DIY Algae Reactor ideas

[xcaret]

Ikea has som LED strips that you can change color to your like.

 

[scuzy]

I don't remember exactly the red and blew also burnt out to. Stuck with these accel it's working not changing.

 

[RandyC]

That looks pretty cool. I think I have an extra CPU fan somewhere. I just wonder if I can find a pvc tube large enough.

If you find a 6" diameter pvc pipe you can use the sticky side of the led strip to stick to the inside of the pvc pipe. No need for a fan. LEDs are cheap enough to replace if they burn out in 6-12 months.

 

[sfsuphysics]

no heatsink options for LED wrapped lights. I think that's what it comes down to for me. I don't know how to effectively cool the LED's

I mean you can get the reactor cheap from Avast, not the LEDs, since you did say DIY nothing says you need to source your parts from one source

 

[Bruce Spiegelman]

I have a brand new set of the Marine Depot LED's still in package that I can trade or sell reasonably cheap.

 

[kinetic]

OK, I think I'm going to try it.

For the sake of already having 1/2" mur-lok tubing on hand, and having another canister filter already, I was thinking of getting the BRS deluxe:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-gfo-carbon-reactor-deluxe1.html

It's BRS' deluxe reactor, which has the clearer versions of the canister and cartridge. Will that be too much diffused light still? I'm thinking it could be better to find a reactor that has a tube down the middle like the aquamaxx or avast?

 

[scuzy]

Those rodi containers are not good reactors. Especially for algae my opinion.


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[RandyC]

OK, I think I'm going to try it.

For the sake of already having 1/2" mur-lok tubing on hand, and having another canister filter already, I was thinking of getting the BRS deluxe:
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-gfo-carbon-reactor-deluxe1.html

It's BRS' deluxe reactor, which has the clearer versions of the canister and cartridge. Will that be too much diffused light still? I'm thinking it could be better to find a reactor that has a tube down the middle like the aquamaxx or avast?

BRS reactor have pretty thick walls, so not sure how much light will penetrate through.

 

[scuzy]

I have a avast marine ozone medium reactor that has a small leak since it's pressure use with ozone. You can have it free. It shouldn't leak on none pressure use. You can also reacrylic cement it.


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[kinetic]

Also, What if I got 4 heatsinks, and made a box around it?

Here's an idea:

Aquamaxx Reactor:
https://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMax...ate_Reactors-AquaMaxx-UJ5311-FIFRISPR-vi.html

It has a 4" diameter body that's 11.5" tall.

Aluminum heatsinks:
Get 4 aluminum heatsinks that are 4.85" wide, and fix them into a box around the body with the LED's attached to the box of heatsinks. This will give about .42" of space between the reactor and heatsink.
http://www.heatsinkusa.com/4-850-wide-extruded-aluminum-heatsink/

Not sure how to attach the heatsink to the reactor, but if the base of the reactor sticks out enough, maybe I could just epoxy it into place.

 

[RandyC]

http://aquamaxxaquariums.com/calcium-and-media-reactors/fr-se/

I just ordered one of these yesterday to make an algae reactor for my frag tank. Pretty inexpensive.

 

[RandyC]

Also, What if I got 4 heatsinks, and made a box around it?

Here's an idea:

Aquamaxx Reactor:
https://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMax...ate_Reactors-AquaMaxx-UJ5311-FIFRISPR-vi.html

It has a 4" diameter body that's 11.5" tall.

Aluminum heatsinks:
Get 4 aluminum heatsinks that are 4.85" wide, and fix them into a box around the body with the LED's attached to the box of heatsinks. This will give about .42" of space between the reactor and heatsink.
http://www.heatsinkusa.com/4-850-wide-extruded-aluminum-heatsink/

Not sure how to attach the heatsink to the reactor, but if the base of the reactor sticks out enough, maybe I could just epoxy it into place.

I think you're over thinking it. @scuzy been using his for a while without an issue. ive been running mine for a week, but it doesn't seem to get too hot. Barely warm to touch....40w of power isn't that much. If you're worried, just put a fan on it. Don't think heatsinks are needed.

 

[scuzy]

The LEDs don't get hot at all.


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[kinetic]

I think you're over thinking it. @scuzy been using his for a while without an issue. ive been running mine for a week, but it doesn't seem to get too hot. Barely warm to touch....40w of power isn't that much. If your worried, just put a fan on it. Don't think heatsinks are needed.

I probably am overthinking it... but it sounds fun to put a heatsink around it.

 

[kinetic]

Should I purchase a BioPellet or regular Carbon/GFO reactor for this? I'm not entirely sure what a biopellet reactor does differently...

 

[RandyC]

Some biopellet reactors have what looks like spray nozzle at the end of the input pipe to create better flow to get pellets moving. I'd suggest just getting a fluidized media reactor (GFO/Carbon). I think the avast MR10 is a good size for the 170; it holds a gallon a water.


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[kinetic]

Some biopellet reactors have what looks like spray nozzle at the end of the input pipe to create better flow to get pellets moving. I'd suggest just getting a fluidized media reactor (GFO/Carbon). I think the avast MR10 is a good size for the 170; it holds a gallon a water.

Thanks Randy!

 

[RandyC]

I am running mine reverse for 12 hours right now. 8pm-8am.

If you're worried, do this (https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/which-led-strip-light-for-chaeto-reactor.309419/):

I'll let it go as is and see what happens and post back regarding chaeto growth and/or damage.

I went to find a white 6" pvc pipe to reflect back any light spill over, but I couldn't find any at the local hardware stores. I did find 6" pvc couplers though which I thought was weird they had the couplers, but no pipe. Anyway, I stacked two of them on top of each other and most of the light doesn't bleed anymore.

Here's 6 nights worth of growth.

 

[scuzy]

Home depot has a large 6 in PVC it's a small section like 24"


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[scuzy]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/VPC-6-in...p_Reminder_2996423-_-product_desc__W560573576


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