After 5 years of running Biopellets, I pulled the plug yesterday. I have been running the largest reactor made by ReefDynamics and was down to approx 1 cup of pellets.
I had growing concerns about the potential impurities that could be shedding off the pellets, and while this was a highly effective approach at reducing both NO3 and PO4, i felt it was time for a change. So now I'm looking into Algae Reactors and need some help...
I'd like to get some response from those that have DIY'd Algae Reactors, those that have bought dedicated Algae Reactors, and maybe just maybe someone that had run biopellets at one point to compare!
I have several questions, but initially i will add that I have 2 reactors to potentially Convert IF I go the DIY approach.
I will also add that I haven't lost sight of a potential refugium, but i feel space is an issue eventhough this is a basement fish room, i like having open space.
Downsides of DIY Algae Reactor?:
I have read that simply wrapping an acryllic reactor in led strips leads to excess heat and damage to the acryllic tube (Crazing, etc.).
Is a Heat Sink Required? Heres the blog that had me concerned:
https://reefbum.com/equipment/diy-algae-reactors-a-risky-proposition/
I read about a guy buying an Aluminum Box that slid over his reactor and put heat sinks on the aluminum box, (link below) thoughts?
https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/385951-cool-diy-algae-reactor-cool-being-literal/
Conversion Approach, Which Reactor to Convert and How?
Look at the Lid of these reactors, and overall size... The larger is a 12" diameter tube, 24" high, I calculate it holds 9.8 gallons if my math is correct?
https://www.matthewb.id.au/converter/imperial-units-cylinder-volume-calculator.html
This large reactor offers easy access to reach in and maintain.
The Lid on this reactor has three holes (setup is calcium reactor, so holes for pH probe, Effluent line, and something else... this may be an issue if all the Algae reactor needs is One Hole for Light Tube?
The biopellet reactor is also very nice, but much smaller. My current system is 300g with plans to go up to 600g. So this may be too small, plus the tapered top may mean problems with maintenance for Algae purpose (it was ok for pellets) so i think i'm talking myself out of using this biopellet reactor for algae.
-Do I use a Light Tube or Wrap in LED? Pros/Cons?
-Do I need a heat Sink?
-Is Aluminum box a good approach?
-Are these 'Grow Trays' that some algae reactors incorporate necessary?
I got some ideas from this video:
I don't want to Overthink this, but I certainly don't want to make a ton of modifications, I'd prefer to do it once the best way and have it work flawlessly...
Thanks, I appreciate replys
I had growing concerns about the potential impurities that could be shedding off the pellets, and while this was a highly effective approach at reducing both NO3 and PO4, i felt it was time for a change. So now I'm looking into Algae Reactors and need some help...
I'd like to get some response from those that have DIY'd Algae Reactors, those that have bought dedicated Algae Reactors, and maybe just maybe someone that had run biopellets at one point to compare!
I have several questions, but initially i will add that I have 2 reactors to potentially Convert IF I go the DIY approach.
I will also add that I haven't lost sight of a potential refugium, but i feel space is an issue eventhough this is a basement fish room, i like having open space.
Downsides of DIY Algae Reactor?:
I have read that simply wrapping an acryllic reactor in led strips leads to excess heat and damage to the acryllic tube (Crazing, etc.).
Is a Heat Sink Required? Heres the blog that had me concerned:
https://reefbum.com/equipment/diy-algae-reactors-a-risky-proposition/
I read about a guy buying an Aluminum Box that slid over his reactor and put heat sinks on the aluminum box, (link below) thoughts?
https://www.nano-reef.com/forums/topic/385951-cool-diy-algae-reactor-cool-being-literal/
Conversion Approach, Which Reactor to Convert and How?
Look at the Lid of these reactors, and overall size... The larger is a 12" diameter tube, 24" high, I calculate it holds 9.8 gallons if my math is correct?
https://www.matthewb.id.au/converter/imperial-units-cylinder-volume-calculator.html
This large reactor offers easy access to reach in and maintain.
The Lid on this reactor has three holes (setup is calcium reactor, so holes for pH probe, Effluent line, and something else... this may be an issue if all the Algae reactor needs is One Hole for Light Tube?
The biopellet reactor is also very nice, but much smaller. My current system is 300g with plans to go up to 600g. So this may be too small, plus the tapered top may mean problems with maintenance for Algae purpose (it was ok for pellets) so i think i'm talking myself out of using this biopellet reactor for algae.
-Do I use a Light Tube or Wrap in LED? Pros/Cons?
-Do I need a heat Sink?
-Is Aluminum box a good approach?
-Are these 'Grow Trays' that some algae reactors incorporate necessary?
I got some ideas from this video:
I don't want to Overthink this, but I certainly don't want to make a ton of modifications, I'd prefer to do it once the best way and have it work flawlessly...
Thanks, I appreciate replys