Jason,

I don't have a photo any longer, but there are 2 ways to use this reactor and you are describing both at once.

1) Inline with canister -- I'm not sure how this one is done.
2) Stand-alone (the way I did it) -- this is the only time you have the Rio pump involved, and the reactor is not connected to the canister filter at all. The Rio is in the tank. It's output is directed into the top of the reactor via tubing. You direct the output from the bottom of the reactor up and back into the tank.

I hope someone posts a picture of inline use. I would like to see that.

Here is a picture of the hang on the back(HOB) type. The Rio 1000 is driving the reactor.

The black drip valve and connecting lines are the venturi loop, about 2" down from the top of the reactor.
The next closest clear tubing out of the reactor is the air/CO2 purge, this just extends into the top of the reactor, maybe 1/4".
The clear tubing farthest away is the CO2 injection which extends 12" into the reactor.

The black 1/2" U tube is the sump return and the 3/4" threaded 90's beyond that are the reactor return.

Hope this helps.

Nice plumbing, Chris! Mine never looks that neat and clean.

Thanks Ted, appreciate the comments

If there is anyone in the UK that has made this reactor I would appreciate some input on where to get some of the the parts from.

The ones I can't find are:

2" Clear PVC housing
2" slip to 1/2 threaded bushing


Thanks, Matt

PS - I have been using the Barr internal reactor for over a year in my tank and am really pleased with it. Thanks Tom! Am only changing over to this design as I am moving all hardware outside of the tank where possible.

Matt,
You might ask the folks over at UKAPS.
If not a member of that group, get involved.

The group has grown and matured by leafs and bounds in the UK in just the last 3 years. I've rarely seen any place go that far in that short of time. There are other countries that have as well recently.

You can order all the parts from the US, but the shipping cost make it very costly.

Regards,
Tom Barr

Funnily enough I posted on UKAPS straight after posting here!

If I get some good sources for all the parts I'll make sure to post it back here

I discovered UKAPS about 6 months ago or so, and am really impressed with it. I have learnt so much from this forum and UKAPS that my tank has really taken off. I've also taken full advantage of the locality of it and given away and received more plants through UKAPS in 6 months than in the previous 20 years of fishkeeping!

In general, working with folks locally will improve your skills and teach you far more than any off the web.

Regards,
Tom Barr

I built a reactor as described in this thread but I am having backflow through the CO2 inlet that would force water back into the line if I let it. The CO2 inlet and de-gasser are both on top and have valves on each. The reactor is connected after the outlet of an Eheim 2215. Is this normal or have I made some sort of simple mistake?

I'm guessing that you are seeing water backing up the CO2 inlet when the CO2 is off (overnight)? This is normal due to the filter running 24/7. Simply install a check valve close to the reactor and this will stop any water from reaching the regulator.

If the water is backing up during CO2 use (day time), you will need to increase the regulator pressure to compensate.

Please let us know.