DIY CA Reactor Questions

[Entacmaea]

Hi there, I'm starting a build for a CA Reactor, dual chamber, recirculating, reverse flow (upwards). I'm basing it on some of the square designs I've found, especially DJ88's, with a few modifications. I will post plans soon, but one question I have is in most of the designs I've seen, the input from the reactor circulation pump enters at the bottom of the main reaction chamber, then the output leaves the top of the main chamber as well going back to the pump- so the main recirculation loop is limited to the first main chamber (like the images attached). Is there any reason that the recirculation pump can't enter the main chamber, then draw from the second chamber- so the recirculation starts at the main chamber, goes through the second, then back to the pump?

Thanks for the help!

Best, Peter

 

[Entacmaea]

Ok, here is the proposed flow diagram, crude though it is! The main feature I have questions about is having the recirculation pump draw from the second chamber, instead of the first. This is a square reactor, about 18" high, 15" wide, and 9" deep. Thanks for your help. Best, Peter

 

[Anonymous]

I've never built (or even seen) a dual stage reactor. But I see know reason why it shouldn't work.

I don't really see how a dual stage reactor is any more effective than a single stage that holds the same amount of media as the dual?

 

[Entacmaea]

Hey Louey- thanks for the reply. It is supposed to be more CO2 efficient and raise the ph a bit before returning the effluent, at least that is what I've read. But, this design is essentially made to put under a cabinet, with the "dual" stages basically increasing the overall media capacity- hence the channel in the middle redirecting the flow back to the bottom of the second chamber. I figure the water is being pulled through an equivalent height of 8" wide 48" tall cylinder, just packed into a more efficient volume package.

 

[Anonymous]

Cool. I look forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[Entacmaea]

Hi there, so I started the build and have about completed it, minus the pump plumbing, which will be an Iwaki 30. Here is the reactor clamped up and being glued. It is all 3/8 cast acrylic.

Here is the top flange, made with a sheet of viton gasket material sandwiched between two sheets of acrylic:

And before and after of the spray bar:

This thing is a beast, and will hold about 25lbs of media. Chamber is 18x9x15. Built to be the last CA reactor I ever need!