DIY Inline reactor plans - Page 2 - DIY Aquarium Projects

SAWALLACE · 01-21-2005, 03:02 PM

Anyone found a cost-effective alternative for the clear tube? It's $40 for an 8' section at mcmaster-carr. More than i can afford. I've looked around and the only thing i've found close is a clear mailing tube, but i don't know what it's made of and it seems a little flimsy. I also thought about buying a gravel vac and using that, but i'm looking for other suggestions if anyone has any.

skzzle · 01-21-2005, 03:26 PM

mcmaster is expensive for everything

www.savko.com has clear pvc for $6.08 per 5' sections. I have not placed the order yet so I really don't know about shipping.

Gomer · 01-21-2005, 05:17 PM

" Pipe is sold in 5 foot increments, price is listed as Price per Foot."

so 8' section at savko will run you $48.64 ..mcmaster is cheaper

skzzle · 01-21-2005, 07:54 PM

whoops, i didn't read close enough :P

trc_pdx · 01-22-2005, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAWALLACE

Anyone found a cost-effective alternative for the clear tube? It's $40 for an 8' section at mcmaster-carr. More than i can afford. I've looked around and the only thing i've found close is a clear mailing tube, but i don't know what it's made of and it seems a little flimsy. I also thought about buying a gravel vac and using that, but i'm looking for other suggestions if anyone has any.

Aquatic Ecosystems sells it by the foot. Price depends on diameter.

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/.../7010/cid/1859

Gomer · 01-22-2005, 09:03 AM

www.usplastics.com also sells it by the foot.

www.glass-gardens.com · 01-22-2005, 09:57 AM

US Plastics has a 10' minimum, however they have never charged me extra for cutting it down into something that won't incur oversize charges.

I do have 1-1/2" PVC in stock at $0.45 per inch, shipping would be $3.99 for any length up to 1'. I don't have it listed on my site yet so if anyone wants some they can email me about it. We'll be adding a number of DIY parts to our offerings shortly though, sounded like a good idea from the number of people posting about where to get things.

inkslinger · 01-31-2005, 01:15 PM

check the yellow pages for a plastic suppler, local , i live in Mass and i found one in RI. 40 min ride fore me and, got a 2in x 12in of polycarbonated tubeing for $9.50 its stronger than pvc and it fits the 2in 3/4 reduce bushing perfect, it can also be drilled and tap for 1/8 brass or plastic hose barr for the co2 injection

SAWALLACE · 01-31-2005, 02:19 PM

After several failed attempts at cutting up a gravel vac and using that, i eliminated my headaches and went with plain white PVC. I also remembered that Gomer has a 29gal tank and a 8" tube is too short for my +-350gph filter, tiny co2 bubbles are spraying out of the spraybar, something to keep in mind if you try and tackle this project. I'll let you know if i figure out how long to make the tube for larger filters.

Gomer · 01-31-2005, 02:41 PM

Luckily that 8" tube is scalable to whatever lenght you'd like. I power mine with a Filstar XP2 and an XP1 and neither have even the slightest troubles with the reactor length.

Did you do the double 90° or are you straight? What diameter are you using?