How to Make an Algae Test Photo Bioreactor...Part Two

Building the Upright and Castle

This gives a step-by-step instructions on making an algae test photo bioreactor. This can be used in any application that calls for testing and/or growing algae, to determine maximum growth rates, best nutrients, etc., such as...

Making algae biodiesel,
Animal feed,
Organic fertilizer,
Cosmetics,
Health food supplements and many more.

Because this is more involved than can be explained clearly in a single instructable, I'll have to include multiple parts.

You can download a complete free eBook here:

http://www.making-biodiesel-books.com/bioreactor.html

It includes a complete parts list, color diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and full color photos.

Materials needed:

(1) 2"x4"x 8' stud
(10) 1.5"PVC "repair" couplers
(1) 28" x 48" x plexiglass
(2) 2"x4" steel brackets
Aquarium and/or marine silicone
Wood screws and washers

Tools Needed:

Power drill (or drill press)
2" inch hole drill
1.5" inch drill bit
Carpenter's square
Plumb bob
Jig saw
Straight edge
Marker

Cut the 2"x4"at 27" inches. Use a miter saw for this as you need a square cut.

Place the plant caddy on your work bench. Place the cut 2"x4"'s inside the metal connectors and screw together with wood screws.

The unit should now look like this:

Measure and cut the second piece of plexiglass to 18" inches square. Cut plexiglass along marked edge.

Place the plexiglass on top of 2"x4"s making sure the posts are squarely up and down.


With a plumb bob, find the center of the cell receivers on the caddy below. Place on a dot on the plexiglass for the center of each cell.

Place the 1.5inch PVC coupler on top of the plexiglass with the dot in the center and outline the outside of each coupler.

Place the plexiglas on the drill press and CAREFULLY drill out each marked hole with an 1 3/4" inch drill bit.

Measure 9 from the edge and mark another across the middle. This should give you the exact center. With the 2" inch drill bit, drill a hole in the exact center of the plexiglass.

Clean the burrs off with a rounded file.

Turn the plexiglass upside down on the work bench and using the PVC Cement, place a bead of glue around the edge of the 1.5" couplers and mount on the plexiglass.

Repeat for all 10 holes. Allow the Cement to dry for a couple of hours.

Flip the plexiglass over so that the couplers are facing down. Mark 3 evenly spaced dots on the plexiglass, directly where the 2"x4" is centered. Drill pilot holes in the plexiglass, the secure to the 2"x4"s.

The completed castle and uprights should look like this: