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:
www.marinedepot.com
Fluidized GFO and Carbon Filter Media Reactor - Standard - Aquamaxx
AquaMaxx Fluidized Media Reactors are multi-purpose aquarium water filters specially designed for use in marine and reef aquaria. Insert your media of choice to help eliminate organic pollutants, odors, discolorations and algae fuels. Fluidized reactors, also commonly referred to as phosphate or...
www.marinedepot.com
- Tubing: 1/2 Inch Black tubing (10ft)
- Pump: Sicce Syncra Silent 0.5 (185gph)
- Lights: LED Grow Light Strip (Amazon)
Link:
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!
