calcium reactor leak? is this common?

CTaylor · 11/27/2016, 12:51 PM

Hi,

My main concern on getting a ca reactor is possibility of a flood. They are external to the tank with plumbing and fittings that can at some point leak, I would think. Is this a real concern? I am on the 4th floor in my apt. I know my tank itself can leak by fault of the glass seems, etc. But I rather minimize adding extra possibilities for a flood.

Is this a reason to worry?

thanks!

125mph · 11/27/2016, 01:16 PM

I put my calcium reactor in my sump.. no worries of leaks.

BTW, I had the vertex calcium reactor and now the GEO 612. They both have minor leaks at the top and other joints but they seal themselves after a few days of running.

slief · 11/27/2016, 01:32 PM

I've never had an issue with my calcium reactors leaking. That said, I use a masterflex pump which pushes the water very slowly into the calcium reactor and I also have leak detection modules near it so that if the leak is ever detected the masterflex pump is shut off.

tkeracer619 · 11/27/2016, 01:55 PM

For some reason people use teflon tape on the fittings. You need to be using teflon paste. If you take your time and make sure every fitting has paste in every threaded fitting you have a low probability of a leak. If worried put it in a plastic tupperware and use a water leak alarm.

Also, don't buy cheep stuff.

CTaylor · 11/27/2016, 03:03 PM

why not use teflon tape instead of glue?
and: Masterflex is a dosing pump brand, right?
thanks!

slief · 11/27/2016, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTaylor

why not use teflon tape instead of glue?
and: Masterflex is a dosing pump brand, right?
thanks!

Teflon take is not well suited for PVC fittings. The manufacturers of PVC fittings warn against it. I never use Teflon tape on threaded fitting anymore. Instead I use Oatey Great White pipe dope and I pay attention to not overtighten the fittings. I've never had a leak when using pipe dope which is all I've used on any tank installs or reactor fittings for the last several years.

tkeracer619 · 11/27/2016, 03:21 PM

Teflon tape is for metal pipe, not pvc.

Masterflex is a commercial quality peristaltic pump. Once you are used to them the ones commonly available in the hobby are somewhat cheesy.

CTaylor · 11/27/2016, 04:27 PM

Thanks yet again everyone!

Bpb · 11/28/2016, 07:09 AM

Also realize a properly assembled good quality reactor will not leak. Leaks are caused by failed seals. It will take some trial runs either in a garage or bath tub before making sure you have everything snug. Mine leaked at first from the ph probe, but water wasn't coming out, air was coming in which would end up stalling the circulation pump. Realized the seal inside the probe port was crooked. Otherwise no problems. But also, if it concerns you, put it in the sump as mentioned. Most use submergable circulation pumps anyway

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11/27/2016, 12:51 PM	#1
CTaylor Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,524	calcium reactor leak? is this common? Hi, My main concern on getting a ca reactor is possibility of a flood. They are external to the tank with plumbing and fittings that can at some point leak, I would think. Is this a real concern? I am on the 4th floor in my apt. I know my tank itself can leak by fault of the glass seems, etc. But I rather minimize adding extra possibilities for a flood. Is this a reason to worry? thanks!

11/27/2016, 01:16 PM	#2
125mph Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,405	I put my calcium reactor in my sump.. no worries of leaks. BTW, I had the vertex calcium reactor and now the GEO 612. They both have minor leaks at the top and other joints but they seal themselves after a few days of running. __________________ 180G Rimless Starphire 72x24x24 (Miracles) 3 x Ecotech XR15w G4 Pro \| T5 x 4 \| 2 x Mp40wQD GEO 612 Cal Reactor \| Vertex Omega 150 Skimmer \| Chaeto Reactor Synergy Reef CL44 Sump \| Neptune Apex

11/27/2016, 01:32 PM	#3
slief RC Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 14,173	I've never had an issue with my calcium reactors leaking. That said, I use a masterflex pump which pushes the water very slowly into the calcium reactor and I also have leak detection modules near it so that if the leak is ever detected the masterflex pump is shut off. __________________ Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476

11/27/2016, 01:55 PM	#4
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	For some reason people use teflon tape on the fittings. You need to be using teflon paste. If you take your time and make sure every fitting has paste in every threaded fitting you have a low probability of a leak. If worried put it in a plastic tupperware and use a water leak alarm. Also, don't buy cheep stuff. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

11/27/2016, 03:21 PM	#7
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Teflon tape is for metal pipe, not pvc. Masterflex is a commercial quality peristaltic pump. Once you are used to them the ones commonly available in the hobby are somewhat cheesy. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

11/27/2016, 03:03 PM	#5
CTaylor Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,524	why not use teflon tape instead of glue? and: Masterflex is a dosing pump brand, right? thanks!

11/27/2016, 04:27 PM	#8
CTaylor Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,524	Thanks yet again everyone!

11/28/2016, 07:09 AM	#9
Bpb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 3,148	Also realize a properly assembled good quality reactor will not leak. Leaks are caused by failed seals. It will take some trial runs either in a garage or bath tub before making sure you have everything snug. Mine leaked at first from the ph probe, but water wasn't coming out, air was coming in which would end up stalling the circulation pump. Realized the seal inside the probe port was crooked. Otherwise no problems. But also, if it concerns you, put it in the sump as mentioned. Most use submergable circulation pumps anyway Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk