I have decided to experiment a bit and add a refugium/reactor to my system.
I will be converting a Skimz FM fluidized reactor that I have had sitting around my workshop by wrapping some lights around it.This way it will serve a purpose instead of just gathering dust.
I purchased what I needed from CPS Warehouse and with all the pretty decorations on show it was easy to get my wife to go with.
I decided on this led strip that comes in a 5m roll. Just perfect for the size of the reactor body. These strips can be shortened if you have a smaller reactor . Alternatively sections can be joined if more lights are needed . Just be sure to use a driver that can cope with the additional load of 4,9 watts per meter.
I also purchased a 24 Watt driver whilst there as it had the correct plug to connect. This just made the whole project a lot simpler.
This is a picture of the reactor shortly after testing:
And this is a picture of it connected to the system with a starter culture of algae basking in the glow.
I have it running on a reverse lighting cycle and hope it will help towards stabilizing PH levels overnight.
I am looking forward to seeing how this performs.
I have heard some reports of reactors cracking 😱 but after feeling the temperature of the led's my guess is that the risk would be minimal.😎
I am hoping the algae will take off so that the pellet reactor I am currently running can be taken offline for good.
Update to follow.
Happy reefing !
