Journal 120 Dutch Ft. Yugang Reactor (Horizontal CO2 Reactor)

[Unexpected]

New Yugang reactor version 3 installed. I think I hid it decently behind the lights. I can now access my back chamber with out obstacles. I went over the length required and have my tank controller controlling the pH drop. I also removed the bypass and installed a DC pump (MightyJet Mini) with a flow controller. The pump runs from 160GPH to 266GPH with a push of a button. Dead silent operation so far.

 

[Aquascape_SG]

New Yugang reactor version 3 installed

Congrats on your new improvised build.
Why are there the two pipes splitting from the reactor's main pipe?

 

[Unexpected]

Congrats on your new improvised build.
Why are there the two pipes splitting from the reactor's main pipe?

View attachment 2735

The first pipe ( the T piece) was an accident. I needed to extend the pipe out more and I didn't want to go back to the store. I had the T pipe and an end cap on hand. So it serves no purpose other than extending this section more to the right. The 90 degree pipe to the right is the return into the back area of the tank.

 

[Aquascape_SG]

The first pipe ( the T piece) was an accident. I needed to extend the pipe out more and I didn't want to go back to the store. I had the T pipe and an end cap on hand. So it serves no purpose other than extending this section more to the right. The 90 degree pipe to the right is the return into the back area of the tank.
View attachment 2736

This is what I love about this Yugang horizontal reactor build. The parts needed are affordable and is forgiving if we make any mistakes or need to alter it.

 

[Unexpected]

Last pictures before my final AGA shots. I was told it’s Taboo to post the submission shots before judging has been completed.

The tank has obvious problems and I’m still waiting on my L Rubin to come up back left. I also ruined the AR grp front right and it may have to be pulled out for the final shot. My curtain choices haven’t gone as planned but I’ll clean them up a week before the shot. Some algae creeped in as well so I’ve just been removing the infected leaves. I’m just doing baby trims here and there for the next few weeks. I don’t want to screw this up like last year.

The struggle has been real but I’ll be proud of myself for just getting the submission. My hat is off to the pros who can keep the tank lines sharp but keep the well grown in look. Mine is looking like a 12 year old needing a haircut cut.

 

[Art]

This is absolutely stunning! Reminds me of the tanks I drooled over in Dupla's book, The Optimum Aquarium. Your aquascape has that old school vibe in my opinion.

Really well done, man. You should be proud.

 

[Unexpected]

This is absolutely stunning! Reminds me of the tanks I drooled over in Dupla's book, The Optimum Aquarium. Your aquascape has that old school vibe in my opinion.

Really well done, man. You should be proud.

Thank you Art.

 

[Unexpected]

My entry was accepted and now the waiting begins!

New plants ordered and should be here Saturday, moving on to new ideas. Exciting week for me.

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

Congrats and good luck

 

[Unexpected]

Congrats and good luck

Thank you. If I get judges’ comments, it’s a win for me.

 

[Unexpected]

I did a plant restart and while doing so I did a very light gravel vac. I’m going to try a few more challenging plants this round and see if it’s possible with this pool filter sand. Dropped light intensity but I forgot to lower my nutrient load. This will probably be a GDA farm in a few days . I’m also going to try Trident mini again and see if I can get a wall going for next year. I’ll be honest, I’m batting a 0 with all Java fern types I’ve tried.

To note, the huge mass of Japonica was a food storage unit. Wow it was gross in there. This was probably the issue I was having with algae in the tank.

 

[Mr.Shenanagins]

View attachment 3042I did a plant restart and while doing so I did a very light gravel vac. I’m going to try a few more challenging plants this round and see if it’s possible with this pool filter sand. Dropped light intensity but I forgot to lower my nutrient load. This will probably be a GDA farm in a few days . I’m also going to try Trident mini again and see if I can get a wall going for next year. I’ll be honest, I’m batting a 0 with all Java fern types I’ve tried.

I’ve found the more I neglect it, the better it grows. It’s hard to notice its progression because it grows so slowly. Another issue I’ve always encountered was this awful rotting melt it seems to go through and I’m not sure exactly what causes it. I have noticed if I manage to cut the effected leaves quick enough it can stop the spread. This I have only observed on trident though specifically. YMMV

 

[Unexpected]

I’ve found the more I neglect it, the better it grows. It’s hard to notice its progression because it grows so slowly. Another issue I’ve always encountered was this awful rotting melt it seems to go through and I’m not sure exactly what causes it. I have noticed if I manage to cut the effected leaves quick enough it can stop the spread. This I have only observed on trident though specifically. YMMV

I’ll try that, i only have one small piece from my last attempt and will attach it to mesh tomorrow and hang it. I won’t touch it after.

 

[SingAlongWithTsing]

Are you still using an inline diffuser without the ceramic to get co2 into your reactor?

would you happen to remember what brand youre using? I've notice the JBL proflora puts some significant back pressure on my flow meter

 

[Unexpected]

Are you still using an inline diffuser without the ceramic to get co2 into your reactor?

would you happen to remember what brand youre using? I've notice the JBL proflora puts some significant back pressure on my flow meter

It’s a CO2art brand. I’m not sure how to tell if it’s putting back pressure on the flow meter. What would I be looking for?

 

[SingAlongWithTsing]

It’s a CO2art brand. I’m not sure how to tell if it’s putting back pressure on the flow meter. What would I be looking for?

So when my CO2 regulator isn't connect to JBL Proflora my injection is 6 LPH (100 cc/min).
But when I do connect it to the JBL Proflora it drops down to 2.5 LPH (33.33 cc/min) on my flow meter.

 

[Unexpected]

So when my CO2 regulator isn't connect to JBL Proflora my injection is 6 LPH (100 cc/min).
But when I do connect it to the JBL Proflora it drops down to 2.5 LPH (33.33 cc/min) on my flow meter.

Do you use a check valve? Or does the JBL have a built in check valve?

 

[SingAlongWithTsing]

Do you use a check valve? Or does the JBL have a built in check valve?

yep I have a clippard checkvalve and that doesnt seem to affect the injection rate

The JBL has an integrated checkvalve according to their ad and I think that might be causing the problem.

Does the CO2art brand one not have one?

 

[Unexpected]

yep I have a clippard checkvalve and that doesnt seem to affect the injection rate

The JBL has an integrated checkvalve according to their ad and I think that might be causing the problem.

Does the CO2art brand one not have one?

I don’t think it does. The kit advertises the built in check valve was at the bubble counter. But I no longer use their regulator and use a stainless steel check valve on the CO2 line. I see larger bubbles entering the system.

 

[Burr740]

Your entry is going to score very high. Unless the talent pool drastically increases this year Im willing to be its in the top 3 at least

Main knocks I see is the green Myrio and L rubin could be thicker, and the curtain plants are kinda weak. But man, aside from the AR which could stand to be thicker, the entire foreground is immaculate. Perfect space between groups and trimmed up beautifully.

Im sure some judge will point out that the street is a little under emphasized and the Lily in the focal point would do a better job of commanding attn if it was bigger. But we're just splitting hairs at this point. Thats a damn good Dutch tank