Official: Masterflex Calcium Reactor Setup Thread - Page 21

Adamc1303 · 12/14/2014, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachts

Generally most of the masterflex drives can handle up to 4 heads but it depends on the model. Just refer to the specs of the drive. the tubing used also plays into how many heads can run off one drive unit.

If you put more then one head on a unit can they both run at the same time but at different speeds? For example one running continuously for calcium reactor while another 2 are doing an automatic water change.

zachts · 12/14/2014, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamc1303

If you put more then one head on a unit can they both run at the same time but at different speeds? For example one running continuously for calcium reactor while another 2 are doing an automatic water change.

No, they turn at the same speed and at the same time. They are attached to a single motor. CA reactor would require one drive unit and the AWC would require a second drive unit (running multiple heads)

Adamc1303 · 12/14/2014, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachts

No, they turn at the same speed and at the same time. They are attached to a single motor. CA reactor would require one drive unit and the AWC would require a second drive unit (running multiple heads)

That's what I figured.

Thanks

keneil01 · 12/16/2014, 04:41 PM

I love this topic!! I have been searching for a long time for a "cheep" unit, and I finally got one! The price was extremely low for a nearly new unit - 323 USD + shipping to Norway and Tax. Hopefully it will run trouble free for many years.

A quick picture after setup.

watsonj · 12/16/2014, 04:58 PM

my setup running for 6 weeks really rocks , thanks for the tips on this thread could not have done it without you guys.

Untitled by watsonj0, on Flickr

d2mini · 12/16/2014, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watsonj

my setup running for 6 weeks really rocks , thanks for the tips on this thread could not have done it without you guys.

Nice.
Which connectors did you use to connect the two types of tubing?

muttley101 · 12/17/2014, 08:52 PM

Harris regulator, AP Doser, and MF Digital... Time to start flexing soon.... The regulator and digital Masterflex was a steal on Ebay.... Special thanks to the Pioneers of this thread!

muttley101 · 12/17/2014, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2mini

Nice.
Which connectors did you use to connect the two types of tubing?

Check out post #3.. That's where I bought my fittings for my setup...

muttley101 · 12/17/2014, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watsonj

my setup running for 6 weeks really rocks , thanks for the tips on this thread could not have done it without you guys.

Untitled by watsonj0, on Flickr

Watson, what are those connectors between the AP doser and the 2 stage?

zachts · 12/17/2014, 11:31 PM

Looks like a quick disconnect fitting to me, not a bad Idea if that's the case.

muttley101 · 12/18/2014, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zachts

Looks like a quick disconnect fitting to me, not a bad Idea if that's the case.

Hey thanks... It does look like a quick disconnect... Hmm..

dburt520 · 12/20/2014, 10:10 AM

I am finally joining the club! Picked up a 7523-90, however the head is an easy load 77200-52 (requires the proprietary tubing... LS 15, LS 24, LS35 and LS36. I came across a site that broke down the tubing sizes (ID, OD and of course wall thickness), and managed to find some of the "pharmed knock off" of the LS24 tubing. Going to give it a try... it was 20$ for 10FT vs 80$ through Cole-Parmer.

Pump should be here today, and I am looking forward to not adjusting the effluent drip valve anymore!

tkeracer619 · 12/22/2014, 06:25 PM

Great! Let us know how it works out and post some pics.

I have found references to the performance tubing wall thickness. Some pointed to 1/8" wall thickness but I do not believe it is correct, I don't believe it is a standard size. Look for any signs the tubing is fatiguing after a couple days. The tube will wear rapidly if the thickness is not correct. There are several listings for masterflex tube on ebay for ~$50. Don't buy it if it is expired!

Adamc1303 · 12/22/2014, 07:10 PM

Is the tubing just used where the head is and then converted to ro tubing? So just a small amount gets worn out everyour time?

tkeracer619 · 12/22/2014, 07:30 PM

Yup, you use 6~8 inches at a time. The rest of the tubing is the push to fit style 1/4" poly for normal runs and 3/8 poly for long runs.

