Official: Masterflex Calcium Reactor Setup Thread

[janey]

Hey Guys , glad i found this topic..
need help in getting my Jetstream Pico Calcium reactor up and running.

Im still confuse on how this all works ...

I have a 5 lb tank with a regulator . I should get the CarbonDoser Electronic Co2 Regulator .
Can i use this SP300 pump ??

[atlfishes]

I just purchased a 100rpm unit. The largest tubing the head accepts is LS 18. If I expect to use 75-100ml a minute, wouldn't I want the largest tubing to keep the pump from working harder?

What is the best way to feed the pump? I have a manifold I could use, or would the pressure cause it to go array? Put the masterflex before or after the CA reactor? Thanks

[Adamc1303]

Jane that pump isn't strong enough for this application. By the way i've just been really busy so I never sent you the pics of the lights. Shoot me an e-mail or PM if you're still interested.

Adam

[janey]

Question The regulator That i have pictured Is a co2 reg also Right?? SO i dont need to purchase the CarbonDoser Electronic Co2 Regulator Then ???

So I guess i have to get this
COLE-PARMER MASTERFLEX L/S 7523-60 DIGITAL DRIVE PUMP W/ EASY LOAD HEAD 77201-62

Also
My Reactor does not have a port for my PH probe , What should i get or Do. to monitor the PH output ?

[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by janey

Question The regulator That i have pictured Is a co2 reg also Right?? SO i dont need to purchase the CarbonDoser Electronic Co2 Regulator Then ???

Yes it is a co2 reg, use what you have and when you are in need of a replacement or have issues with it look into the Carbon Doser

So I guess i have to get this
COLE-PARMER MASTERFLEX L/S 7523-60 DIGITAL DRIVE PUMP W/ EASY LOAD HEAD 77201-62

If you can buy that for a decent price go for it, it's exactly what you want

Also
My Reactor does not have a port for my PH probe , What should i get or Do. to monitor the PH output ?

I don't have one either and they are unnecessary. What I did was took a "pee cup" with a screw on lid and punched a few holes in it. In the lid I made a hole for the probe by cutting a large enough X in the lid that I could easily push the probe through (don't want to damage the tabs on the probe), I also made a smaller hole for the effluent out tube. I use a zip tie to strain relief both probe and effluent into the lid. I then drill a hole in the side of the effluent to overflow into the tank.

[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by atlfishes

I just purchased a 100rpm unit.

Congrats

The largest tubing the head accepts is LS 18. If I expect to use 75-100ml a minute, wouldn't I want the largest tubing to keep the pump from working harder?

Yes, ls17 tubing will be 35rpm while ls18 would spin the pump at 25rpm for 100ml/min. In general the slower the drive speed the less wear and noise on everything.
This is an ls18 equivalent http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/ite...5536&catid=864

What is the best way to feed the pump? I have a manifold I could use, or would the pressure cause it to go array? Put the masterflex before or after the CA reactor? Thanks
I would ask that you start by securing the intake line inside the sump and install the pump so it is pulling through the reactor.

[janey]

Thank you tkeracer619

Im understanding a whole lot now.. . How it all works . thank to you and every one else, here..

[d2mini]

So i have two different master flex pumps running right now, both at a pretty low flow. I noticed that the water coming out of the tubing into my sump is flowing in a pulsing manner, rather than a continuos flow or drip. Is this right? I don't know why, but I expected it would be a smooth, consistent flow. I'm sure it's a consistent amount over the course of a specified time, but just watching it flow it is more of a slow/fast pulse.

[tkeracer619]

The pulses you see are from where the rollers pinch the tube. It is normal. This is also why tubes need to be secured as they can move around.

[d2mini]

Ok, figured as much, but wanted to double check. Thanks!
As for securing, I assume this is what those little black tabs are for that move the inverted black V shaped plastic up and down to pinch down on the tubes?
I lowered mine just enough to hold but not really pinch the tubes. Correct?

[tkeracer619]

Yup and don't forget to zip tie the effluent tubes inside the sump.

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Yup and don't forget to zip tie the effluent tubes inside the sump.

Cool, yeah most of the outputs are connected to JG fittings in my sump.
I'll make sure to zip tie the ones connected to threaded barbed fittings in my sump's side wall.

