Official: Masterflex Calcium Reactor Setup Thread

[awais98]

Originally Posted by hkgar

I understand it is not very doable as the pump flow is sensitive to head pressure. To do it one of the heads needs to have a pressure adjustment.



I use the Apex DOS pumps for my AWC and never a problem.

I am under the impression that it is perfectly doable because with the same size of tubing it delivers exact amount of liquid, every time.
The pump flow does not have any significant head pressure against it. Even if there is head pressure, those pump are rated for certain pressures.
Correct me if I am wrong.


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[hkgar]

It may not be an issue of head pressure, but different heads can exert different pressure on the tubing causing some difference in flow.

Check out the posts regarding using a head with the ability to adjust the pressuer on the tube (occlusion). There are a few around this post:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...n#post23434289

[vhuang168]

Both heads in my dual setup have adjustable occlusion


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[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by vhuang168

Both heads in my dual setup have adjustable occlusion


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This is what you need to do it correctly. At least one adjustable occlusion head.

If setting up with an auto changer I would definitely have a salinity probe as well and shut down the auto changer if the probe goes out of range.

[Navymedic]

I am new to this subject but buying a Skimz CM 122 Calcium reactor, and hope to start the reactor soon. So far I need a CO2 bottle, regulator, and PH regulator. A lot to read but hopefully will keep my questions down. Anyone have experience with the Skimz CM 122 calcium reactor?

[tkeracer619]

Welcome. No experience with that reactor but I am sure the group of folks in this thread can help. They're the best!

[awais98]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

This is what you need to do it correctly. At least one adjustable occlusion head.



If setting up with an auto changer I would definitely have a salinity probe as well and shut down the auto changer if the probe goes out of range.

I still did not get how exactly does the adjustable occlusion head help.
Can you please explain ?



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[tkeracer619]

You can adjust the pinch. Basically it allows you to balance the heads to be the same. You don't want to pinch the tube too tight. Standard heads aren't always exactly the same.

For long runs use 3/8" or 1/2" poly to reduce head pressure.

[vhuang168]

http://www.coleparmer.com/TechLibraryArticle/412


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[awais98]

Originally Posted by vhuang168

http://www.coleparmer.com/TechLibraryArticle/412


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makes sense but.....
Ours are simply salt water.... and usually the runs are not long......


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[awais98]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

You can adjust the pinch. Basically it allows you to balance the heads to be the same. You don't want to pinch the tube too tight. Standard heads aren't always exactly the same.

For long runs use 3/8" or 1/2" poly to reduce head pressure.

Sorry for asking too many questions:

For simply salt water... it's not even Viscous. The runs are usually not long.... 5-10-15 feet.... does your experience say that there will be significant difference on 2 pumps heads?
If so then why not simply get dual head reef filler diaphragm pumps like Randy's for the continuous AWC?


Also if I have an adjustable compression head , how would I know that heads will be balanced.... or how much to pinch? is there a specific number? Turns etc? Or is it trial and error?

For the AWC: I'm thinking about the out from the DT sump will go to a frag tank via one head and from there it will overflow out to a plumbed drain line....
And the other head will bring fresh salt water to the DT sump....
I like the idea of a salinity probe




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[tkeracer619]

A reeffiller is also a good way to go.

Almost all pumps even peristaltic pumps are effected by head pressure. The reeffiller also has an adjustment on it.

In my experience no two heads (in any setup) are exactly the same. Most of the time it's fine but to minimize the effect it is best to use larger poly lines to connect everything. 1/4" poly line is pretty restrictive.

When I did my awc with the cp pump I didn't have adjustable occlusion and instead of getting one I just added or subtracted the length of the tubing on each side to balance it. Not ideal but it worked.

[awais98]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

A reeffiller is also a good way to go.

Almost all pumps even peristaltic pumps are effected by head pressure. The reeffiller also has an adjustment on it.

In my experience no two heads (in any setup) are exactly the same. Most of the time it's fine but to minimize the effect it is best to use larger poly lines to connect everything. 1/4" poly line is pretty restrictive.

When I did my awc with the cp pump I didn't have adjustable occlusion and instead of getting one I just added or subtracted the length of the tubing on each side to balance it. Not ideal but it worked.

Thank you for your reply.

I like the idea of equal length of tubing until I get an adjustable occlusion head.
My cont AWC will be about 5 ml per min( 60 gallons a month) or max 8 ml per min
You think I'd still need bigger tubing ( mine will be l/s17& 1/4" poly)?



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[Navymedic]

Whats a good pump for a newby like myself to look into?


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[vhuang168]

Originally Posted by Navymedic

Whats a good pump for a newby like myself to look into?


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Depending on how many bid on this. Could be worthwhile. Got mine from the same seller for $500. These usually go for $800-$1000. There is another 1 for $1000.

Look at this on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/152274409189

Cole-Parmer Masterflex L/S 7523-80


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[ostrow]

Seeking help:

I have a 7524-40 going. Not sure of the pump head but it's an easy load and ls17 tubing.

This morning no water was going through the reactor. I replaced the tubing.

but then on turning the pump on, a balloon forms in the tubing. Neared explosion. I'm doing 70ml/min. I see no clogs anywhere, water flows through the output side of the pump when I remove the tube from the connector.

What could cause this?

[vhuang168]

When you disconnect the output of the pump to the input of the reactor, does the water exit the pump?


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[ostrow]

Yup. And the tubing to the reactor is clear too

[Vinny Kreyling]

A balloon suggest a blocked passage down the line somewhere.
I would snake the tubing with a wire the rest of the way.

[vhuang168]

Originally Posted by ostrow

Yup. And the tubing to the reactor is clear too

Then you have a blockage somewhere in the reactor.

What kind of reactor is it?


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[ostrow]

Hm. Geo 817.

Didn't look it to me but will check the effluent line. That adapter may be a spot. Hard to get that piece off to clean....

[vhuang168]

Geo reactors sometimes have issues with excess CO2 pressure causing problems with effluent flow.


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[slief]

Originally Posted by vhuang168

Geo reactors sometimes have issues with excess CO2 pressure causing problems with effluent flow.


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I've never had that sort of an issue with my Geo. Excess Co2 won't result in positive pressure in the reactor as long as the effluent lines aren't clogged. I suspect there has to be a clog in the lines either between the pump and reactor or between the reactor and sump. Whether one of the lines has a clog or the fittings, there has to be a clog someplace in line.

[ostrow]

When I read through this thread that was supposed to be one of the advantages of these pumps!!!

So, is this not the case, and if not, what then is the solution?!?

[slief]

Originally Posted by ostrow

When I read through this thread that was supposed to be one of the advantages of these pumps!!!

So, is this not the case, and if not, what then is the solution?!?

There has to be a clog someplace whether in a line or in a fitting. I've run this same setup for about 2 years now and never had an issue that you are describing and I too use a Geo. The tubing is swelling because you are building up pressure and that has to be the result of a restriction someplace after the pump.