How to build a simple calcium reactor

[Greg Hiller]

I just posted a video about how to make a very simple and inexpensive calcium reactor.

 

[ReefAddict]

Very cool Greg. I could see that working just as well as the expensive non DIY reactors. Simplistic, yet effective.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Joe Rice]

Nice! Does the water flow up the column or down?

 

[Zirky]

That is definitely simple. I hope there will be another video of this running on a system.

 

[Edward]

Thanks for sharing, Greg!

 

[this is me]

Nice! Does the water flow up the column or down?

Looking at the way the Ehiem pump is connected, it’s a downstream design.
My problem with a downstream design is that the sediment that get passed through the filter will ruined the pump shaft. I would reverse the flow in the design to upstream.
I do see this a viable option for smaller tanks. Couple with a paintball Co2 canister size with a regulator will run a small tank for a long time.

 

[Greg Hiller]

Yes, it's downflow, and no, sediment does not mess up the pump. No significant amount of sediment comes through the foam filter. I have an identical (but much large one) running on my 450 gallon system for the last 10 years. Same Eheim pump. Same piece of foam, pretty much same everything.