Annoyed at the default Aqua Rocks Colorado Acrylic Horizontal Reactor connectors?

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

The existing connectors are seriously long, like 5-6" of added length, and at an angle that is either good or horrible for your setup.


If you want to just convert the reactor's connectors to standard 5/8" (aka 16/22mm aquarium tubing), all you need are these:



3/4" PVC Union Fittings, with a 3/4" female NPT thread.


Much better, WAY smaller! Easier to fit in my cabinet.

 

[JayP]

You left out some details though, like needing to still use the ARC union ring.

It also dawned on me, after seeing the SS 90° 5/8" barb elbow you linked the other day that if you want your tubing connecting straight up to the reactor, using what you have here with that SS elbow is a better option than my permanently glued PVC elbow.

 

[RockyProndoa]

Gah....well aren't I a day late and a few dollars short. I originally intended to hang this on the side of my stand where it would have fit perfectly (out of the way). Once I actually received it, I quickly realized that those big bulky connectors added too much length and would make plumbing it that way impossible. Instead, I end up with this monstrosity. I don't think I have the heart to re-plumb the whole thing...sigh.

 

[JayP]

Gah....well aren't I a day late and a few dollars short. I originally intended to hang this on the side of my stand where it would have fit perfectly (out of the way). Once I actually received it, I quickly realized that those big bulky connectors added too much length and would make plumbing it that way impossible. Instead, I end up with this monstrosity. I don't think I have the heart to re-plumb the whole thing...sigh.

Yeah, I saw your post and felt for you since I just posted this photo in the forum yesterday.

 

[RockyProndoa]

Yeah, I saw your post and felt for you since I just posted this photo in the forum yesterday.
View attachment 18715

Yeah...that was my idea in my head. I just can't believe I never thought to think of it myself! lol.

 

[JacksonL]

It would take minimal work when you do it, thanks to the barrel connecter and threaded joiners on your inlet/outlet valves.
Cut just above the bypass tees, use a new right angled fitting on both, connect tees facing downward directly after. You can then reuse your bypass line and valve. Then you have lines straight down to your reactor, unscrew the valves and put them on the vertical, then elbow into the reactor.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

Gah....well aren't I a day late and a few dollars short. I originally intended to hang this on the side of my stand where it would have fit perfectly (out of the way). Once I actually received it, I quickly realized that those big bulky connectors added too much length and would make plumbing it that way impossible. Instead, I end up with this monstrosity. I don't think I have the heart to re-plumb the whole thing...sigh.View attachment 18714

Also, I hate to mention this, but the bypass valve is not on the superior side of the plumbing

See this post.

 

[Jeff Miotke]

Yea this is an issue. I moved my reactor to my stand but its a bit too long to close my door and makes tubing a mess. Anyone have a part like a threaded elbow to barb fitting that will work on this?

 

[gnatster]

Something such as this?

Plastic 90° Male Thread to Barb Elbow Fitting - PP Hose Connector | Multiple Thread Types

 

[RockyProndoa]

Also, I hate to mention this, but the bypass valve is not on the superior side of the plumbing

See this post.

Eh, it's actually ok. Now that I see it, I realize that yes, it's 'upside-down' in terms of where the water wants to flow. This will probably be reason enough to redo it....as long as I can get it to fit on the side of the tank like I originally wanted. Should be a much more clean look as well.

Appreciate the tip.

 

[JayP]

Yea this is an issue. I moved my reactor to my stand but its a bit too long to close my door and makes tubing a mess. Anyone have a part like a threaded elbow to barb fitting that will work on this?

Since these are made in China, It's hard to tell what the welded port is, but assuming it's 1/2 npt, perhaps something like this if you want to stick with stainless steel. 1/2 male npt to 5/8 barb 90° elbow

 

[SingAlongWithTsing]

If npt doesn't work you can try bspt or w/e british standard pipe threading is shorten to these days.

 

[Jeff Miotke]

Thanks all. I reached out to ARC and sure glad I did. Here is the part for anyone else wanting to do this.

The threaded fitting piece is G1/2 threading. You can find the elbow fitting you need here: https://a.co/d/01PcvYD5

 

[JayP]

So @SingAlongWithTsing had the right thread type.

 

[Jeff Miotke]

Well that simple elbow made all the difference in cleaning up this install.

 

[JayP]

Well that simple elbow made all the difference in cleaning up this install.

View attachment 18971

Are there some crazy camera angle tricks going on here, or is that the longest SS inlet I've ever seen?

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

And let me know what brand that inlet is, I'm curious!

 

[Jeff Miotke]

Are there some crazy camera angle tricks going on here, or is that the longest SS inlet I've ever seen?

It is that long. I looked back in my orders and I think it was bought through an amazon seller called Jinyu Aquarium back in 2016. Seems long gone.

 

[Koan]

bought through an amazon seller called Jinyu Aquarium

Looks like Jinyu hasn't been active on Aliexpress since then either

This exporter is wholesaling a similar set at 15 in / 400 mm, maybe Aqua rocks would be interested?

[Hot Item] 12/16mm Stainless Steel Inlet and Outlet Pipe Tube for Aquarium Tanks

Type: Filters & Accessories Size of Aquariums: Large, Middle Lightings Type: Inlet and Outlet Material of Aquariums: All Shape of Aquariums: Square Feature: Eco-Friendly

m.made-in-china.com

They also offer samples at $30 a set, so might be willing to sell individually