Official: Masterflex Calcium Reactor Setup Thread - Page 112

earwicker7 · 03/13/2018, 03:55 PM

Was asked by the OP to re-post this from a separate thread:

I'm beyond sick of the constant fiddling around I have to do to keep my calcium reactor running stable, so I am hoping that changing to a peristaltic pump for the feed will be the magic bullet it seems to be for those who have tried them.

I'm looking for one that is relatively quiet... it doesn't need to be silent, as my fish room is already kind of noisy, but I don't want something that can be heard three rooms away.

I know new ones can be expensive, so used is OK if it is reliable.

Any suggestions in the $500 to $1,000 range?

LQT · 03/13/2018, 04:05 PM

Go on eBay and look for these brushless pumps...

7550-30
7523-60
7523-80

As far as heads go, zoom in and look at the photos of the pumphead to see if L/S 17 tubing can be used. If you’re not sure if a head uses L/S 17 tubing, look at ip model number of the head on the Cole Parmer website. In the specs, it will show what kind of tubing is compatible.

Kain · 03/13/2018, 04:07 PM

I’ll add that the 7523-80 is newer and has the digital display. The -80 goes up to 600rpm. There is also a 7523-90 which is similar to the 80 but only does 100rpm.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

MrineLfRlz · 03/13/2018, 04:25 PM

What are the best pump heads to find on ebay that are reasonably priced but are reliable?
Im still in the process of building my calcium reactor setup and have the masterflex 7523-70 pump with no pump head yet.
thanks

Ucantwin · 03/13/2018, 05:51 PM

When looking at pumps on eBay don't be afraid to make an offer to the seller. I was able to get a 7523-60 pump and head for $500 shipped when they originally wanted $750 for the pump and another $125 for the head.

Davenkim · 03/13/2018, 06:19 PM

I just recieved a 7523-60 today. Using the recommended size 17 tubing. I need to run 20 ml per minute but can't get lower than 20. Is there a way to run slower? My reef is fairly new so needs are not super high yet

tkeracer619 · 03/13/2018, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davenkim

I just recieved a 7523-60 today. Using the recommended size 17 tubing. I need to run 20 ml per minute but can't get lower than 20. Is there a way to run slower? My reef is fairly new so needs are not super high yet

If you have a easyload head you can either run a smaller tubi g or set the pump as low as it wiill go and then adjust the ph in the reactor higher.

Make sure you are in rpm mode to get lowest speed.

Davenkim · 03/13/2018, 07:13 PM

So I am running ph at 6.5 Ish. How high should i set it to start with? It is easy load head 77200-60

Davenkim · 03/13/2018, 08:37 PM

And I am actually only currently running 10 ml per minute. I thought it was 20, but I just counted and it is actually 10 ml per minute. If possible I would like to use my current tubing because I would have to order smaller tubing and wait for it to arrive

Thanks so much for the help!

Kain · 03/13/2018, 09:05 PM

Run the ph inside your reactor higher to compensate for the increase in mL/min.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Davenkim · 03/13/2018, 09:07 PM

Ok, but what ph would be safe to start at? 7.3 to 7.4?

Kain · 03/13/2018, 09:49 PM

That’s hard to say. What do you currently have in your tank.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

zip70 · 03/13/2018, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kain

I paid $460 including shipping. The one I have is only 100 rpm.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Kain,
How do I know which 7523-80 only run 100 rpm or more? is it 100 rpm good enough for average?

tkeracer619 · 03/13/2018, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zip70

Hi Kain,
How do I know which 7523-80 only run 100 rpm or more? is it 100 rpm good enough for average?

If you put the model number into coleparmer.com website it will tell you about the drive. Some of the older ones won't display much information. If you look at pics on ebay or wherever you are buying the drive it states on the back of the unit the rpm range. The 1-100rpm drives are good units but I usually recommend the 6-600rpm drives. Most people will run the drive between 20 and 40 rpm. By using a drive capable of 600rpm you are running the motor slower and reducing wear, the 600rpm drives tend to be quieter when run at low speeds. Either will work for our systems though.

Davenkim · 03/14/2018, 04:11 AM

I have a 3 inch squamosa clam. Several small sps frags, (11), alot of lps. 1 huge goniopora, 3 small goniopora, 4 torches, 5 hammers, a large duncan. That is the majority of it. I possibly missed a few though. I currently have reactor running at 10 ml per minute with a ph of 6.5 to 6.6 and my alk is stable.

Thanks,

David

Davenkim · 03/14/2018, 09:28 AM

Looks like ls 16 tubing would work for my slower rate. Does anybody know what the US plastic equivalent for that is? I can't seem to find anything on it.

Thanks,

David

tkeracer619 · 03/14/2018, 09:41 AM

LS 16 = 0.8ml/min per rpm
LS 25 = 1.7ml/min per rpm
LS 17 = 2.8ml/min per rpm

LS 16 Equivalent is https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...5399&catid=864
LS 25 Equivalent is https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...5400&catid=864
LS 17 Equivalent is https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...5534&catid=864

You will need to get different nipple/barb fittings for the different tubing sets.

Davenkim · 03/14/2018, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

LS 16 = 0.8ml/min per rpm
LS 25 = 1.7ml/min per rpm
LS 17 = 2.8ml/min per rpm

LS 16 Equivalent is https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...5399&catid=864
LS 25 Equivalent is https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...5400&catid=864
LS 17 Equivalent is https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...5534&catid=864

You will need to get different nipple/barb fittings for the different tubing sets.

Davenkim · 03/14/2018, 12:58 PM

You are so awesome! Thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge on this. I would have never figured it out on my own. This thread has been so so helpful.

David

zip70 · 03/14/2018, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davenkim

I have a 3 inch squamosa clam. Several small sps frags, (11), alot of lps. 1 huge goniopora, 3 small goniopora, 4 torches, 5 hammers, a large duncan. That is the majority of it. I possibly missed a few though. I currently have reactor running at 10 ml per minute with a ph of 6.5 to 6.6 and my alk is stable.

Thanks,

David

Hi David,
I just curios about your reactor dialing. My question is IF you increase output from 10 ml per minute to 20 ml or 30 per minute, then what happen to your Alk? will it increase or decrease? TIA

Davenkim · 03/15/2018, 08:38 AM

Assuming the reactor ph is the same it increases. If I increase the ph to decrease how much media melts then I am not sure. I am going to play with that this weekend when I am off work and able to test alot. I will let you know what I find out.

David

networkcrasher · 03/16/2018, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

I know several companies are working on some continuous duty peristaltic pumps. I do hope they have taken into account that we need ball bearings in the motors and not brass bushings like most stepper motors come with. Also, hopefully they were able to keep the noise down, steppers are notoriously noisy.

Edit, looks like they did. Seems relatively quiet!

After watching a bunch of vids, they are always running fast, I wonder what the lowest speed is. I assume it's low but there is a slight language barrier. Hopefully this is a workable solution! Maybe I can convince BigBlueTang to order one for his reactor so I can get some hands on with it

I have one of the Kamoer FX-STP's running on my Vertex RX-C 6D. It's pretty dang quiet, certainly doesn't sound like the DOS running at any speed. It is easily calibrated and will run from 1mL/min to 120mL/min at 1mL increments. All you do is just twist the knob to change the flow rate. I've only had it running for a week but so far, so good. I currently have it configured to push through the Vertex, but after reading, I will most likely change it to pull tonight. Comes with decent english instructions on how to calibrate it, but it's basically "dispense x amount of liquid, measure it, and plug into the pump what it pumped out down to .00mL. Then you put it in run mode, push the dial, pump starts, then you dial in the speed you want.

Now, quieting down my bubble-eating pump in the Vertex, that's another conversation.

What other questions would you have? happy to help.

tkeracer619 · 03/16/2018, 10:38 AM

Awesome!

Main questions are...

Does it restart after power outage?
What size tubing is it using?

Ucantwin · 03/16/2018, 05:41 PM

@tkeracer619 Your question about restarting after a power outage got me wondering if mine would.

I bought the 7523-60 and I just went and unplugged it and plugged it back in and it did not restart. Is there a way for it to restart?

tkeracer619 · 03/16/2018, 05:45 PM

Yup, sure will. Instructions for most digital drives are as follows...

Quote:

Automatic Start Enable/Disable (INTernal mode only) Press and hold STOP/START on power-up. After five (5) seconds, display will change to all dashes. Then, while holding STOP/START, press PRIME five (5) times. Display will flash "ON" or "OFF". Use UP/DOWN (▲, ▼) arrow keys to set automatic start option. Press any other key to exit. When "ON" is selected, pump will start automatically at power-up if it was "ON" when powered down.

