I'm curious if a triple chambered reactor could/would work. I've read of people who cannot keep their calc/alk levels up with conventional single (double??) chambered reactors. The triple tube reactor shown below feeds co2 and feedwater into the blue and red capped chambers, which in turn feed the yellow capped (co2 scrubber) chamber. Effluent exits the yellow capped chamber. A common pump (MAG 5/7) recirculates water in the first two chambers via tees on the pump inlet and outlet. Theoretically, this would provide the same amount of water and co2 to both reaction chambers. I'm guessing that one could almost double the co2 consumed (vs. normal reactor) and thereby greatly increase effluent output. I'm also guessing that the final scrubbing chamber has enough capacity to handle the increased load without adversely affecting PH. Any thoughts?


[This message has been edited by bsme (edited 03-21-2001).]

bsme,
I dont have a problem keeping my calc/alk levels up with my dual chambered MTC reactor. In my opinion if you have a well made, and well designed dual chambered then there is no need for the third chamber. But as is the case in this hobby, what we know to be great for what we have, can and often changes. HTH.

Duncan.

p.s.
by the way is this something that you came up with personally?

Duncan.

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Please tread lightly on the reefs of the world.
Visit my world at http://duncansrealm.homestead.com

Yes it is, Duncan. How large is your tank?

Moved to Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment forum.

bsme,
I only ask because I like the thought process, very impressive. My tank is a 300 gallon, with a 180 gallon sump. hth.

Duncan.

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Please tread lightly on the reefs of the world.
Visit my world at http://duncansrealm.homestead.com

I was thinking of the same thing today...maybe a triple or quad chambered reactor for LFS that have really large SPS tanks or systems. Would look like a mini Nuclear site. LOL Love your CAD drawings BSME. If you build a triple post what your effluent rates come out to be compared to the dual. Great minds think alike.

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My Reef
Calcium Reactors
myreef@aol.com

[This message has been edited by myreef (edited 03-22-2001).]

Duncan, there was no offense taken. Not looking to tangle with someone whose sump is 3 times bigger than my tank. I think your comments are pretty accurate but I do have to say that a well built/well designed reactor is no more effective than a poorly made DYI weekend project. If you can make it water tight and figure out a way to inject co2, it will work the same as any other reactor. I was looking at ways to increase capacity without going to larger, taller chambers. I doubt that I would make one. Tank is too small. But I would still like to know if it would work.