Official: Masterflex Calcium Reactor Setup Thread

[machodik]

Dear all,

I have learned a lot of thing about my calcium reactor and thru the recommendation of nice people around , I am able to selected and buy my GEO 618 , Aquarium plant carbon doser regulator of which I am so happy and satisfied about their performance and I should say I owe all of your guys for this nice buy I made.

Unfortunately , recently I am experiencing as every out there of the clogging in my effluent that I need to adjust every now and then that causing some variations in the water parameter .

I come to understand the need of spending more money on the brushless DC peristaltic pumps , it is indeed a big investment to me that I feel the need .

In this regard , in my country Taiwan, I have seen a distributor of cole Palmer Masterflex pumps but I am really get lost in choosing the right pumps or should I say the right model for our needs , also I am confuse on different sizes and materials of the tubing etc.

Can you guys give me some support and enlightened me which model I have to select , I am herewith showing their various model as presented In their webpage ;









As you can see they have model; C/L, L/S, I/P, B/T.

Furthermore , I also hear about another brand or supplier by the name of APT instrument, that also has some reefer is also recommend me as well.

I am not sure when we selecting any peristaltic pumps should we focus on their flow rate, RPM , tubing materials , easy load or not and I also concern on the noise it created as I don't have fish room like most of the people her , so noise is also my concern too.

Hope you will give me some good guideline as this is not a small investment indeed.



Cheers ,


MD

[tkeracer619]

We tend to use the LS Variable speed drives and use precision tubing.

Pharmed BPT tubing is one of the best tubing choices and most of us use LS17 size tubing.

The Easy load heads are great. You might want to call and talk to your distributor about specifics if you are buying new.

Contact your sales rep and talk to them about your needs. You need continuous duty. any of the speed ranges are fine, I prefer the 6-600rpm drives.

[machodik]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

We tend to use the LS Variable speed drives and use precision tubing.

Pharmed BPT tubing is one of the best tubing choices and most of us use LS17 size tubing.

The Easy load heads are great. You might want to call and talk to your distributor about specifics if you are buying new.

Contact your sales rep and talk to them about your needs. You need continuous duty. any of the speed ranges are fine, I prefer the 6-600rpm drives.

Thanks for your prompt response . For confirmation is this the model you are referring too ;





Although it is in mandarin language but I have seen their maximum rpm is 100 rpm???

How about the flow rate(ml/mins)? Minimum to maximum?

The tubing LS 17 needs any adaptor to fit the R/O tube size normally our calcium reactor is using ? GEO 618 use this size of tubes.

For the non stop continuous running any specific specs we have to ask suppliers say 20,000 hrs. non stop running time or more ?

[machodik]

Perhaps specific model number will guide my communication with the local dealer here. Any specific model number will help .

Furthermore , I wonder if they sell the pumps from the head separately or you can request specific heads for any specific console (pumps)?

[machodik]

By the way , if price is in accordance to my budget I prefer buying new and I wonder any prices range idea that you have in the US?

[slief]

Originally Posted by machodik

Perhaps specific model number will guide my communication with the local dealer here. Any specific model number will help .

Furthermore , I wonder if they sell the pumps from the head separately or you can request specific heads for any specific console (pumps)?

If I had a choice, I would get this pump. It's a 0-600 RPM pump that is digital and brushless.
Model 07522-20
http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/Ma...AC/EW-07522-20

I'd either get this Easy Load 7516-10 head or one of the newer Easy Load III's. You will probably want to use LS17 tubing as it will keep the RPM's down even more.
http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/Ma...or/EW-07516-10

[machodik]

Originally Posted by slief

If I had a choice, I would get this pump. It's a 0-600 RPM pump that is digital and brushless.
Model 07522-20
http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/Ma...AC/EW-07522-20

I'd either get this Easy Load 7516-10 head or one of the newer Easy Load III's. You will probably want to use LS17 tubing as it will keep the RPM's down even more.
http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/Ma...or/EW-07516-10

Thanks for your recommendation .

Any other alternative in case money is also an option for selection?

