PVC Media Chamber

I needed to get a decent sized media chamber for my system, but didn't want to spend a ton to do it. I went on to PVCFittings.com and pieced out what I would need and ordered it. Below is a description:

I captured a screen shot of the parts off of PVCFittings.com. Some notes:

- The main reactor tube is made out of 4" PVC
- The removable top is a 4" cleanout fitting
- The bottom is pretty cool - it's a mountable 2" cap that allows you to screw the whole assembly to a plate for stability. I tee off with a 2" tee just prior to the mounting cap
- To keep media from flowing out of the chamber I use a 3/4" strainer that is screwed into a 2" threaded reducer that is glued to the 4"-2" reducing fitting (cone)

Parts List Pic:


The pic below shows the strainer and 2" fitting it's screwed into (along with the 4"-2" reducer behind it).


Next I put glue around the base of this piece then mushed it into place in the reducer. Note that it does not fit into the hole, just on top of it. I believe there is enough surface area here that it should hold up during use.




The pic below shows the completed lower assembly. The 2" mounting cap is on the bottom, the 2" tee is above it with a reducer/barbed fitting installed. The pieces we put together above into the reducer are on the top.


Then I simply put in some 4" pipe, a 4" to 1" reducing tee (and barbed fitting) for the input and finally the 4" close out on top.


The pic below shows the access through the closeout.

 

That's really clever. I may have to build a smaller scale version for myself. Thanks for the inspiration!

 

This is just my opinion. Considering how much you spent, wouldn't it be worth it to just purchase a media chamber? Also, without being able to see into the chamber, how do you adjust the flow to know it's tumbling properly?

 

Ya with reactors being clear is a huge advantage. you need to see how the media is tumbling.

 

I spent far less than I would have on a similar sized media chamber. All parts were $55.

I'm using it for carbon so it's not important to me. If you want to see the media, use clear PVC. It would raise the price a little, but not a ton.

 

Avast Marine MR5 media reactor $55....

Footprint: 5" x 5"
Height: 15"
Media Capacity: 5 Cups
Lid Removal: Keyhole
Input/Output: 1/2" NPT fittings; input side is barbed union disconnect.
Recommended Pump: Mag-Drive 2, Eheim 1048, Maxi-Jet 900/1200 or similar class 200 gph pump.




AVAST Marine Works - MR5 Media Reactor Kit - Product Details