

And if you hate the whole thing your just pull it out and don't have to replumb the system.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Btw. Where do you suggest i place the return hose?

Either in the return pump chamber or or media chamber. Anywhere it looks clean as long as it's not right next to the pump supplying flow. IMO even just inches away.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

You can also add it to the DT directly as well for more flow and pods.

 

[anomeda]

I should have been more clear in my post.

I intend on using a valve connected to the hose like the brs reactors for example, or do i need to connect a valve directly to the pvc to get a manifold to work properly?

Plumbing wount be an issue if i decide to remove the reactor. To be honest i don't have the 90 angle pvc glued to the bulk head just a very tight fit using plumbers tape.

You are right about using a separate pump. Although, because of you're first post i need to at least try a manifold to see if i can get it to work. And if not, well then i know the single pump is a safe bet which is great.

 

[anomeda]

Either in the return pump chamber or or media chamber. Anywhere it looks clean as long as it's not right next to the pump supplying flow. IMO even just inches away.

You can also add it to the DT directly as well for more flow and pods.

Perfect, I was hoping i could add the hose directly to the display.

Thanks again. Now i know all i need.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Perfect, I was hoping i could add the hose directly to the display.

Thanks again. Now i know all i need.

You're welcome!

 

[abecker]

I have a MJ1200 running from my Red Sea max to an algae reactor back in the stand and then back to the tank. Once flow starts a siphon keeps it going even if I turn the pump off

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I have a MJ1200 running from my Red Sea max to an algae reactor back in the stand and then back to the tank. Once flow starts a siphon keeps it going even if I turn the pump off

That's bloody genius. The pump is In The tank? And the reactor is on the floor ?

 

[abecker]

That's bloody genius. The pump is In The tank? And the reactor is on the floor ?

The pump is in the rear sump, and yes the reactor is on the floor. The only thing I did was add a valve on both the line from the pump and the return back to the tank near the reactor. I also added a T on the return line and another valve coming off of the T. This allows me to turn the pump off, shut the valve on the return and feed lines. Then open the valve off of the T and drain any excess water so I can open the reactor without a flood of water coming out.

 

[anomeda]

I have a MJ1200 running from my Red Sea max to an algae reactor back in the stand and then back to the tank. Once flow starts a siphon keeps it going even if I turn the pump off

That happen to my diy air driven skimmer but not in a good way. I turned it off and in 10sec it empty 1g in into the collection bucket that i had inside the stand.
But in this case with the reactor it sounds like a great thing.