03/13/2018, 04:05 PM	#2777
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Go on eBay and look for these brushless pumps... 7550-30 7523-60 7523-80 As far as heads go, zoom in and look at the photos of the pumphead to see if L/S 17 tubing can be used. If you’re not sure if a head uses L/S 17 tubing, look at ip model number of the head on the Cole Parmer website. In the specs, it will show what kind of tubing is compatible. __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

03/13/2018, 04:25 PM	#2779
MrineLfRlz Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: eldon M.O. Posts: 1,167	What are the best pump heads to find on ebay that are reasonably priced but are reliable? Im still in the process of building my calcium reactor setup and have the masterflex 7523-70 pump with no pump head yet. thanks __________________ Jim its not a obsession its a way of life!--75g DT/125g sump/40g growout/30g frag/ATI sun power x8/t5 on DT/X2 D120 leds 40g/Sun blaze x4/t5 30g Current Tank Info: BubbleMagus(calc.,alk/Clearwater CW-300 Scrubber//56wAQUA UV/Reef Oct.SRO6000SSS Protein sk./1/10HP Chiller/GENESIS AWC

03/14/2018, 09:41 AM	#2792
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	LS 16 = 0.8ml/min per rpm LS 25 = 1.7ml/min per rpm LS 17 = 2.8ml/min per rpm LS 16 Equivalent is https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...5399&catid=864 LS 25 Equivalent is https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...5400&catid=864 LS 17 Equivalent is https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/it...5534&catid=864 You will need to get different nipple/barb fittings for the different tubing sets. __________________ 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.

03/16/2018, 10:38 AM	#2798
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Awesome! Main questions are... Does it restart after power outage? What size tubing is it using? __________________ 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.

03/13/2018, 03:55 PM	#2776
earwicker7 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 150	Was asked by the OP to re-post this from a separate thread: I'm beyond sick of the constant fiddling around I have to do to keep my calcium reactor running stable, so I am hoping that changing to a peristaltic pump for the feed will be the magic bullet it seems to be for those who have tried them. I'm looking for one that is relatively quiet... it doesn't need to be silent, as my fish room is already kind of noisy, but I don't want something that can be heard three rooms away. I know new ones can be expensive, so used is OK if it is reliable. Any suggestions in the $500 to $1,000 range?

03/13/2018, 04:07 PM	#2778
Kain Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fontana, CA Posts: 372	I’ll add that the 7523-80 is newer and has the digital display. The -80 goes up to 600rpm. There is also a 7523-90 which is similar to the 80 but only does 100rpm. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03/13/2018, 05:51 PM	#2780
Ucantwin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: some where Posts: 559	When looking at pumps on eBay don't be afraid to make an offer to the seller. I was able to get a 7523-60 pump and head for $500 shipped when they originally wanted $750 for the pump and another $125 for the head.

03/13/2018, 06:19 PM	#2781
Davenkim Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 9	I just recieved a 7523-60 today. Using the recommended size 17 tubing. I need to run 20 ml per minute but can't get lower than 20. Is there a way to run slower? My reef is fairly new so needs are not super high yet

03/13/2018, 07:13 PM	#2783
Davenkim Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 9	So I am running ph at 6.5 Ish. How high should i set it to start with? It is easy load head 77200-60

03/13/2018, 08:37 PM	#2784
Davenkim Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 9	And I am actually only currently running 10 ml per minute. I thought it was 20, but I just counted and it is actually 10 ml per minute. If possible I would like to use my current tubing because I would have to order smaller tubing and wait for it to arrive Thanks so much for the help!

03/13/2018, 09:05 PM	#2785
Kain Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fontana, CA Posts: 372	Run the ph inside your reactor higher to compensate for the increase in mL/min. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03/13/2018, 09:07 PM	#2786
Davenkim Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 9	Ok, but what ph would be safe to start at? 7.3 to 7.4?

03/13/2018, 09:49 PM	#2787
Kain Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fontana, CA Posts: 372	That’s hard to say. What do you currently have in your tank. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03/14/2018, 04:11 AM	#2790
Davenkim Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 9	I have a 3 inch squamosa clam. Several small sps frags, (11), alot of lps. 1 huge goniopora, 3 small goniopora, 4 torches, 5 hammers, a large duncan. That is the majority of it. I possibly missed a few though. I currently have reactor running at 10 ml per minute with a ph of 6.5 to 6.6 and my alk is stable. Thanks, David

03/14/2018, 09:28 AM	#2791
Davenkim Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 9	Looks like ls 16 tubing would work for my slower rate. Does anybody know what the US plastic equivalent for that is? I can't seem to find anything on it. Thanks, David

03/14/2018, 12:58 PM	#2794
Davenkim Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 9	You are so awesome! Thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge on this. I would have never figured it out on my own. This thread has been so so helpful. David

03/15/2018, 08:38 AM	#2796
Davenkim Registered Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 9	Assuming the reactor ph is the same it increases. If I increase the ph to decrease how much media melts then I am not sure. I am going to play with that this weekend when I am off work and able to test alot. I will let you know what I find out. David

03/16/2018, 05:41 PM	#2799
Ucantwin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: some where Posts: 559	@tkeracer619 Your question about restarting after a power outage got me wondering if mine would. I bought the 7523-60 and I just went and unplugged it and plugged it back in and it did not restart. Is there a way for it to restart?