Large Phyto Culture Unit

[ReefTECK]

So this is my re-invention of AquaMedic's Plankton Light Culturing apparatus;


This unit will be much bigger, for larger or commercial aquariums;


Question, would the heat output of a T-5 light within a clear PVC tube within the unit produce too much heat for this unit to be functional?

Ideas, improvements, anything?

[jpitts101]

Depends on your culture. Honestly I dont think you need that intense of a light but it can work. I culture tetraselmis and nanno year round in my garage with no problem. The garage does not have heat or cooling and rarely have a crash. I think if you want to have a nice show unit that would work great. Again just watch what strain you use.

[Electrobes]

Maybe I just don't follow but why have CO2 injection, or a recirc pump (It would be too rough on these cells)?

T5 would definitely be too much light, it wouldn't be worth it. Using standard tube lighting would be just fine and a lot cheaper.

I would prob use clear tubing for the middle and two cone sections.. but not for all of it.. would cut down on costs.

I would definitely use a cone bottom at least... need to keep the bottom moving so the phyto doesn't settle and then die. The recirc pump would keep things in suspension but would kill the cells via it's rough output and propeller.

[widmer]

Yea I'd agree on the recirculation pump being too tough on the cells. But I do think there is merit to very subtle agitation, maybe you can figure out some sort of stirring device?

I can understand the idea of running the tube through the center to feel like you're getting 100% of the efficiency from the bulb, but I'm not sure it's really worth the hassle. But if you want to use T5, then use T5 and see how it goes, and you get +5 points for experimentation.

One last thing, I can't imagine the project costing anywhere near $350 unless that includes a CO2 injection system...

[jmadison]

You could use a cone bottom, and have a t valve fit the long way into the bottom with your co2 bubbling up (agitating an creating a slight rolling motion through the tube, and then the other branch off of the T valve could be a drain.
Btw I'm serious about helping build your stand if you want it, i just really like to build things, and am already invisioning how to build this project too!

i know im lame

[ReefTECK]

I can't imagine the project costing anywhere near $350 unless that includes a CO2 injection system.

The thing is that clear PVC is awfully expensive.

I would prob use clear tubing for the middle and two cone sections.. but not for all of it

That's really not a bad idea for a prototype, in fact, white PVC can increase the efficiency of the light reflecting off of it. But do you think it would be feasible to keep tabs on the culture, ie, keep it clean, insure it is not contaminated etc.

T5 would definitely be too much light, it wouldn't be worth it. Using standard tube lighting would be just fine and a lot cheaper.

I think the essential idea was not that I would be using high output T-5, but rather regular output, for conservation of space within the unit due to a T-5's small diameter. Plus the clear PVC for smaller diameter is cheaper.

Does anybody make a PVC cone flange? That you already know of, I may do some searching.

Okay, no pump, simple air bubble injection do the trick? Or prehaps something other than an impellar driven pump...hmmmm.....

Btw I'm serious about helping build your stand if you want it, i just really like to build things, and am already invisioning how to build this project too!

That's totally awesome! I'll pm you the dimensions on that 50gal tank. Maybe you could give me a materials estimate?

thanks for all the input guys,
later,
andy

[ReefTECK]

BTW cost estimate was based on a glance at materials, i did not actually add components together. The cost of the clear PVC alone adds up to $200 I can tell you though. That is if both inside and out are crafted of this.... based on figures from www.usplastics.com

Anybody know where to get cheaper clear pvc?

[widmer]

That's a fun idea...You could get the PVC pipe and a small section of acrylic tubing that are the same diameter, then you could slice and dice to insert little windows here and there throughout the length of the white PVC pipe.

PS your easiest and cheapest option for the clear sleeve that goes around the fluorescent tube is probably one of the fluorescent light tube protectors that you can buy at Menards for $3. These are made out of moderately rigid, thin clear plastic and are for the specific purpose of protecting fluorescent tubes. Since there's very little water pressure from the volume of your culture unit, you should be fine using them.

[ReefTECK]

Originally posted by widmer
That's a fun idea...You could get the PVC pipe and a small section of acrylic tubing that are the same diameter, then you could slice and dice to insert little windows here and there throughout the length of the white PVC pipe.

That is an excellent idea! as for the tube sleeve idk. I can see how pressure would not be an issue, but how would I seal the tube off at the bottom to prevent seepage? I like the idea of clear pvc because there is PVC glue which has been proven time and time again as sealant. I'm headed to the hardware store today to check some things out.

Thanks a bunch for all of your input. I thought it was an idea worth hatching out! I'm glad you guys thought so too!

later,
andy