CalcFeeder Basic/Pro - latest generation calcium reactor

[robbous]

Originally Posted by Ted_C

Well, after a long weekend of trying to re-stage my desktop and server and trying to get the AC4 up and running, I think I finally have it set up the way it needs to be running.

It's important when first setting this up to close the valve for the re-circulation pump partially. What seems to happen is the mixing chamber will need around 24 hours to stabilize it's level. The water dropped down for me to 4 inches above the inlet for the pump. It could be the controller / gas pressure / bubble count pushed the water out or a matter of reaching an equilibrium from water to correct amount of CO2.

After my level adjusted to the desired height (right at the optical sensor) I opened the valve to 100%





and a short video of it up and running:

I have the AC 4 unit and my mixing chamber does not have a plate above the bio balls

[Johnseye]

Originally Posted by robbous

I have the AC 4 unit and my mixing chamber does not have a plate above the bio balls

That's not good. I'm guessing the bio balls float up and media could fall down into the gas chamber.

[Przemek_PacSun]

Rob have one of the first CalcFeeders which use very strong pump(same like me).
We started using plates on smaller reactors which use small power pumps and simply straight flow doesn't make proper turbulences.
Now we are using them on each reactors however in AC3/AC4 their function is limited(on AC3 and AC4 there are main valves on pump which allow two increase/decrease pump flow.
So you don't have to worry about that..

[dz6t]

Now I am confused, exactly how is this design superior than the traditional pH probe plus bubble counter with a master flex pump to drive it?


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[mrtint]

Originally Posted by dz6t

Now I am confused, exactly how is this design superior than the traditional pH probe plus bubble counter with a master flex pump to drive it?


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No PH probe needed or need to dial in a bubble counter. Solenoid opens when reactor needs C02. When all is well


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[dz6t]

Does it work better than traditional calcium reactor? I saw from several posts before tgat the pH inside the reactor is variable? Is the pH controlled inside the reactor?


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[HippieSmell]

Originally Posted by dz6t

Does it work better than traditional calcium reactor? I saw from several posts before tgat the pH inside the reactor is variable? Is the pH controlled inside the reactor?


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Not really. It's always saturated with CO2. Adjusting the flow rate using the circulation pump valve has some effect on pH, but not much, ime.

[dz6t]

How do you know the amount you need to add in to the tank?


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[HippieSmell]

Originally Posted by dz6t

How do you know the amount you need to add in to the tank?


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Trial and error. Test every day and make adjustments. Once dialed in, it's pretty stable.

[lionfish300]

Originally Posted by dz6t

How do you know the amount you need to add in to the tank? No one know you have to find that out for yourself sad but true just like a lot of other things with this reactor


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[dz6t]

Originally Posted by HippieSmell

Trial and error. Test every day and make adjustments. Once dialed in, it's pretty stable.

So it still need to dial it in, and you lost the control of pH? What is the point?


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[HippieSmell]

Originally Posted by dz6t

So it still need to dial it in, and you lost the control of pH? What for?


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Are you talking about dialing in the tank alk, or reactor pH? I was talking about dialing in the tank alk. The reactor pH is almost always guaranteed to be where it needs to be. You have minimal control over reactor pH because it isn't necessary.

[dz6t]

Dial in the tank Alk.
You can do without a pH probe on traditional reactor, just a bubble counter to watch the CO2 gets in the reactor is normally fine.
I am trying to figure out the advantages of using this PacSun reactor vs the traditional ones that warrant spending so much more.

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[dz6t]

By the way, today I found out salty supply is putting these type of PacSun reactors on clearance, there is a 25% off coupon to use on top of the clearance price.
They also sell the controller and degasser separately as well.

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[HippieSmell]

Originally Posted by dz6t

By the way, today I found out salty supply is putting these type of PacSun reactors on clearance, there is a 25% off coupon to use on top of the clearance price.
They also sell the controller and degasser separately as well.

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Yeah, they probably aren't selling. I bet they release a version 2. Then we'll all be stuck with their rushed beta version.

If you can get it for cheap, it's worth it. I just hope mine lasts for a few years. Eventually, I'll probably modify mine once it starts breaking down.

[HippieSmell]

Originally Posted by dz6t

Dial in the tank Alk.
You can do without a pH probe on traditional reactor, just a bubble counter to watch the CO2 gets in the reactor is normally fine.
I am trying to figure out the advantages of using this PacSun reactor vs the traditional ones that warrant spending so much more.

