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DIY
Oxygen (O2) Reactor Plans
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Submittted
by: Don Carner
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Purpose: To
raise and maintain O-2 at or near saturation levels.
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Benefit: Reef-like
water conditions as relating to O-2 availability.
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Cost: Reactor
assembled and with Tetra Luft Pump - approximately $65.00 to $ 95.00 U.S.
dollars.
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Project Difficulty: 7 out of
10 (10 being advanced).
Introduction
Many hobbyists who do not have full-blown
reef tanks want to keep a "coral or 2" in a predominately fish tank loaded
with live rock or undergravel filters. Problem here is the same one that
plagued those back in the 70's and early 80's before the famous Smit articles
appeared in FAMA magazine. The biggest factor found in the final analysis
focused on O-2 levels within the water column. Hence this DIY on a simple
addition to these types of systems. By boosting the overall water quality
and O-2 to saturation levels as found on the natural reefs, some of the
hardierstoney and soft corals can be safely kept and in good health.
Begin by remembering you are not
building a work of art here! This thing is designed to work and continue
to work 24/7 forever. Make it pretty if you choose, but it's not necessary.
Instructions
& Materials
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1.) Chamber Material - acrlyic
cell-cast, 1/8" wall.
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A.) Buy scrap pc's of acrylic for the
base and lid.
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1.) Try to get 1/2" for the bottom and
1/4" for the lid.
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2.) Tube diameter: 3" - Tube length:
18"
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B.) 1/2" PVC pipe for input/output runs.
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1.) App. 24" length, 1 pc. 18" - 1 pc.
6".
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2.) Approximately 1 box of Mini-Bio
Balls.
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A.) Bio-Pak can be used as well and
3/4th. gal. should fill the chamber.
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1.) BioSkaskade Mini balls are smaller
and more are needed if chosen as reactor media.
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3.) Tetra Luft Pump
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A.) Best choice for this pump has HP
and is designed for rugged use.
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1.) 1/4" airline tubing
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2.) 5/8's tubing for input/output water
lines.
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4.) Rio 1700 or similar Pump/Powerhead.
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A.) No valve on pump output.
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5.) Media Platform
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A.) Optional
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1.) If used, insert eggcrate material,
cut to fit within the reactor body.
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a.) Support on 3 - 3/4" pieces of Schedule
40 PVC pipe couplings.
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b.) Cut a hole thru the eggcrate where
the 1/2" PVC pipe will pass.
Diagram
 Ok,
here is the diagram. Construction is pretty simple and studying the drawing
will tell the story. Any questions can be directed to me, Don Carner.
dcarner@buckeye-express.com
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"A"=1/2" PVC pipe for the input
and output tubes.
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"B"=Water in from sump or aquarium,
via a Rio or similar water pump.
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"C"=Air In. From the Tetra LuftPump,
or similar, using an adjustable valve.
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"D"=Water resevoir. Try to maintain
a level about 2-3" deep. This is done by adjusting the air valve, not the
water flow!
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"E"=Highly saturated, O-2 laden
water return to sump/aquarium.
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"F"=BioBalls, BioKaskade, BioPak,
etc. Any plastic media will work here, shotgun shell wads or your wife's
plastic curlers, anything to break the water up and allow a thin film of
water to be "air-injected"!
DISCLAIMER:
This
DIY project was submitted for printing by Don Carner. Neither Hawaiian
Quality Fish or Don Carner will be responsible for any damages that may
result from using these plans.
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