Cheers ,

MD

[Greg 45]

slief what is the dkh of the output of the reactor
thank you

[machodik]

Originally Posted by slief

If I had a choice, I would get this pump. It's a 0-600 RPM pump that is digital and brushless.
Model 07522-20
http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/Ma...AC/EW-07522-20

I'd either get this Easy Load 7516-10 head or one of the newer Easy Load III's. You will probably want to use LS17 tubing as it will keep the RPM's down even more.
http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/Ma...or/EW-07516-10

Further to my earlier reply, as I am newbie on this kind of pumps with very slim knowledge about this peristaltic pumps , I wonder thru your experience to what maximum flow rate (ml/min) you are setting for your effluent ?

You mentioned this model give 0 to 600 rpm , I wonder how this relates to the function in general or much lower rpm say around 100 rpm will seriously affecting the accuracy ? Sorry if this questions seems to be to basic as I really don't have much idea about this pump.

Thanks in advance for your further enlightened !

Cheers,


MD

[slief]

Originally Posted by Greg 45

slief what is the dkh of the output of the reactor
thank you

Good question. I haven't bothered to check in a week or two. I can test that later today.

[slief]

Originally Posted by machodik

Further to my earlier reply, as I am newbie on this kind of pumps with very slim knowledge about this peristaltic pumps , I wonder thru your experience to what maximum flow rate (ml/min) you are setting for your effluent ?

You mentioned this model give 0 to 600 rpm , I wonder how this relates to the function in general or much lower rpm say around 100 rpm will seriously affecting the accuracy ? Sorry if this questions seems to be to basic as I really don't have much idea about this pump.

Thanks in advance for your further enlightened !

Cheers,


MD

The 100 rpm motors and the higher rpm motors are essentially the same motors. The difference is the addition of the gear box. That said, the motor should be working less because the gears create the higher rpm. a 600 rpm pump uses 1 motor revolution to generate 6 pump head rpm's. At 300 RPM pump would use 2 motor revolutions to generate pump head rpm. Lets say you want to run at 50nl/min and you are using LS17 tubing. That is about 17.7 RPM on the pump head. With a 0-100 rpm motor, that is 17 rpm on the motor itself. With a 6-600 rpm motor, that is just shy of 3 rpm on the motor which would equate to just under 18 rpm at the head because of the gears. Thus, the higher the fpm, the lower the revolutions and in theory wear on the motor.


Most of us will end up between 25 and 50ml/min effluent. As such, having a geared motor whether it is a 200, 300 motor or 600 rpm motor would in theory require less rpm on the motor itself that the 100 rpm motor because of the additional gears.

Fortunately the cost difference between 100 and 600 rpm pumps is negligible when buying new. So you need to ask yourself. Do you want a brushless motor or a brushed motor because that is where the real cost differences come into play. At the end of the day, brushed motors are very reliable and work probably just as well as brushless. The difference is that the bushless are quieter and you need to replace the brushes ever once in a long while with a brushed motor. Fortunately, changing brushes is very cheap and only takes a couple minutes. As such, you will need to make your decision based on the above criteria.

[oshanickreef]

Im about to set up my calcium reactor. i have the AP regulator and a GEO 618 and a masterflex along with tubing and i ordered all of the adapters that i need. wish me luck!!

[tkeracer619]

Good luck!

[machodik]

Originally Posted by slief

The 100 rpm motors and the higher rpm motors are essentially the same motors. The difference is the addition of the gear box. That said, the motor should be working less because the gears create the higher rpm. a 600 rpm pump uses 1 motor revolution to generate 6 pump head rpm's. At 300 RPM pump would use 2 motor revolutions to generate pump head rpm. Lets say you want to run at 50nl/min and you are using LS17 tubing. That is about 17.7 RPM on the pump head. With a 0-100 rpm motor, that is 17 rpm on the motor itself. With a 6-600 rpm motor, that is just shy of 3 rpm on the motor which would equate to just under 18 rpm at the head because of the gears. Thus, the higher the fpm, the lower the revolutions and in theory wear on the motor.





Most of us will end up between 25 and 50ml/min effluent. As such, having a geared motor whether it is a 200, 300 motor or 600 rpm motor would in theory require less rpm on the motor itself that the 100 rpm motor because of the additional gears.



Fortunately the cost difference between 100 and 600 rpm pumps is negligible when buying new. So you need to ask yourself. Do you want a brushless motor or a brushed motor because that is where the real cost differences come into play. At the end of the day, brushed motors are very reliable and work probably just as well as brushless. The difference is that the bushless are quieter and you need to replace the brushes ever once in a long while with a brushed motor. Fortunately, changing brushes is very cheap and only takes a couple minutes. As such, you will need to make your decision based on the above criteria.

Hi Slief,

I always learning something from you . Thanks a lot for your brief details.

How about the flow rate ? I wonder if choosing a peristaltic pump is this also a criteria for selecting the right pump for us ? As you mentioned generally speaking, we end up 25 ml/ min to 50 ml / min. So in the model of Masterflex it said flow rate 0.001 to 3400 ml / min and I believed this can not be done by a 100 rpm motor ?

I ask this question as I am also considering this option but his specs as ff;



Can you further give advises and in case any comment on this pumps?

Cheers,


MD

[machodik]

Originally Posted by oshanickreef

Im about to set up my calcium reactor. i have the AP regulator and a GEO 618 and a masterflex along with tubing and i ordered all of the adapters that i need. wish me luck!!

Good luck!

May I know what model you ordered of your Masterflex pumps?

Cheers,

MD

[slief]

Originally Posted by machodik

Hi Slief,

I always learning something from you . Thanks a lot for your brief details.

How about the flow rate ? I wonder if choosing a peristaltic pump is this also a criteria for selecting the right pump for us ? As you mentioned generally speaking, we end up 25 ml/ min to 50 ml / min. So in the model of Masterflex it said flow rate 0.001 to 3400 ml / min and I believed this can not be done by a 100 rpm motor ?

I ask this question as I am also considering this option but his specs as ff;



Can you further give advises and in case any comment on this pumps?

Cheers,


MD

From looking at the specs, you would need to build or use some sort of 0-5v controller to control the speed/rpm of the pump. Perosnally, I would stick with the Masterflex as they are proven to work very well and the Masterflex pumps are designed for the medical industry and as such are built to last. Do it right the first time so you don't end up wasting your money experimenting.

As for whether a 100 rpm pump would work. Sure as long as it's variable. You only need 17.8 rpm (with LS17 tubing) to get 50ml/min which falls well under the 100 rpm max of a Cole Parmer 0-100 rpm pump.

[machodik]

Originally Posted by slief

From looking at the specs, you would need to build or use some sort of 0-5v controller to control the speed/rpm of the pump. Perosnally, I would stick with the Masterflex as they are proven to work very well and the Masterflex pumps are designed for the medical industry and as such are built to last. Do it right the first time so you don't end up wasting your money experimenting.

As for whether a 100 rpm pump would work. Sure as long as it's variable. You only need 17.8 rpm (with LS17 tubing) to get 50ml/min which falls well under the 100 rpm max of a Cole Parmer 0-100 rpm pump.

Thanks for prompt reply ,

One more thing I forgot to ask , is the flow rate 0.001 to 3400 ml/min relevant in our selecting of Masterflex models? Because the L/S models specs said it is that flow rate while as you mentioned normally flow rate we require will be between 25ml/min to 50 ml/min range . And how is the flow rate will be affecting with various sizes and tube materials : nonprene , silicone , vitorn or pharmed ....etc.?

For Masterflex pumps which model is the basic or low end model that you can suggest perhaps can ease a little bit of my "wallet pain"? Anyway , I wish to compare between the economical model vs the well suggested model that requires higher more $$$. But of coarse I am looking at one time investment rather than changing new model due to not able to work well later on.

So may be some comparison details will help easier to decide which model I should buy at the end .

