Reef Fluidized Reactor

thingiverse

Fluidized Bed Reactor: A Compact Solution for Reef Aquariums I'm excited to share my experience with a fluidized bed reactor, perfect for contacting media in reef aquarium systems. I'll be using it to remove phosphate with Iron Oxide Hydroxide, but it can also work with other materials like activated charcoal or zeolites for nitrate removal. The fluidized bed system consists of two main components: a top and bottom section connected by an acrylic tube. Saltwater is pumped in from the bottom and flows out through the top, creating a gentle circulation that keeps the media tumbling smoothly. I made sure to observe the media in the acrylic tube section to ensure it was moving properly. The connection between the bottom and top sections uses o-ring seals for a secure fit. Be cautious when using Iron Oxide Hydroxide or any other type of media, as excessive removal can shock your corals. I learned this lesson the hard way! Update: To enhance the system's efficiency, I added a middle coupling section to create a two-tiered setup, allowing me to use two separate bed materials. To assemble and operate the fluidized bed reactor, fill 1/4 of the top and bottom sections with media, add some filter foam for extra support, and adjust the inlet flow to achieve optimal tumbling. You can also modify the design using OpenSCAD files to fit your specific needs or create custom acrylic tubes. I included OpenSCAD files for easy modification to accommodate different sized acrylic tubes or other customization options.