CalcFeeder Basic/Pro - latest generation calcium reactor

[sebastian903]

hi guys, i´ve experienced almost all the issues you have passed by and now i think im almost done to have my reactor working. Deepwater already replaced my controller unit due to a failure on the first. (great service)

now im having some trouble with the aquabee pump, it is overheating causing it to stop and seems like the flow inside the chambers is not enough to keep the reactor working, last night i dissasembled the pump fittings and everything was clean, however noted that there´s kinda reduction on the pipe diameter (maybe to reduce the flow) does anybody had to resize that reduction to let the water flow properly? is it possible it may be causing the pump work with too much effort and overheat??

hope you guys have a nice day!!

[Johnseye]

Originally Posted by sebastian903

hi guys, i´ve experienced almost all the issues you have passed by and now i think im almost done to have my reactor working. Deepwater already replaced my controller unit due to a failure on the first. (great service)

now im having some trouble with the aquabee pump, it is overheating causing it to stop and seems like the flow inside the chambers is not enough to keep the reactor working, last night i dissasembled the pump fittings and everything was clean, however noted that there´s kinda reduction on the pipe diameter (maybe to reduce the flow) does anybody had to resize that reduction to let the water flow properly? is it possible it may be causing the pump work with too much effort and overheat??

hope you guys have a nice day!!

I had the same problem with my Aquabee. It doesn't get better. Tell PacSun right away and they'll replace your pump.


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[sebastian903]

thanks for your response Johnseye,

i will be contacting PacSun to request the replacement, however do you think the reactor will work with the reductions i mentioned? i dont think it will work because when i unplug the co2 reflow tubing, there is water flow coming from the connection down on the elbow that´s next to the pump inlet, it is supposed to have some "vacuum" but it has positive pressure, the only reason i give to this phenomenon is that the pump is not sucking enough to make vacuum at this point.

thanks!!

[Johnseye]

Originally Posted by sebastian903

thanks for your response Johnseye,

i will be contacting PacSun to request the replacement, however do you think the reactor will work with the reductions i mentioned? i dont think it will work because when i unplug the co2 reflow tubing, there is water flow coming from the connection down on the elbow that´s next to the pump inlet, it is supposed to have some "vacuum" but it has positive pressure, the only reason i give to this phenomenon is that the pump is not sucking enough to make vacuum at this point.

thanks!!

Get rid of the reduction fitting. PacSun will send a replacement. You're experiencing the exact same issues I had.

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[Ted_C]

My Calcfeeder AC4 Pro arrived Tuesday August 15th and I picked it up today.

I'm waiting to hear back from service on how to get the software to update the firmware before I screw this thing to my cabinet.

I understand the input and output need to be kept underwater. I was planning on feeding this from my sump which has the potential to be emptied out when I do a water change. If I cut power to the controller when I expose the ends to air - will I maintain an airless system or can it potentially suck in air even though the peristaltic isn't running?

[sebastian903]

Originally Posted by Ted_C

My Calcfeeder AC4 Pro arrived Tuesday August 15th and I picked it up today.

I'm waiting to hear back from service on how to get the software to update the firmware before I screw this thing to my cabinet.

I understand the input and output need to be kept underwater. I was planning on feeding this from my sump which has the potential to be emptied out when I do a water change. If I cut power to the controller when I expose the ends to air - will I maintain an airless system or can it potentially suck in air even though the peristaltic isn't running?

it may suck air because the tubing may empty by gravity, however i dont think it would be a major issue you just resume the operation and it should push out the air.

please let us know how it works!!

[Johnseye]

Originally Posted by Ted_C

My Calcfeeder AC4 Pro arrived Tuesday August 15th and I picked it up today.

I'm waiting to hear back from service on how to get the software to update the firmware before I screw this thing to my cabinet.

I understand the input and output need to be kept underwater. I was planning on feeding this from my sump which has the potential to be emptied out when I do a water change. If I cut power to the controller when I expose the ends to air - will I maintain an airless system or can it potentially suck in air even though the peristaltic isn't running?

I've let the output side get above waterline in my sump when doing maintenance without issue. My input is at the bottom so unless it empties completely, which it never does, no issue.