Cheers,


MD

[slief]

Originally Posted by machodik

Thanks for prompt reply ,

One more thing I forgot to ask , is the flow rate 0.001 to 3400 ml/min relevant in our selecting of Masterflex models? Because the L/S models specs said it is that flow rate while as you mentioned normally flow rate we require will be between 25ml/min to 50 ml/min range .

For Masterflex pumps which model is the basic or low end model that you can suggest perhaps can ease a little bit of my "wallet pain"? Anyway , I wish to compare between the economical model vs the well suggested model that requires higher more $$$. But of coarse I am looking at one time investment rather than changing new model due to not able to work well later on.

So may be some comparison details will help easier to decide which model I should buy at the end .

Cheers,


MD

Just look for the cheapest L/S one in your Masterflex list above. Any of those pumps would work. Some obviously are better like the model I mentioned but any of those newer Masterflex pumps are good choices. If you can get one that is up to 600 rpm, that would be best whether you choose brushed or brushless because the motor itself will be running at a lower rpm because of the gearing but again, even a 0-100 rpm pump will work. It's just that the motor will be spinning faster and as a result will have more wear and tear.

[machodik]

Thanks and how about the noise factor? I presumed no gear with spinning faster may create louder sounds than those spinning slower. I don't have fish room and my tank and sump is located at my living room .

[slief]

Originally Posted by machodik

Thanks and how about the noise factor? I presumed no gear with spinning faster may create louder sounds than those spinning slower. I don't have fish room and my tank and sump is located at my living room .

Yes, the slower the motor turns, the quieter it will be. That said, if noise is really a concern, I would spend the extra money on the brushless unit as that will be the quietest solution regardless of the RPM.

[machodik]

Thanks and let me Check prices with local distributor . Much wonder if you have some price idea over there of this kind of pump ? May be as my price guidance here (if ok with you guys to share ) thanks

[slief]

The new ones like you are consider range from $1100 US for the brushed versions to $1900 US for the brushless ones. There are others that are more expensive.
http://www.coleparmer.com/Category/M...ing_Pumps/4440

[machodik]

Thanks Slief for the feed back .
By looking at the webpage ; what is your idea about this one;

EW-07554-90
Masterflex L/S economy variable speed drive , 20 to 600 rpm , 115 VAC
I think I need to buy pump head separately with this model?

And how is your assessment between following model ;

Ew-07522-20
Masterflex L/S digital drive , 600 RPM , 115/230 VAC

EW - 07528-10
Masterflex L/S variable -speed drive w/remote I/O; 600 rpm

[slief]

Originally Posted by machodik

Thanks Slief for the feed back .
By looking at the webpage ; what is your idea about this one;

EW-07554-90
Masterflex L/S economy variable speed drive , 20 to 600 rpm , 115 VAC
I think I need to buy pump head separately with this model?

And how is your assessment between following model ;

Ew-07522-20
Masterflex L/S digital drive , 600 RPM , 115/230 VAC

EW - 07528-10
Masterflex L/S variable -speed drive w/remote I/O; 600 rpm

Like I told you yesterday. The 7522-20 would be my first choice. It's 600 rpm and brushless.

The 7528-10 isn't brushless but it will work fine. It will make more noise and need the brushes replaced every now and then. This would be my 2nd choice but I'd still much prefer the 7522-20 because it's brushless and in a room like yours, the noise could be an issue with the other pumps.

The 7554-90 is much lower quality as far as control. It has a lower power motor so it may not last as long. You don't have the benefit of knowing the exact rpm/ml/min. You turn a know and that's it. It makes adjusting more difficult since you don't know exactly where you are at and are left guessing. Granted you ultimately go based on reactor pH but it's still nice to know exactly where you are at as far as flow. It's also not brushless so it will be noisier too. I'd pass on that if the others are on the table.

[machodik]

Great ! Your assistance in my selection and evaluation definitely a plus plus to me . If I go high end , definitely 7522-20 will be my first choice too .

For my budget I am thinking of not over usd 1,500 (all in) , which I already added usd 500 to my initial budget target in buying this pump .