You want stiff tubing for the main run, not soft. All effluent tubes need to be secured to keep them from moving around.

dburt520 · 12/22/2014, 11:09 PM

Well... it was an awesome pump, but I still got clogs and this was my last resort. Going to 2 part, everything is for sale now.

I ran 6.5 ph, 30ml/min, ARM extra coarse media and had my awuariumplants.com regulator set to always run, was tuned so the controller didn't do the work. It would clog with air in the effluent/output line.

watsonj · 12/23/2014, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dburt520

Well... it was an awesome pump, but I still got clogs and this was my last resort. Going to 2 part, everything is for sale now.

I ran 6.5 ph, 30ml/min, ARM extra coarse media and had my awuariumplants.com regulator set to always run, was tuned so the controller didn't do the work. It would clog with air in the effluent/output line.

Did you have a pressure feed into the reactor? I have found that if I don't have the input line under pressure I will have air issues. Several other refers in our club had the same issues as soon as they put a small powerhead on the feed all gas issues went away

watsonj · 12/23/2014, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muttley101

Watson, what are those connectors between the AP doser and the 2 stage?

here is what you need to buy.

(QTY3)http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=36204

(QTY3)http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=42009

(QTY4)http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=34082

(QTY10)http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=25534

tkeracer619 · 12/23/2014, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dburt520

Well... it was an awesome pump, but I still got clogs and this was my last resort. Going to 2 part, everything is for sale now.

I ran 6.5 ph, 30ml/min, ARM extra coarse media and had my awuariumplants.com regulator set to always run, was tuned so the controller didn't do the work. It would clog with air in the effluent/output line.

If you are getting air in the chamber that is an entire different issue and one that can be resolved. Don't give up. Where is the effluent leaving the reactor? Is it from the lid?

dburt520 · 12/23/2014, 10:25 AM

Yes, it is leaving from the lid.

A few locals suggested I was putting to much c02 in the tank, but i had the pressure gauge set to 4, with a bubble every 8 seconds and it held the ph rock steady at 6.5.

I tried changing the larger bubble less frequently (10 seconds), smaller bubbles more often, using the apex/ph probe to Co tool the ph inside the reactor and all ended in the same result.

tkeracer619 · 12/23/2014, 11:47 AM

Please post detailed pictures. Change the masterflex so it pushes through the reactor.

You are way too close to having a stable reactor to not give it a fair shot.

skidrow52 · 12/23/2014, 11:48 AM

Please post the picture of your reactor which shows how the tubes are connected

Quote:

Originally Posted by dburt520

Yes, it is leaving from the lid.

A few locals suggested I was putting to much c02 in the tank, but i had the pressure gauge set to 4, with a bubble every 8 seconds and it held the ph rock steady at 6.5.

I tried changing the larger bubble less frequently (10 seconds), smaller bubbles more often, using the apex/ph probe to Co tool the ph inside the reactor and all ended in the same result.

Dapg8gt · 12/23/2014, 12:06 PM

How loud are the digital brushless units? Is there any noise at the lower speed we use them @? Asking because I would need to put it behind my tank that's basically in a corner so it will make anything sorta echo that's running..

Can you guys hear them running?

dburt520 · 12/23/2014, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skidrow52

Please post the picture of your reactor which shows how the tubes are connected

I did have it set to push, and also tried to pull. Pushing was better...

The only pic I have is of it sitting on my counter as I took it offline.

tkeracer619 · 12/23/2014, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dapg8gt

m running?

No, you can't hear the digitals.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dburt520

I did have it set to push, and also tried to pull. Pushing was better...

The only pic I have is of it sitting on my counter as I took it offline.

Glad you gave it a shot, too bad you didn't give it time to figure it out. If you decide to hook it back up let us know. If you don't you may want to describe the problem you had in your fs post. A reactor trapping gas isn't "fiddling". Could be anything from a bad fitting to the wrong media (arm extra course is likely the wrong media).

Out of curiosity can you post a picture of the bottom of the lid? It is hard to tell with the photos I found with the BM reactor but with all those tubes running all over the place in one of the images I think I already spot the problem.

12/16/2014, 04:58 PM	#505
watsonj 10 & Over Club Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Minneapolis,mn Posts: 339	my setup running for 6 weeks really rocks , thanks for the tips on this thread could not have done it without you guys. Untitled by watsonj0, on Flickr Untitled by watsonj0, on Flickr

12/17/2014, 08:52 PM	#507
muttley101 Never go full retard! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sacramento Posts: 524	Harris regulator, AP Doser, and MF Digital... Time to start flexing soon.... The regulator and digital Masterflex was a steal on Ebay.... Special thanks to the Pioneers of this thread! Last edited by muttley101; 12/17/2014 at 08:57 PM.

12/22/2014, 06:25 PM	#513
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Great! Let us know how it works out and post some pics. I have found references to the performance tubing wall thickness. Some pointed to 1/8" wall thickness but I do not believe it is correct, I don't believe it is a standard size. Look for any signs the tubing is fatiguing after a couple days. The tube will wear rapidly if the thickness is not correct. There are several listings for masterflex tube on ebay for ~$50. Don't buy it if it is expired! __________________ 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.

12/22/2014, 07:10 PM	#514
Adamc1303 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 964	Is the tubing just used where the head is and then converted to ro tubing? So just a small amount gets worn out everyour time? __________________ Metal Halide Connoisseur!

12/22/2014, 07:30 PM	#515
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Yup, you use 6~8 inches at a time. The rest of the tubing is the push to fit style 1/4" poly for normal runs and 3/8 poly for long runs. You want stiff tubing for the main run, not soft. All effluent tubes need to be secured to keep them from moving around. __________________ 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.

12/16/2014, 04:41 PM	#504
keneil01 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 8	I love this topic!! I have been searching for a long time for a "cheep" unit, and I finally got one! The price was extremely low for a nearly new unit - 323 USD + shipping to Norway and Tax. Hopefully it will run trouble free for many years. A quick picture after setup.

12/17/2014, 11:31 PM	#510
zachts Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO. Posts: 3,259	Looks like a quick disconnect fitting to me, not a bad Idea if that's the case.

12/20/2014, 10:10 AM	#512
dburt520 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 370	I am finally joining the club! Picked up a 7523-90, however the head is an easy load 77200-52 (requires the proprietary tubing... LS 15, LS 24, LS35 and LS36. I came across a site that broke down the tubing sizes (ID, OD and of course wall thickness), and managed to find some of the "pharmed knock off" of the LS24 tubing. Going to give it a try... it was 20$ for 10FT vs 80$ through Cole-Parmer. Pump should be here today, and I am looking forward to not adjusting the effluent drip valve anymore!

12/22/2014, 11:09 PM	#516
dburt520 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 370	Well... it was an awesome pump, but I still got clogs and this was my last resort. Going to 2 part, everything is for sale now. I ran 6.5 ph, 30ml/min, ARM extra coarse media and had my awuariumplants.com regulator set to always run, was tuned so the controller didn't do the work. It would clog with air in the effluent/output line.

12/23/2014, 10:25 AM	#520
dburt520 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 370	Yes, it is leaving from the lid. A few locals suggested I was putting to much c02 in the tank, but i had the pressure gauge set to 4, with a bubble every 8 seconds and it held the ph rock steady at 6.5. I tried changing the larger bubble less frequently (10 seconds), smaller bubbles more often, using the apex/ph probe to Co tool the ph inside the reactor and all ended in the same result. Last edited by dburt520; 12/23/2014 at 10:32 AM.

12/23/2014, 11:47 AM	#521
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Please post detailed pictures. Change the masterflex so it pushes through the reactor. You are way too close to having a stable reactor to not give it a fair shot. __________________ 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.

12/23/2014, 12:06 PM	#523
Dapg8gt Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Pacifica Posts: 3,741	How loud are the digital brushless units? Is there any noise at the lower speed we use them @? Asking because I would need to put it behind my tank that's basically in a corner so it will make anything sorta echo that's running.. Can you guys hear them running? __________________ 15 years in the hobby yet still learning every day. 280g radium lit sps flat living in my garage rent free. Current Tank Info: 105g SPS dominant euro braced powered by 4 ecotech pumps and lit by an ATI powermodule controlled by a reef angel =).