[sebastian903]

Hi Johnseye, i have been contacting pacific sun for a recirc pump replacement but they sent me to deep water aquatics, DWA says they dont have pumps for replacement. did you have this issue with them? how did you get your pump replaced.

now i´m feeling so frustrated with this reactor, i'm feeling i bought a problem.

thanks

[Johnseye]

Originally Posted by sebastian903

Hi Johnseye, i have been contacting pacific sun for a recirc pump replacement but they sent me to deep water aquatics, DWA says they dont have pumps for replacement. did you have this issue with them? how did you get your pump replaced.

now i´m feeling so frustrated with this reactor, i'm feeling i bought a problem.

thanks

It would be faster if you can get it through Deepwater but if they don't have it, and your pump isn't working then PacSun should send you one immediately. They sent mine direct within a couple days and I got it in less than a week.

Just let PacSun know Deepwater doesn't have any in stock and you need it immediately.

[lionfish300]

Originally Posted by sebastian903

now i´m feeling so frustrated with this reactor, i'm feeling i bought a problem.

thanks

Sebastian903 you are not the only one for 8 months the longest I have this thing working is 3 days. On the 4th day Ph at 7,68 back to dosing again. Its suppose to be a piece of cake that the reason I bought my

[Johnseye]

Originally Posted by lionfish300

Sebastian903 you are not the only one for 8 months the longest I have this thing working is 3 days. On the 4th day Ph at 7,68 back to dosing again. Its suppose to be a piece of cake that the reason I bought my

Did you replace the restrictor pipe? After I did that to increase my flow everything has been totally consistent.

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[wishntoboutside]

I got to me Przemek at the MACNA show. First of all I have to say he is a very stand up up guy. You have provided great customer service on your product. The logistic thing is a killer for you but in the future I am hoping your distributors can continue to raise the bar for you as they did in helping exchange my unit. Never seeing all of your product line in person I was impressed to say the least. Hopefully this weekend I am going to try to get my unit back online as I had to go back to dosing recently
Thanks again Przemek I will see you in Las Vegas next year .

[Przemek_PacSun]

Hello Richard,
It was also my pleasure meet you personally and thank you for your detailed feedback - I really appreciate it.
It was great time and I think that both of us look at the same direction ;-)
Best regards

Przemek

[Ted_C]

My Experiences so far:

Ouch! tightening all of those screws really does make your fingers raw. a towel around the head of the screw helps alot.

Another edit: The AC4 is Huge - something like 12 inches across for the media chamber - and I had a heck of a time trying to get the o-ring seated in the groove of the media chamber. I found it helpful to use a q-tip to clean out the groove and clean the o-ring under some tap water after you've added your media (I did cut my finger on the sharp edges when trying to clean out the groove). I also completely unscrewed every screw before putting the lid on to ensure I wasn't displacing the o-ring.

I made a mistake when hooking up the inlet and outlets of the controller. I dont know why but I thought it would spin clockwise. It doesn't. it spins counterclockwise so the inlet is on the right and the outlet is on the left. I also didn't look at the pictures provided. I tried to fix my mistake after first start up and broke the fitting that holds the hose (note to self - when removing - be sure to first cut the tubing before trying to remove it). Pac-Sun and Deepwater were very gracious in sending me two new tubings though.

The AquariumPlants Carbon Doser regulator is junk for this application. Not enough pressure to fill the mixing chamber or the bubble counter just doesn't work. Do not purchase this regulator if your using this reactor. I'm currently working with Alane to see if I can get one built (from the "How to build your own regulator" thread).

Upgrading Firmware: went easily enough after working with support. The firmware update tool is located on their support downloads http://pacific-sun.eu/firmware_update/ What's tricky is getting this to work on a PC with the correct UARt drivers. When you plug the controller into your PC - if you do not see a USB serial port for the controller - then you need to install drivers from http://www.usb-drivers.org/ft232r-usb-uart-driver.html
Edit: Oh yea - I forgot - your going to need a USB Type A to USB Tybe B cable for this. I had some laying around so I got Lucky. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NH11KIK

Once I get this up and running, I'll post some pics of this monster!

[sebastian903]

hi Johnseye,

i did the modification (open the piping holes) to let the water flow more rapidly but the pump stills overheating, i tried with another pump from a second unit and it had the same problem. i dont know if theres a problem with both pumps or is a design problem that the pump is just too big for this reactor, mine is an AC2 and it has an aquabee UP2000/1. i´m waiting for the pump replacements to arrive.

