DIY filter

[acroholic]

You do know that these type of modular filtration systems have bed out a long time, right? Nothing wrong with a DIY version, however. Reference "Ocean Clear Canister"

http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=1130">http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=1130</a>

Smaller modular system: Lifegardaquatics.com &gt; Aquarium &gt; Filters. Multiple modules from fluidized, UV, heater, chemical, mechanical available.

 

[oceandeep85]

All-

Sorry I haven't updated recently.

The live-in GF just adopted a 90lb retriever mix this weekend, so I've been pretty busy. He's great, though, and we're really happy.

So, I finally started to use the silicone to seal everything up. I let it sit for over 24 hours and tested it with water. Leaks like a sieve.

I'm going to have to tinker with it some more, so we'll see. But for now- progress has hit a dead end.

 

[reeferman]

for what its worth,carbon should NOT tumble.it grinds the carbon up and puts carbon fines into the water column.carbon dust has been linked to HLLE in tangs[not that youre gonna have tangs in a nano] but if it affects one species,im sure it could affect others.

 

[acroholic]

OceanDeep85;972542 wrote: So, I finally started to use the silicone to seal everything up. I let it sit for over 24 hours and tested it with water. Leaks like a sieve.

I'm going to have to tinker with it some more, so we'll see. But for now- progress has hit a dead end.

Maybe you could incorporate some O-Rings into your setup? Most modular type filters like what you are building, and like the ones I linked to in my prior post, use them.

 

[jdavid]

Acroholic;972591 wrote: Maybe you could incorporate some O-Rings into your setup? Most modular type filters like what you are building, and like the ones I linked to in my prior post, use them.

I'm sure the problem is where the PVC pipe is going into the sides of the cylinders.

 

[oceandeep85]

JDavid;972601 wrote: I'm sure the problem is where the PVC pipe is going into the sides of the cylinders.

BINGO.

I need to figure out a better seal. Especially if it's going to be under pressure.

I thought about O rings but they aren't as applicable in the locations of the leaks.

 

[jdavid]

Would have likely worked better if each input and output was on the cap, and the input ran into a pipe going down the center of the cylinder to the bottom of each reactor, distributing flow evenly back up through the cylinder to the output and into the next cylinder.

 

[oceandeep85]

JDavid;972607 wrote: Would have likely worked better if each input and output was on the cap, and the input ran into a pipe going down the center of the cylinder to the bottom of each reactor, distributing flow evenly back up through the cylinder to the output and into the next cylinder.

like an actual reactor?

 

[acroholic]

I skimmed over the thread, and I can't see of you are using socket or threaded tops. Gonna be hard to get a pressure seal if it is a socket fit, and if you are using a threaded connection, outside of o-rings, I can only think of Teflon tape or plumbers putty, either of which would be a big PIA to reapply each time you had to open a module.

 

[jdavid]

OceanDeep85;972609 wrote: like an actual reactor?

Bingo

 

[oceandeep85]

Acro-

I've sealed the bottoms shut with PVC glue and Silicone and wrenched them tight. They are good to go. For the tops I've glued a PVC female adaptor and the top will be wrenched down on the threaded end with pipe dope (plumber's tape) on the threads. Unfortunately, both the tops and bottoms are great. It's where the pipes fit into the sides of the 'reactor' that are having issues sealing up tight.

Other than that, everything turned out surprisingly well.

 

[jdavid]

design idea for daisy chained reactors

 

[acroholic]

OceanDeep85;972614 wrote: Acro-

I've sealed the bottoms shut with PVC glue and Silicone and wrenched them tight. They are good to go. For the tops I've glued a PVC female adaptor and the top will be wrenched down on the threaded end with pipe dope (plumber's tape) on the threads. Unfortunately, both the tops and bottoms are great. It's where the pipes fit into the sides of the 'reactor' that are having issues sealing up tight.

Other than that, everything turned out surprisingly well.

You need Uniseal bulkheads for your side to side connections.They hold pressure very well.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/uniseal-1-9d624e9fd3bd011eb7a8f1d40f457d93.html">http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/uniseal-1-9d624e9fd3bd011eb7a8f1d40f457d93.html</a>

[IMG]http://www.aquaponiclynx.com/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Uniseal-installed-Medium.jpg alt="" />

 

[oceandeep85]

JDavid;972617 wrote: design idea for daisy chained reactors
http://www.viaaquaoceanpure.com/images/reactors/polyreactorapplic.gif" alt="" />[/QUOTE]


oooo! I love that.

 

[jdavid]

Dave has the solution to your problem right there^ I didn't know those existed

 

[acroholic]

JDavid;972669 wrote: Dave has the solution to your problem right there^ I didn't know those existed

Uniseals are pretty unique in that they allow a watertight seal on pipe going into curved surfaces, like a curved pvc or acrylic pipe. My GEO 818 calcium reactor and GEO KR 818 kalk reactor use them. They are basically big rubber grommets with a channel molded in the outer edge. You drill or make a hole a certain diameter, then install the outer channel in the hole. The pipe goes through the middle of the Uniseal, creating outward pressure and a seal.

 

[jdavid]

Definitely seems to be the fix! Inexpensive too.