[Achilles Tang]

Getting tired of my Kalk reactor and thinking of building a Calcium Reactor. I was woundering if I can squeeze it in one of my side compartments on my stand. Long question short. What is the depth of a CO2 Tank? If some one gets a chance could you run a tape measure across the bottom of your CO2 tank, thanks.
Additionally I have some left over 3" acrylic tube. Any reason I couldn't just make the two chambers taller to accomadate the capacity? Say 24 to 30 inches each? Again thanks for the feed back.

Chad

 

[geshields]

Chad,

What size CO2 tank do you want the measurements from. 5,10,20 lbs??

And making a reactor from 3" tubing. I would think that it may need a slower flow rate through the media and that it would be more prone to clogging. With a 4 1/2" or 6" tube there is a larger area for the water to flow therefore slowing the velocity of the water(more contact time for CO2 rich water). Just guesses though. That make sense?

Greg

 

[Achilles Tang]

Reactor

OK So I'll stick to the standard sizes of tube on the reactor. Probably go with 4 1/2" tube as that will fit my application the best. The depth of my side compartment is 6" I could get 6 3/4" if I had to. Will the 5 or 10 pound tank fit in that area? As long as I'm asking whats the hieght on those tanks as well. Thanks

 

[geshields]

Chad,

My 5# CO2 tank is 5 1/2" Diameter. 18 1/2" Tall with regulator installed

HTH,
Greg

 

[Achilles Tang]

Thanks Greg

 

[David Grigor]

The diameter depends on the tank size you wanting to use on.

A general rule of thumb, 3" is fine for smaller tanks. Not really anymore prone to clogging etc. If the tank is say 100-125g or larger then your better off with at least 4.5 diameter. When you start getting 250+g best to use 6 diameter. 4.5 will work with larger tanks but new media will have to be added more often. Best just to use the largest diameter you can.

Same goes with the CO2 tank get the biggest you can fit because the price is about the same to get refilled regardless if 5,10,15,20lbs tank. So less frequent refills plus cheaper to fill each time.