DIY dual stage calcium reactor questions

[markjd]

I want to make a dual stage calcium reactor from 100mm PVC tubing since 100mm PVC is much cheaper than acrylic. An end cap will be glued to the bottom of the 100mm column, and a screw on end cap attached to the top.

I have attached a basic image of the design I have planned that shows the parts in an exploded view, with reactor columns, water tubing, elbows, pump, and bubble counter and CO2 tubing, etc. I have a few questions for those who understand calcium reactor layouts (because I am struggling ).

1) At the top of the column, does it matter if the tubing exits through the very top of the end cap or at the side of the end cap?
2) For the PVC piece that adds the CO2 and raw tank water, do I need to do anything special to ensure that they are sucked in by the recirculating pump?
3) Does the height of the column matter? 40cm vs 50cm vs 60cm?
4) Do I put a water flow valve before the raw tank water is added to control effluent output?

Any other tips you can think of for the design, please don't hesitate

[crvz]

1) I'd try to put it in the top... I'd be concerned about CO2 building up in the top with an exit on the side, and putting it on the top will force it out.

2) I don't think you need anything special. The CO2 bottle pressure will force the gas into the water, so I wouldnt worry about that too much.

3) Not sure about the height, just make sure it's big enough to house everything.

4) I'd put a valve on the output of the effluent, not the input.

Good luck, hope it works out!

[markjd]

Originally Posted by crvz

1) I'd try to put it in the top... I'd be concerned about CO2 building up in the top with an exit on the side, and putting it on the top will force it out.

2) I don't think you need anything special. The CO2 bottle pressure will force the gas into the water, so I wouldnt worry about that too much.

3) Not sure about the height, just make sure it's big enough to house everything.

4) I'd put a valve on the output of the effluent, not the input.

Good luck, hope it works out!

Thanks for your reply, Chris.

For the output at the top of the columns, does it matter if only the recirc tubing exits from the top of the first column, and the effluent outputs from both columns are at the side?

[markjd]

I have attached an updated image of the basic design. A few things I've changed:

1) Moved the recirc output to the top of the first reactor to better pick up CO2
2) Added a flow valve after exiting the second reactor to control effluent output
3) Changed the recirc pump layout to show the position of the inputs and outputs of the pump
4) Moved the CO2 input and raw tank water input to the 90 deg elbow attached to the recirc pump (not sure if the elbow will be big enough for this)

Any other ideas?

[crvz]

If you have room, but both effluent lines out the top as well, especially the one on the second chamber. Again, this would be to relieve CO2. Otherwise, it looks great! Designed just like my MRC CR-2 if you make this last change.

[markjd]

I have slightly changed the layout of the plumbing again This time I have incorporated a JG elbow fitting at the top of each reactor (after realising how easy the Speedfit system is to connect and disconnect), and also lowered the pump recirc plumbing to the top side of the reactor.