Bean's 300 Gallon AGE Build

Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
20,830
Likes
1,005
Points
113
Location
Orange, CA
So for under the sump, I was able to get the foamed PVC from Paragon Plastics in Tustin for $37. One piece, 6' x 42" in Dark Blue.
 
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
20,830
Likes
1,005
Points
113
Location
Orange, CA
What size tank should I get? 10lb? Any suggestions on where to buy? There is an Airgas close to my house that I was going to try.

**Answering my own questions- Airgas has a 10lb tank filled for $150. $180 for a 20lb.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Jun 6, 2014
Messages
103
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
HB
Make sure on you're regulator that the guy here you a sensitive flow adjuster (needle valve for bubble count). That was one of the main reasons that I had a custom one built. He failed on that account for me so review it with him.
Agree, you need a quality/sensitive needle valve to relieve yourself of fiddling and headaches.

And yes that's your needle valve and looks like quality unit (swagelok or similar)

How are you controlling your effluent on the reactor? Bubble count and Effluent flow are the Achilles' heel of calcium reactors if you can control those two variables it will be set it and forget it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
20,830
Likes
1,005
Points
113
Location
Orange, CA
Agree, you need a quality/sensitive needle valve to relieve yourself of fiddling and headaches.

And yes that's your needle valve and looks like quality unit (swagelok or similar)

How are you controlling your effluent on the reactor? Bubble count and Effluent flow are the Achilles' heel of calcium reactors if you can control those two variables it will be set it and forget it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I haven't decided on the pump yet. Someone suggested I get a Palmer Master Flex pump.
 
Joined
Jun 6, 2014
Messages
103
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
HB
Lol, that was probably me in a previous thread. Masterflex continuous use peristaltic pump's are typically used in lab applications and don't burn out like hobby grade ones. If you get one get the brushless because they are silent. Typically can find a good deal on eBay. I'm currently running one and there awesome.
If you control bubble rate and Effluent flow your pH states rock solid and you could melt exactly what your tank needs


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
20,830
Likes
1,005
Points
113
Location
Orange, CA
Lol, that was probably me in a previous thread. Masterflex continuous use peristaltic pump's are typically used in lab applications and don't burn out like hobby grade ones. If you get one get the brushless because they are silent. Typically can find a good deal on eBay. I'm currently running one and there awesome.
If you control bubble rate and Effluent flow your pH states rock solid and you could melt exactly what your tank needs


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks! Is there a particular one I should be looking at?
 
Joined
Jun 6, 2014
Messages
103
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
HB
There are several units out there, I would stick to a digital brushless but I will try to find a spec sheet to give you exact recommendations.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Zoarder

Member
2020 Philanthropist
Supporter
2020 POTM
Joined
Apr 26, 2013
Messages
10,643
Likes
49
Points
48
Location
Los Angeles
What size tank should I get? 10lb? Any suggestions on where to buy? There is an Airgas close to my house that I was going to try.

**Answering my own questions- Airgas has a 10lb tank filled for $150. $180 for a 20lb.
I have a 20# filled for $120 if interested. Its aluminum.
 
Joined
Jun 22, 2013
Messages
2,762
Likes
214
Points
48
Location
Irvine
I have a smaller nano version of that calcium reactor and like it a lot. The filter for the inflow is nice because it keeps the reactor pretty clean. Problem is that is gets dirty really quick since I feed it from my return pump.

Just curious, any reason why you're having a regulator made instead of getting a carbondoser regulator?
 
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
20,830
Likes
1,005
Points
113
Location
Orange, CA
I have a smaller nano version of that calcium reactor and like it a lot. The filter for the inflow is nice because it keeps the reactor pretty clean. Problem is that is gets dirty really quick since I feed it from my return pump.

Just curious, any reason why you're having a regulator made instead of getting a carbondoser regulator?
No reason other than a few reefers I know recommended I go this route. About the same price really.
 
Joined
Jun 22, 2013
Messages
2,762
Likes
214
Points
48
Location
Irvine
No reason other than a few reefers I know recommended I go this route. About the same price really.
Cool. I've used a few other regulators in the past but never the commercial grade version like the one you're building. I'm sure it's bad arse.

Using the carbondoser and it's pretty easy to adjust. So simple in fact I wish someone had told me about it way sooner.
 
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
20,830
Likes
1,005
Points
113
Location
Orange, CA
Cool. I've used a few other regulators in the past but never the commercial grade version like the one you're building. I'm sure it's bad arse.

Using the carbondoser and it's pretty easy to adjust. So simple in fact I wish someone had told me about it way sooner.
Advantages for me- I don't have to build it, it won't leak (if I did assemble it), and the guy is giving me a 2 year warranty.
 
Top