automated zeolite reactor

[AlanM]

Moving ever so closer to using a ULNS system I have the question of having to manually stir the stones on a daily basis.

Now, I've a young family and I have holidays etc etc

I vaguely remember someone recently diying a pump driven zeolite reactor so that the stones were jiggled every so often by a high power circulation pump so expel the mulm.

Is this a done thing or is there a good reason why manual agitation is necessary, and should I be looking at hooking up a servo to the handle? A hamster maybe, feed the hamster, get in on it's wheel, and pump that way?

Or am I batting out left field now and need to think about getting the tank wet first :whistling:

Alan

[~Tony~]

Are you thinking of SPS Hoover's zeo reactor here (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=196339) ?

I am wondering how to automate it as well :D

[Stevielad]

Not sure about a hamster :)

Pumping the handle takes a few seconds (I have a DIY reactor) and gets rid of the mulm really well. I'm not convinced that a pump would do the job as well. Having an automated method would be great - would need a method to stop jamming of the stones too (like the I aquatics reator) otherwise the servo wouldnt last long :o

[trythechi]

PM SiC about how effective he's found the surge appraoch to cleaning the zeolites? Its not a hassel doing it manually though if you dont have a monster tank like Simon's- esp if you use the I aquatics reactor or similar home made version.

Leaving the zeolites un pumped is fine for a couple of weeks holiday and the occassional forget. Its good to have the ZEOStart2 on a peri pump though as the carbon is better fed evenly over 24hrs rather than once a day.

The main thing is that these tasks are quikk and easy and its good to spend just a minute or two checking things over before pumping /dosing bacause thats the way we get a 'feel' for the reef and how its responding.

I think its good to use the zeolites etc from the start as the reef will settle down earlier and remain nutrient poor.

Cheers

Simon

[AlanM]

Are you thinking of SPS Hoover's zeo reactor here (http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=196339) ?

I am wondering how to automate it as well :D


That's the baby, thanks, knew I wasn't dreaming it.

Maybe the thread should be moved now there is a more appropriate home?

[SPS Hoover]

Moved for you Alan

[AlanM]

Moved for you Alan

thanks, spent ages trying to find it, though as I said I was being a bit thick not looking in the SPS forum :o