[dadummy]

hey there, great thread looking forward to setting up a calcium reactor

just picked up a Masterflex 7523-20 with easy load L/S head which accepts 15&24 tubing. Shipping was high at 75 bucks but $50 offer was accepted, took a gamble that it works.
Unit doesn't come with tubing, can you run the unit without tubing to check that it functions before buying tubing?

and any ideas where to buy tubing at best prices

thanks

[d2mini]

Originally Posted by dadummy

hey there, great thread looking forward to setting up a calcium reactor

just picked up a Masterflex 7523-20 with easy load L/S head which accepts 15&24 tubing. Shipping was high at 75 bucks but $50 offer was accepted, took a gamble that it works.
Unit doesn't come with tubing, can you run the unit without tubing to check that it functions before buying tubing?

and any ideas where to buy tubing at best prices

thanks

yeah, just turn it on and look to see if the rollers are turning.
look back over the last few pages, there is discussion about buying the tubing.
My posts, actually. lol

[dadummy]

ok thanks, think it was a few pages back most likely more where my head started spinning and stopped reading lol

[janes_mw]

Originally Posted by dadummy

hey there, great thread looking forward to setting up a calcium reactor

just picked up a Masterflex 7523-20 with easy load L/S head which accepts 15&24 tubing. Shipping was high at 75 bucks but $50 offer was accepted, took a gamble that it works.
Unit doesn't come with tubing, can you run the unit without tubing to check that it functions before buying tubing?

and any ideas where to buy tubing at best prices

thanks

That head requires the High performance tubing. Only thing I have found is Masterflex tubing through Cole P. I talked to their tech support to reaffirm and they re-affirmed that must use that series of tubing if you want any kind of life out of it. I am just getting ready to order 25 feet.

you'll find that the tubing is $$.

[dadummy]

yes very pricey, spent hours searching for the wall thickness and O.D. Cole Palmer won't release the info, some proprietary rights crud. Which size are you ordering 15 or 24? I don't want to pull the plug and order just yet until I am sure the unit is functional

[janes_mw]

Originally Posted by dadummy

yes very pricey, spent hours searching for the wall thickness and O.D. Cole Palmer won't release the info, some proprietary rights crud. Which size are you ordering 15 or 24? I don't want to pull the plug and order just yet until I am sure the unit is functional

PM'd ya.

[dadummy]

pm replied, thanks

[nivram]

Im preparing for bringing my calcium reactor online soon and thinking about this method. I don't have room for the cole partner pumps I've seen used. Has anyone found a more compact pump to use? I've read mention of the Stenner pumps. But have not seen any user feedback from use.

[zachts]

Originally Posted by nivram

Im preparing for bringing my calcium reactor online soon and thinking about this method. I don't have room for the cole partner pumps I've seen used. Has anyone found a more compact pump to use? I've read mention of the Stenner pumps. But have not seen any user feedback from use.

You could pretty easily DIY one using a gear motor with appropriate torque to run a masterflex pump head, pick up a DC gear motor 12/24volt and a speed contoller and then you just need to order a connector from masterflex to adapt the drive shaft to the pump head (or make one) and make a mounting bracket for the setup.

I've found these already assembled on ebay in the past (pitman-ametek motors) used for ink transfer and such.

Lots of industrial DC motors out there with decent pump heads. Watson Marlow for example also makes some more compact DC units which would be speed controllable.

FYI, you can also mount a standard CP unit a very long way away from your CA reactor. Doesn't have to sit near buy. Could be in the opposite end of your house and would still work just as well.

[Dapg8gt]

Originally Posted by nivram

Im preparing for bringing my calcium reactor online soon and thinking about this method. I don't have room for the cole partner pumps I've seen used. Has anyone found a more compact pump to use? I've read mention of the Stenner pumps. But have not seen any user feedback from use.

There is also a post somewhere in the thread( I think or possibly the aio bio pellets thread) where a guy is using a kamoer continuous duty pump that seems like it's pretty small.. But when looking into it the price is about the same and quality I'd guess wouldn't be as rock solid as the CP..

[d2mini]

Is it normal for this type drive to make a fast ticking noise?
Or is that indicative of a problem?
I can't really tell where it's coming from.

[tkeracer619]

If it does it without the head installed then it's either in the gears or brushes. Likely worn brushes. I don't think it is any sign of a problem if the noise isn't excessive.

[zachts]

It's likely the tab that connects the head to the drive ticking as it rotates and "pops" forward when the tubing tension lessens during rotation. using some tape to make the tab fit tight in the pump head slot should eliminate the noise.