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You don't need a needle valve. Unfortunately, I was originally told that I did need one. So, there goes the one thing I could have saved money on.

[HippieSmell]

I will say that customer service has been good, and they will implement firmware updates on customer feedback.

[dz6t]

Originally Posted by HippieSmell

You don't need a needle valve. Unfortunately, I was originally told that I did need one. So, there goes the one thing I could have saved money on.

Isn't a needle valve comes with a regulator?
A needle valve is dirty cheat anyway.

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[HippieSmell]

Originally Posted by dz6t

Isn't a needle valve comes with a regulator?
A needle valve is dirty cheat anyway.

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No, they don't. And the good ones aren't cheap.

[dz6t]

Most needle valve for calcium reactor applications are around $15 to $30 each. More experience needle valve is not needed.


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[HippieSmell]

Originally Posted by dz6t

Most needle valve for calcium reactor applications are around $15 to $30 each. More experience needle valve is not needed.


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OK, have fun

[mrtint]

Firmware update question

Do you run the firmware updater with the USB/printer cable attached WITH the cal feed plugged into power
OR
Does the USB/printer supply the power when connected to computer?


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[HippieSmell]

Originally Posted by mrtint

Firmware update question

Do you run the firmware updater with the USB/printer cable attached WITH the cal feed plugged into power
OR
Does the USB/printer supply the power when connected to computer?


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Plugged into power. Hit update with cable connected, wait a couple seconds, then unplug and replug the controller power cord. Update will then start.

[Przemek_PacSun]

Originally Posted by HippieSmell

Yeah, they probably aren't selling. I bet they release a version 2. Then we'll all be stuck with their rushed beta version.

If you can get it for cheap, it's worth it. I just hope mine lasts for a few years. Eventually, I'll probably modify mine once it starts breaking down.

We are satisfied from sales all reactors coming from CalcFeeder PRO series and we don't plan to release any version 2 :-)
There isn't anything like beta reactors/construction.
Within last few months we improved controller software cause we learned that depending from used media etc some additional functions (like auto degassing, auto reactor filling etc) can be very useful and help in reactor maintenance.
Only what we want to do is new video manual with step by step tutorial howe to run, adjust and maintenance reactor during his use/service.
That's it.
Thats discount offered by Salty Supply wasn't agreed by us and it's not allowed
(it broke our terms/regulations between PS and USA Distributor)

Regards

Przemek

[Ted_C]

Originally Posted by Przemek_PacSun

We are satisfied from sales all reactors coming from CalcFeeder PRO series and we don't plan to release any version 2 :-)
There isn't anything like beta reactors/construction.
Within last few months we improved controller software cause we learned that depending from used media etc some additional functions (like auto degassing, auto reactor filling etc) can be very useful and help in reactor maintenance.
Only what we want to do is new video manual with step by step tutorial howe to run, adjust and maintenance reactor during his use/service.
That's it.
Thats discount offered by Salty Supply wasn't agreed by us and it's not allowed
(it broke our terms/regulations between PS and USA Distributor)

Regards

Przemek

I would really consider re-designing your acrylic work for version 2.
I am agreeing with some of the previous comments from wishntoboutside and gcarroll previously in this thread.

The acrylic welding / gluing: you really should consider a professional or someone who knows what they are doing. There are many bubbles in your welds. All acrylic welds to clear acrylic or the high density acrylic should be completely clear of bubbles. Bubbles indicate a rush job and an imperfect weld.

The overall design needs to be re-thought. You should have a machined groove in the high density acrylic (the white acrylic bottom and top flange) that is designed so that the clear cell cast acrylic media and mixing chamber should fit into and be welded into. You will have a much stronger bond between the two materials. What I am specifically talking about is the bottom of the reactor and the top flange of the reactor that you screw the lids into (not the lids). This means you will probably need to make your flanges and lids larger to accommodate this critical design point.

Forget the keyholes. For as many mistakes I made in trying to guess how this should be put together - I never once utilized the keyhole design of the screws / lids. I fully removed all screws every time I'm trying to work on the mixing chamber or media chamber. Key holes rarely work with the o-rings either. Every time you move the lid trying to fit it into the keyholes you have the chance to dislodge the o-ring forming an imperfect seal.

Lastly, version 2 should have excellent assembly instructions pictures and videos. Utilize all of the emails Tomasz and you have sent and received on all of the questions we've asked so you can have a better understanding of our confusions.