My DIY Chaeto Reactor

[KTrevino]

I have been wanting to get a Chaeto reactor for some time now to help reduce nitrates and phosphates. I started looking online and noticed that they all have one thing in common... they are pricey. So I went on a hunt to build my own. FYI my take is about 54 gallons.

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Here are the supplies:​

• Media Reactor: Aquamaxx GFO and Carbon Reactor

Link: https://www.marinedepot.com/aquamaxx-fluidized-gfo-and-carbon-filter-media-reactor-standard​

• Tubing: 1/2 Inch Black tubing (10ft)

Link: https://www.marinedepot.com/1-2-inch-black-flexible-vinyl-tubing-10ft​

• Pump: Sicce Syncra Silent 0.5 (185gph)

Link: https://www.marinedepot.com/sicce-syncra-silent-0-5-multifunction-aquarium-pump-185-gph​

• Lights: LED Grow Light Strip (Amazon)

Link: Amazon product ASIN B08722D3YL​

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Assorted supplies:​

• Scotch Super 33+ Electrical Tape (1 Roll)
• Clear Scotch tape (few strips)
• Chaetomorpha (Ordered from Reefcleaners.com)

Total Price ~ $155​

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​

Here is how I built it:​

​

First I put together the Media Reactor and got the light strips out. The light strip is not one continuous strand but 4 (1.6 Ft) strands. So. I staggered them and taped them where I wanted them with the clear Scotch tape. Once it looked good I started to wrap it with the electrical tape, it took about half the roll. Then I placed the Chaeto in the reactor and hooked up the pump. I placed the pump in the skimmer chamber of my sump and the outlet in the return to the tank. The lights are set on a 12H timer now. Results to follow in the coming days.​

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Note- My reactor is NOT submerged in my sump but it is under my tank.​

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If you have any questions let me know!​

 

[Webslinger]

more lights!

 

[Everything Aquatics]

I have been wanting to get a Chaeto reactor for some time now to help reduce nitrates and phosphates. I started looking online and noticed that they all have one thing in common... they are pricey. So I went on a hunt to build my own. FYI my take is about 54 gallons.

​

Here are the supplies:​

• Media Reactor: Aquamaxx GFO and Carbon Reactor

Link: https://www.marinedepot.com/aquamaxx-fluidized-gfo-and-carbon-filter-media-reactor-standard​

• Tubing: 1/2 Inch Black tubing (10ft)

Link: https://www.marinedepot.com/1-2-inch-black-flexible-vinyl-tubing-10ft​

• Pump: Sicce Syncra Silent 0.5 (185gph)

Link: https://www.marinedepot.com/sicce-syncra-silent-0-5-multifunction-aquarium-pump-185-gph​

• Lights: LED Grow Light Strip (Amazon)

Link: Amazon product ASIN B08722D3YL​

​

Assorted supplies:​

• Scotch Super 33+ Electrical Tape (1 Roll)
• Clear Scotch tape (few strips)
• Chaetomorpha (Ordered from Reefcleaners.com)

Total Price ~ $155​

​

​

Here is how I built it:​

​

First I put together the Media Reactor and got the light strips out. The light strip is not one continuous strand but 4 (1.6 Ft) strands. So. I staggered them and taped them where I wanted them with the clear Scotch tape. Once it looked good I started to wrap it with the electrical tape, it took about half the roll. Then I placed the Chaeto in the reactor and hooked up the pump. I placed the pump in the skimmer chamber of my sump and the outlet in the return to the tank. The lights are set on a 12H timer now. Results to follow in the coming days.​

​

Note- My reactor is NOT submerged in my sump but it is under my tank.​

​

​

If you have any questions let me know!​

love to see how it works

 

[Amstar]

Curious about the heat of the leds on the plastic over time