DIY Carbon Reactor

[Kevin McG]

Whipped this baby up today, seems to be working great and I am already noticing a significant difference in my water color. I am feeding it with a MJ1200.

 

[smcnally]

Nice!

 

[TomD]

I was thinking of doing one also. Right now I just have the return hose returning on a bag of carbon.

Although, you do not think an MJ1200 is a little fast?

 

[fsc46]

?how long will the carbon be good for?

 

[delta]

Kevin
What are you using to keep the Carbon in place?

 

[Kevin McG]

Although, you do not think an MJ1200 is a little fast?

There is a lot of debate whether fast or slow flow through the carbon is better. I figured I would try a 1200 and I have a MJ400 also if things don't work out.

?how long will the carbon be good for?

I would guess a week or so

Kevin
What are you using to keep the Carbon in place?

I actually have the carbon in a nylon but I am going to pick up a few slim media bags and use those next time.

 

[TomD]

There is a lot of debate whether fast or slow flow through the carbon is better. I figured I would try a 1200 and I have a MJ400 also if things don't work out.

Ok, let us know how it goes. I wonder if the rate of flow has an influence on how long the carbon is good for. I always thought it was 2 weeks. I change mine out every 3.

My tank was significantely clearer after I began using carbon and I like it like that. Not to mention I just feel like it is a little extra protection in case something gets in the tank or chemical warfare.

 

[scottv1025]

how did u build that

 

[nvmy22s]

is that 1 1/2 or 2" and what did you use to make the feed and return connections?

 

[Kevin McG]

is that 1 1/2 or 2" and what did you use to make the feed and return connections?

I used 2" pvc along with a 2" threaded union and adapters. for the in and out I used a 1/4" npt x 3/8" hose connector from the HD

 

[stevenp]

Kevin,
I liked yours so much I had to build my own.

I did it a little differently. I put the inlet/outlet on the ends, and a small sponge on either end so I could run the carbon loose in the reactor.

I'm running it with a MJ-600 wide open.

 

[snick1734]

Looks good steve

steve

 

[Kevin McG]

Looks really good Steve, I like it

I could probably pack some filter material in the ends of mine and try the loose method too. Yesterday I swung into Petsmart and picked up a few 12" x 4" filter bags and am running it in there currently.

 

[willray]

I would think the loose method would allow a better flow thru.I use a fine sponge on the ends gives a bonus bio and mech filtering.

 

[scottv1025]

how long u guys run it . hrs per week

 

[stevenp]

I run it 24/7 and change the carbon every two weeks.

 

[Kevin McG]

24/7 here also, I am now running it vertically now though.

 

[scottv1025]

why is that

 

[vinny]

why not use a replacement RO filter canister.

 

[stevenp]

why not use a replacement RO filter canister.

Don't see why you couldn't. I've seen those used to make anything from CA reactors to Kalk reactors. Hard to beat the price and availability of PVC though.