I might... I'll bring what I have tomorrow
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Aquarium Engineering Reactor (1 Viewer)
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OP
OP
Here’s a story...
it’s about the little clippard solenoid valve that controls Co2 flow to my calcium reactor. The valve is tiny and silent. In/out though is 10/32 thread and orifice sits close to the mounting surface..the set up requires a 90 degree 10/32 thread one side 1/4” John Guest compression fitting on the other for the solenoid fit. The design however, has a big bolt head and that part makes the thread height from the surface too tall to line up with the orifice on the valve body. It also interferes with the valve body on the top. Basically, the thread fits but nothing else does. So I do have some tiny straight pieces to fit the valve perfectly but the John guest side fitting is for 1/8" tubing. So basically the screws that fit the valve only take 1/8" tubing that I will have to step up to 1/4"
I will take some pics and post those in the morning and maybe move this thread to the reactor build.
it’s about the little clippard solenoid valve that controls Co2 flow to my calcium reactor. The valve is tiny and silent. In/out though is 10/32 thread and orifice sits close to the mounting surface..the set up requires a 90 degree 10/32 thread one side 1/4” John Guest compression fitting on the other for the solenoid fit. The design however, has a big bolt head and that part makes the thread height from the surface too tall to line up with the orifice on the valve body. It also interferes with the valve body on the top. Basically, the thread fits but nothing else does. So I do have some tiny straight pieces to fit the valve perfectly but the John guest side fitting is for 1/8" tubing. So basically the screws that fit the valve only take 1/8" tubing that I will have to step up to 1/4"
I will take some pics and post those in the morning and maybe move this thread to the reactor build.
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Glad I went Geo.
OP
OP
Ok.. so the replacement elbows with 10/32 thread on one side and 1/4” JG push fitting came in and I was able to set up the clippard valve.
OP
OP
Now comes the fun part.. there are essentially 3 system functioning together. The H2O, Co2 and electrical to control it all.
The ACR is an automated unit that does not rely on a ph probe to turn it on and off. Ph probes Tend to drift over time however and with it, so does the effluent concentration. Instead, it uses a simple float valve.
The float valve open/close signal is used to control Co2 introduction into the reactor.
Here is how it is all supposed to work together.
When the valve is pushed all the way up by the water in the reactor, it closes. this activates the IFM controller which then activates the clippard to let gas Into the reactor. This pushes the water level downwards until the float valve bottoms out and the circuit opens interrupting co2 flow via the IFM. Co2 get absorbed over time and the cycle repeats.
This automates the Ca2 Rx with out a ph probe. The effluent is pulled with a doser and added as needed. Effluent needs to be added slowly and carefully since concentration is somewhere around 60+ dhk
Over time however, the Co2 pocket at the top of the reactor weakens and needs to be purged. This is normally a manual process but since I was automating, I added the small industrial 3 way valve.
So, whenever you want, a timer kicks on the relay that cuts the normal co2 function and activates the 3 way valve to switch to a line. This allows all air in the rector to evacuate. After the timer expires, the system resumes normal function and being empty, refills it with fresh Co2 in order to prevent the gradual decline in co2 performance.
This addresses a few shortcomings of the original design. The effluent back flow when the power goes out, the gunshot pinch valve and leaking internal controller hose and a few other failure issues. I am still working out a few minor kinks, but it seems to be up and running like it’s supposed to be.
The ACR is an automated unit that does not rely on a ph probe to turn it on and off. Ph probes Tend to drift over time however and with it, so does the effluent concentration. Instead, it uses a simple float valve.
The float valve open/close signal is used to control Co2 introduction into the reactor.
Here is how it is all supposed to work together.
When the valve is pushed all the way up by the water in the reactor, it closes. this activates the IFM controller which then activates the clippard to let gas Into the reactor. This pushes the water level downwards until the float valve bottoms out and the circuit opens interrupting co2 flow via the IFM. Co2 get absorbed over time and the cycle repeats.
This automates the Ca2 Rx with out a ph probe. The effluent is pulled with a doser and added as needed. Effluent needs to be added slowly and carefully since concentration is somewhere around 60+ dhk
Over time however, the Co2 pocket at the top of the reactor weakens and needs to be purged. This is normally a manual process but since I was automating, I added the small industrial 3 way valve.
So, whenever you want, a timer kicks on the relay that cuts the normal co2 function and activates the 3 way valve to switch to a line. This allows all air in the rector to evacuate. After the timer expires, the system resumes normal function and being empty, refills it with fresh Co2 in order to prevent the gradual decline in co2 performance.
This addresses a few shortcomings of the original design. The effluent back flow when the power goes out, the gunshot pinch valve and leaking internal controller hose and a few other failure issues. I am still working out a few minor kinks, but it seems to be up and running like it’s supposed to be.
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OP
OP
A few additional pics..
That’s looking really nice!
OP
OP
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OP
OP
Thanks lol it was pretty fun actually. If anyone wants to build one…
TX_Punisher
Supporting Member
That’s a lot of gear. Remember, a ca reactor doesn’t have to be ran with a ph probe. It can be tuned for a slow, but steady bubble count which some say keeps the reactor very consistent. I may try that approach one day.
I hope it works out for you as that was quite the endeavor.
I hope it works out for you as that was quite the endeavor.
OP
OP
I used to run a bubble reactor and it was just like that. The bubble count was all I ever really looked at. Wanted to try something new. Co2 saturation is a pretty nice system and (allegedly) uses about 50% less Co2. In the case of automation, I like not having to rely on a ph probe to trigger automatic actions. The controller is really pretty amazing as is the reactor.
I thoroughly enjoyed building it. Learned a bunch of stuff. Got a nice reactor out of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed building it. Learned a bunch of stuff. Got a nice reactor out of it.
soymilk
Supporting Member
Very nice. And you’re not at their mercy for repair on the controller.
OP
OP
No I am not. I have never had to experience the great (or terrible) customer service aquarium engineering seems to be famous for. Regardless, It actually appears I could design and make my own auto reactor using the same controller principles.
