DIY Algae Reactor

crobs808 · Feb 23, 2020

I made my own algae reactor and posted the materials needed and build steps here. It is under $100 total (or about $115 with starter chaeto).

LINK: http://reefgiants.com/diy-algae-reactor/

Benefits:

Reduction of harmful Nitrates and Phosphates
Consumption of excess CO2
Acts as a copepod incubator
Helps balance pH swings
Emulates biological filtration found in nature
Can provide many of the same benefits as refugiums for smaller tanks.

I would love feedback as well on what could make it better too and the objective is to helps others who want to make their own. It was fun and easy! Enjoy.

hmmmmm · Feb 25, 2020

Look good! One small tip, use heat shrink wrap instead of tape. And keep in mind there have been some issues with leds getting to hot and plexi cracking: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-algae-reactor-warning.355450/page-2

jnava19 · Mar 10, 2020

I used this, (and many other DIY posts here as well) and built mine like this and I have to say it has been a nice success, it has been running for 6 weeks and so far doing great, cheato was not growing a lot at the beginning, but it was able to help lowering nitrates from 60 to 15. The lights I got don't heat a lot, but, I did not completely attached them to the plastic just put some plastic straps to keep it in place.

crobs808 · Mar 12, 2020

Why heat shrink wrap instead of the waterproof Gorilla tape I used? I haven't had any problems with the tape, so you got me curious

hmmmmm · Mar 15, 2020

crobs808 said:
Why heat shrink wrap instead of the waterproof Gorilla tape I used? I haven't had any problems with the tape, so you got me curious

Equipment never lasts, at some point it will need maintenance or repair. Tape will degrade faster then de rubber heat shrink. Also the glue in the tape will create a mess when you try and take it off. That's why you will never see a lighting manufacturer use tape, internally or externally. It's cheap as chips, and no seams so better water proofing.