[robbous]

Originally Posted by Ted_C

My Experiences so far:

Ouch! tightening all of those screws really does make your fingers raw. a towel around the head of the screw helps alot.

Another edit: The AC4 is Huge - something like 12 inches across for the media chamber - and I had a heck of a time trying to get the o-ring seated in the groove of the media chamber. I found it helpful to use a q-tip to clean out the groove and clean the o-ring under some tap water after you've added your media (I did cut my finger on the sharp edges when trying to clean out the groove). I also completely unscrewed every screw before putting the lid on to ensure I wasn't displacing the o-ring.

I made a mistake when hooking up the inlet and outlets of the controller. I dont know why but I thought it would spin clockwise. It doesn't. it spins counterclockwise so the inlet is on the right and the outlet is on the left. I also didn't look at the pictures provided. I tried to fix my mistake after first start up and broke the fitting that holds the hose (note to self - when removing - be sure to first cut the tubing before trying to remove it). Pac-Sun and Deepwater were very gracious in sending me two new tubings though.

The AquariumPlants Carbon Doser regulator is junk for this application. Not enough pressure to fill the mixing chamber or the bubble counter just doesn't work. Do not purchase this regulator if your using this reactor. I'm currently working with Alane to see if I can get one built (from the "How to build your own regulator" thread).

Upgrading Firmware: went easily enough after working with support. The firmware update tool is located on their support downloads http://pacific-sun.eu/firmware_update/ What's tricky is getting this to work on a PC with the correct UARt drivers. When you plug the controller into your PC - if you do not see a USB serial port for the controller - then you need to install drivers from http://www.usb-drivers.org/ft232r-usb-uart-driver.html
Edit: Oh yea - I forgot - your going to need a USB Type A to USB Tybe B cable for this. I had some laying around so I got Lucky. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NH11KIK

Once I get this up and running, I'll post some pics of this monster!

I have the AC 4 and its been running pretty steady even with using the carbon regulator you mentioned. i have a 500 gallon display SPS dominated, i did lose a few corals trying to dial this reactor in ( alk swings) But i think i finally got in dialed in. and your probably right that is not the best regulator for our size model of reactor.

[robbous]

My Reactor in action ( Watch in HD if possible)
https://youtu.be/tqXTnPhq2vM

[sebastian903]

Originally Posted by robbous

My Reactor in action ( Watch in HD if possible)
https://youtu.be/tqXTnPhq2vM

Hi Robbous,

how is everything going with your reactor?

[robbous]

Every thing is running fine no issues for a few weeks.

[Ted_C]

well, I'm up and running it seems. Just in time for Irma to hit me square on.

[HippieSmell]

Originally Posted by Ted_C

well, I'm up and running it seems. Just in time for Irma to hit me square on.

That stinks. Hope you made it through okay.

[lionfish300]

Originally Posted by Johnseye

Did you replace the restrictor pipe? After I did that to increase my flow everything has been totally consistent.

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Johnseye Tomazs told me to drill out the inside of the pipe to the Aquabee pump to increase flow after I emailed him pics of the fitting. Does this sound right?

[lionfish300]

Originally Posted by robbous

I have the AC 4 and its been running pretty steady even with using the carbon regulator you mentioned. i have a 500 gallon display SPS dominated, i did lose a few corals trying to dial this reactor in ( alk swings) But i think i finally got in dialed in. and your probably right that is not the best regulator for our size model of reactor.

Rob losing sps corals is one thing I really hate happen do to Alk up and down. Yow said that it been running fine for a couple of weeks, what sort of issue you been having?

[Johnseye]

Originally Posted by lionfish300

Johnseye Tomazs told me to drill out the inside of the pipe to the Aquabee pump to increase flow after I emailed him pics of the fitting. Does this sound right?

If you want to drill it out that would be fast. They really should send you a new pipe though.

[robbous]

Originally Posted by lionfish300

Rob losing sps corals is one thing I really hate happen do to Alk up and down. Yow said that it been running fine for a couple of weeks, what sort of issue you been having?

The pH in my reactor going above excepted levels which prevents the media from dissolving which in turn would cause my alkalinity to fluctuate all the way down to seven.