Calcuim Reactors and Skimers on eBay

[WizardOne]

The reefgeek asked me to post the link I mentioned at the meeting. Dual chamber Calcuim Reactor $90 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4318691357&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores) Single chamber Calcuim Reactor $61.99 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4318691357&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores). These are without pump or regulator. He has a dual chamber listed with pump and regulator for $224.99. So, are we going to build some as DIY? I enjoyed the meeting Friday and meeting the group.

[thereefgeek]

Here's a rough sketch of the one we built for the club DIY:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/43056reactor_concept1.jpg

Sorry I haven't had time to do it in Design CAD.

[thereefgeek]

BTW, those chamber penetrations for the pH probe and pump cord are the watertight, 1/2" mpt cord clamps found in the electrical isle @ Home Depot. Everything else is self explanitory.

[thereefgeek]

Hey, those E-bay reactors are nice!

[ATB USA]

Have you tried one of those reactors?

[WizardOne]

I have not tried one, I have been shopping. I did email him and he said the the recator was designed around a Mag II pump. Also if you give him a design he will give you a price. If we want several of something for the group, that might be a way to go.

[bawsom]

Wizz like your quote at the end of your message... mind if I steal it

[WizardOne]

The full quote is:
The objective of all dedicated employees should be to thoroughly analyze all situations, anticipate all problems prior to their occurrence, have answers for these problems and move swiftly to solve these problems when called upon.

HOWEVER . . .

When you are up to your a$$ in alligators, it is difficult to remind yourself your initial objective was to drain the swamp.

[WizardOne]

Rich: Where did you get the 4.5" OD Acrylic? Tap Plastics only has the 4" or 5" (1/8" wall).

[user48953]

You won't find 4.5" OD acrylic locally.. there's a couple of internet sites that sells it, but it's not cheap..

when i building my DIY Nilsen reactor, i used 4" Clear PVC; didn't have to worry about it's sidewall strength or finding the correct fittings.. think it was under $20 per foot at NorMac..

[thereefgeek]

Originally posted by WizardOne
Rich: Where did you get the 4.5" OD Acrylic? Tap Plastics only has the 4" or 5" (1/8" wall).

Brian Prestwood ordered the acrylic for all the reactors, but I thought he got it from TAP. I may be wrong, but U.S. Plastics may have it as well. He ordered a lot of it, because we also used it on the DIY skimmers.

[thereefgeek]

BTW, 4.5" acrylic is cheaper than the 4" clear PVC, but the PVC is better for drilling and tapping threads, and it doesn't craze like acrylic when you glue it.

[Undergrad]

when i building my DIY Nilsen reactor, i used 4" Clear PVC; didn't have to worry about it's sidewall strength or finding the correct fittings.. think it was under $20 per foot at NorMac..

Don't they require a 10' minimum order?

[WizardOne]

Originally posted by thereefgeek
Brian Prestwood ordered the acrylic for all the reactors, but I thought he got it from TAP. I may be wrong, but U.S. Plastics may have it as well. He ordered a lot of it, because we also used it on the DIY skimmers.

Can I see the plans for the DIY skimmer?

[user48953]

Originally posted by Undergrad
Don't they require a 10' minimum order?

Most places do, but not NorMac.. i had them (the one in Rocklin down the street from Aqua Life, and ask for Tony) cut me a 2' piece..

can't remember how much for sure but it was under $40.. i seem to recall that i priced out ordering 2' of 4.5" acrylic from the web to be around $50 or so.

[thereefgeek]

Originally posted by WizardOne
Can I see the plans for the DIY skimmer?

look at the 2nd post on this thread...

[WizardOne]

It is $19.06 / Ft. They do not stock much (only 3' in the whole system today) but will order it in if we want, about 3 days to get.

[WizardOne]

So, are we building or buying? What is the rest of the process for the DIY? Also, it would be nice if we posted the DIY plans on our web site for easy access. It is a pain to do a search on DIY Skimmer in RC the have to page through all the posts.

[73ChargerFan]

The 4.5" OD acrylic tube is available from Aquatic Eco-Systems (http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/8609/cid/2074) for $12.45 per foot.

U.S. Plastics (http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=63&product%5Fid=11248) has it for $6.45 per foot. Six feet would be $55.77 shipped, which is only $9.30 a foot.

[thereefgeek]

Special "Oversize" shipping charge?

[73ChargerFan]

I got all the way through the checkout process at US Plastics without any special shipping charges being applied, though I didn't do my credit card and finalize it obviously. I'd think that their online catalog would account correctly for shipping.

[WizardOne]

Hey ReefGeek, will we be doing a DIY on the reactors?

[thereefgeek]

It was my understanding that since they could be bought cheaper than built, it was everyone for their self on this one. If someone has the tools and wants to a DIY session at their house, that'd be great.

[WizardOne]

Rich:

You have built them, I have not. What is your opition on the build or buy?

[jay.fishman]

I just checked out the web site for this Ca reactor. His prices have gone up.

Brian indicated that someone in the club had a low cost source for regulators and CO2 tanks. Can someone provide me with that contact information?

Thanks,
Jay S.

[Bamm Bamm]

I just picked up a new JBJ regulator on ebay for $90 shipped. includes bubble counter and autoshuttoff. I ordered my mag3 pump from premium aquatics as well as a ph controller. I build my reactor this past weekend though..It will hold alot more media then that one. on ebay, based off the dj88 design.