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yellowtruck75
02/11/2004, 09:53 PM
I am thinking of building a calcium reactor and having it made out of half clear PVC and half regular PVC. The middle portion of the chambers would be the clear portion to see the media and the ends would be the regular. I figure this should cut me down to needing only 2' of clear PVC and cuting my costs in half for material. Does anyone see any problems in my plans?
T Sandman
02/11/2004, 09:59 PM
No, I don't. Why can't the whole thing be made from pvc? Are there things in there that you have to see? I suppose it would give peace of mind to just look into a clear one to see what's going on.

Btw, last time I checked, clear pvc was pretty expensive. ANy place selling it reasonably priced?
yellowtruck75
02/11/2004, 10:24 PM
the clear PVC I can get is $15 a foot and I don't know anywhere to get acrylic for cheaper than $20 a foot.
Cheapreef
02/11/2004, 11:01 PM
Really, 4.5" O.D acrylic tube 1/8"wall is $13 a foot CND were i buy it.

Clinton
Ereefic
02/11/2004, 11:02 PM
Check this place.

http://www.delviesplastics.com/rod%20tube.htm
yellowtruck75
02/11/2004, 11:57 PM
yeah but how expensive is it to ship to central Pennsylvania?
dattack
02/12/2004, 03:41 AM
Check your local plastics dealer. It runs around $6-$7 a foot for 4.5" tubing.
yellowtruck75
02/12/2004, 10:32 AM
I don't have a local plastic dealer
Highlander
02/12/2004, 11:10 AM
Bear in mind that if you build the reactor the way you indicated, you will have to buy 2 4" couplings to join the clear to opaque PVC. It might be just as cheap to use a single piece of clear tubing?? IME $15 a foot is reasonable, I get mine from Savko and it is about $18 per foot with a 5 foot minimum, shipping is reasonable though from what I remember.
yellowtruck75
02/12/2004, 11:13 AM
Well the shop that sells the clear PVC is a few towns over so I think I will get 3' of clear PVC and make the two chambers 18" high. Also with clear PVC you can use PVC glue which is easier to use.
Highlander
02/12/2004, 11:23 AM
While you're there, remember to pick up some 1/2" clear PVC to make your bubble counter.
yellowtruck75
02/12/2004, 11:35 AM
I am thinking of buying this regulator http://www.automatedaquariums.com/mw_ma957.htm

does the bubble counter on this count?
Cheapreef
02/12/2004, 11:44 AM
Originally posted by yellowtruck75
I am thinking of buying this regulator http://www.automatedaquariums.com/mw_ma957.htm

does the bubble counter on this count?

Yep, should be good to go.:)

Clinton
yellowtruck75
02/12/2004, 11:51 AM
I found one for $75 anyone know any place for a better price