Any plans for a DIY GFO?

[Bamm Bamm]

so i was checking out the GFOs at BulkReef Supply and wonder if anyone has any plans to build one? I already have a few spare ro canister just like the ones they use laying around and I think I have a spare mj900 also..Oh yeah what size connecter to i need to adapt the mj to the line?

[swearint]

I built my own using a water filter cannister just like BRS. I also bought some of the refillable DI resin containers that fit inside to hold the GFO. The only thing I dislike about these refillable containers is that they have a thin filter built onto the inlet and it clogs easily and is difficult to clean. I cut this out with an xacto knife and rely on the foam pad that is included. The other problem is that the outlet also has a filter, like it was made from a portion of the 5 micron sediment filters. I removed that as well and instead used a coarse foam pad pushed into the top.
I used a MaxiJet1200 to run it. To connect it, I used a JG style tube fitting, 1/2 x 3/8. And used standard 3/8 vinyl tubing. The cannister I used has a 1/4 fpt fitting, so I connected the 3/8 tubing using a JG 3/8 x 1/4 mpt. I can post some pictures later tonight if it would help.

Todd

[Bamm Bamm]

Todd if you could post a few pictures that would be awesome I really appreciate the help.. Im always trying to save as much money as I can in this hobby

[CBehr]

I just posted about anyone doing this a day or so ago and didn't get any responses. I have a spare 3 stage RO unit I'd like to convert!

[mutateddogbone]

tagging along, i also have a spare 2 stage r/o housing im wanting to convert

[coralfragger101]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14412743#post14412743 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bamm Bamm
Oh yeah what size connecter to i need to adapt the mj to the line?

The 1/2" JG fittings are perfect for this. The MJ's fit right in - plug 'n' play. I used this method for feeding a skimmer.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/coralfragger101/RC%20Photos/JG---MJ_1.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/coralfragger101/RC%20Photos/JG---MJ_2.jpg

[CBehr]

but what do you use to feed the RO unit with a larger tube? I'm guessing you have to tap a larger hole to feed/drain?

[Bamm Bamm]

I bet they have a 1/2-1/4" adapter we could use for it...I think it looks like that in the bulkreefsupply video

[coralfragger101]

You mean 1/4" threaded going out to the 1/2" JG? YES, they do.

[Bamm Bamm]

yeah exactly=) they probably have it at Home Depot..

[One Dumm Hikk]

This is probably going to be the dumbest question you get asked all week. But, what is a DIY GFO? When I think about it, I think it would be a DIY media for a phosban reactor. Or, is what is being discussed simply a GFO Reactor?

[CBehr]

but don't you want a larger than 1/4" input output...or is that getting enough water to pass through the media?

[coralfragger101]

I assumed that the OP meant just a media reactor.

I would think that 1/4" would be a bit on the small side myself. I would probably use 1/2" inlets and outlets if there is room on the canisters. If not, then 3/8ths.

[swearint]

OK, here are the pics:

pump connection, 1/2 tube - union - 3/8 tube
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq274/swearint/pump_fitting.jpg

media container (original disassembled)
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq274/swearint/container.jpg

bottom filter before and after
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq274/swearint/bottom_cap.jpg

original top filter
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq274/swearint/top_filter.jpg

replacement foam sliced from block
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq274/swearint/blue_foam.jpg

reassembled altered container
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq274/swearint/container_new.jpg

canister connections, 3/8 tube x 1/4 mpt inlet, 1/4 tube x 1/4 mpt
http://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq274/swearint/canister_top.jpg

I used the original container configuration with GFO, and while it worked OK, the top filter seemed to clog and the flow decreased with time. I am currently using the new configuration for GAC, but have not used it with GFO yet. If well rinsed, the GFO should not present a problem with fines getting into the tank. Also, when the blue foam is pushed into the top of the container, the pore size is compressed.
Hope that helps, if there are any questions let me know.

Todd

[Bamm Bamm]

Todd thanks for the pics and explanation this helps alot!!

[sus]

you can buy the di cartridges that have all ready been modded here...
cartridge (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Carbon-and-Phosphate-Remover-GFO-Media-Bags-&-Reactors/c109_85/p694/Modified-10”-Refillable-Cartridge-For-Use-With-BRS-Reactor/product_info.html)



Here is a thread I started a while ago about this...
Mine is up and running now, so far so good.

DIY Reactor (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1519850&perpage=25&pagenumber=2)