Chaeto Reactor

[donny619]

I was looking for a way to control my po4 and decided to set up a chaeto reactor. Initially I set it up with the lights wrapped around the reactor like this:

But after opening it up the first time and realizing how this was not and ideal design for cleanup, I decided to use the PVC pipe method.

Found a guy on eBay that has up to 24" diameter pipes cut to any length you choose want. I went with 8" to give the reactor some room and provide ventilation:

Testing LED grow lights from Amazon:

Lights wrapped:

Reactor in:

The only concern here is if it's "enough" light with the 8" diameter.

Question to all those using chaeto reactors- When you harvest the chaeto every few weeks, does your po4 values spike because there is less chaeto absorbing the nutrients? If so, by how much?

 

[GoVols]

@thetedinator
Do you still run your ARID?

If so can you answer @donny619 's question?

Thanks, Freddie

 

[lion king]

I run 3 reactors configured more like your first pic. I use 6000k white lights wrapped around the outside, the lights unplug at the top where the reactor disassembles, the maintenance is easy. My no3/po4 are minimum, I harvest about 1/2 a month, parameters stay stable with no spike. Managing the flow and lighting schedule specific to your tank's need is the key, along with a properly sized reactor.

 

[thetedinator]

I was looking for a way to control my po4 and decided to set up a chaeto reactor. Initially I set it up with the lights wrapped around the reactor like this:

But after opening it up the first time and realizing how this was not and ideal design for cleanup, I decided to use the PVC pipe method.

Found a guy on eBay that has up to 24" diameter pipes cut to any length you choose want. I went with 8" to give the reactor some room and provide ventilation:

Testing LED grow lights from Amazon:

Lights wrapped:

Reactor in:

The only concern here is if it's "enough" light with the 8" diameter.

Question to all those using chaeto reactors- When you harvest the chaeto every few weeks, does your po4 values spike because there is less chaeto absorbing the nutrients? If so, by how much?

I try to keep my phosphates around .03 ppm. Cleaning my ARID does not appear to cause much fluctuation in phosphate.

 

[Literallyhydro]

I never thought to try PVC pipe to surround the reactor. I always hear of the LEDs burning the reactor and causing all kinds of issues, so that turned me off of doing an algae reactor.

 

[donny619]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'll report back with my results. I am hoping to get po4 down to minimal levels like @thetedinator and @lion king . They're sorta out of control now (yes.. I feed LOTS.. i can't help it when i pass the tank and the little guys "look hungry" ! =] )

 

[garyfri]

how did it work?