In light of Earth Day, I thought I’d share a recent zeolite reactor “project” that happens to be eco-friendly, recyclable, sanitizable and reusable. Yes I used glass. Acrylic has some terrific qualities, but incase the name of the site didn’t tip you off already– I am just not a fan. It scratches easy and in [...]
In light of Earth Day, I thought I’d share a recent zeolite reactor “project” that happens to be eco-friendly, recyclable, sanitizable and reusable. Yes I used glass. Acrylic has some terrific qualities, but incase the name of the site didn’t tip you off already– I am just not a fan. It scratches easy and in this case would have cost more in materials. There is a certain luster and weight to glass that I find much more attractive.
My zeolite reactor is an incredibly simple small glass vase measuring 5″ in diameter and 7″ tall. The best part is it cost $10. Much is debated regarding the efficiency and pollution used to manufacture glass v plastic. Either way I like the fact that this will not scratch while agitating the zeolite stones and later down the road I can sanitize it and reuse it. In reality it’s not the materials that make this small reactor eco-friendly it is the way it is powered.
This reactor will be fed by the output of an ATB Cone skimmer, requiring no additional electric consumption on my system. After friction loss from the maxi-jet skimmer feed, I estimate 200-250gph will be flowing out of the skimmer and through the reactor. The output of the skimmer is submerged roughly 1/2″ away from the bottom of the vase. The water then flows upward through the stones and overflows out of the vase into the sump. I’ll admit the flow is not as evenly distributed as a fludized plate would create on most reactors used in Zeovit or Ultralith. But at the moment I am not using such a demanding system and the increased zeolite surface area will still prove beneficial.
The zeolites will be agitated with a small rod connected to a base plate so that all the stones can be lifted to release biofilms… or completely out for cleaning.
At GBD we write alot about high end and often expensive equipment, but don’t be afraid of being resourceful.
