Official: Masterflex Calcium Reactor Setup Thread

[tkeracer619]

Call cole parmer and ask them about the lifespan of that tube. I know it's high quality stuff but lost my chart that specified operating hours for each tubing set. Call them up, they'll help you out!

[MrineLfRlz]

I got my pump in today!
I was kind of worried about the lower rpm 1.6-100 and was worried it wouldn't put out enough flow boy am I wrong this will work just fine!
Just need my easy load head

[BillFW]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Call cole parmer and ask them about the lifespan of that tube. I know it's high quality stuff but lost my chart that specified operating hours for each tubing set. Call them up, they'll help you out!

Here's some info:

https://www.masterflex.com/tech-arti...technical-data

[africangrey]

with 7523-60 using LS24, the lowest setting I could set was 30mL/min, way too much for the current demand. Thinking about getting a tubing with 1/8" ID to slowdown the flow, but having a hard time obtaining an adapter to go from 1/8"ID to 1/4"ID speedfit. can anyone shed some light on it.

[vhuang168]

Raise your CaRx ph. That will reduce the amount of media dissolved.


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[jh2pizza]

I found the source of my excessive air. When I removed the reactor out of frustration, I took it down to clean it up and store it. When I removed the manifold from the top of the lid, I was able to lift the manifold from the top of the pump. The 1" tubing had become hard. It was loose enough to pull air in, but it didn't leak water when ever I would shut it off. Back to it.

[NeverlosT]

Originally Posted by BillFW

Here's some info:



https://www.masterflex.com/tech-arti...technical-data

Wow so the silicone tubing is only about 200hrs life whereas the pharmed/neoprene gets like 4000+hrs

Sounds like especially for us, silicone is a no go, which is what that guy on eBay had


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[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by NeverlosT

Wow so the silicone tubing is only about 200hrs life whereas the pharmed/neoprene gets like 4000+hrs

Sounds like especially for us, silicone is a no go, which is what that guy on eBay had


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Pharmed is where it's at. Those ratings are at full speed too. At the speeds we run the tubing should last over 10,000 hours but I recomend changing the tubing 2-4 times a year. Keeps it consistent.

Do you want me to look for a precision head?

[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by jh2pizza

I found the source of my excessive air. When I removed the reactor out of frustration, I took it down to clean it up and store it. When I removed the manifold from the top of the lid, I was able to lift the manifold from the top of the pump. The 1" tubing had become hard. It was loose enough to pull air in, but it didn't leak water when ever I would shut it off. Back to it.

The hose takes a beating. I've found the hose that comes with the python water changer holds up really well. The stuff from the box stores wears down quickly in comparison.

[jh2pizza]

Wow so the silicone tubing is only about 200hrs life whereas the pharmed/neoprene gets like 4000+hrs

So where is the best place to get tubing Masterflex Norprene tubing (A60 G) , L/S 16?

Do we purchase their brand tubing or are their good alternatives that work well?

[BillFW]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Pharmed is where it's at. Those ratings are at full speed too. At the speeds we run the tubing should last over 10,000 hours but I recomend changing the tubing 2-4 times a year. Keeps it consistent.

Yes, I find that the tubing deforms after much less use which affects the delivery volumn.

[NeverlosT]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Pharmed is where it's at. Those ratings are at full speed too. At the speeds we run the tubing should last over 10,000 hours but I recomend changing the tubing 2-4 times a year. Keeps it consistent.

Do you want me to look for a precision head?

Yes please, I'll look as well. The L/S tubing with a precision head just seems the way to go.

The performance L/S tubing is $160/25' for non-ideal tubing... Madness!


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[hkgar]

From posting number 3:
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=25534

[NeverlosT]

Originally Posted by hkgar

From posting number 3:
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=25534

Yup, that will work as L/S 17 tubing. We were discussing whether it's worth it to drop big bucks on L/S 24 if you already have a performance pump head, or to just buy a precision pump head. Verdict is, it's better to just buy a used precision head and use the tubing found in that original link


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[NeverlosT]

Update: Just bought a precision Easy-Load II head on Ebay for $100.

Now ill order that tubing and be in business shortly.

Here's a good question. What is the risk level of leaks on these? Are we talking people are cracking tubing and leaking left and right, or are we talking "if you replace your pharmed tubing 2-4x per year, your tubing should never fail and flood the place"?

I need to consider this since it will determine where (and how painful it is) to mount my masterflex.

[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by NeverlosT

Update: Just bought a precision Easy-Load II head on Ebay for $100.

Now ill order that tubing and be in business shortly.

Here's a good question. What is the risk level of leaks on these? Are we talking people are cracking tubing and leaking left and right, or are we talking "if you replace your pharmed tubing 2-4x per year, your tubing should never fail and flood the place"?

I need to consider this since it will determine where (and how painful it is) to mount my masterflex.

I'm not saying it never happens but in 8 years the only two tubes (out of a bunch of these running) that I have ever had fail one of them I took a razor blade to simply to see what would happen and the other I didn't clean the head before putting it into operation. It had a bunch of gunk built up on the rollers. The 2nd one wasn't ls16 but was one size up and I have not had a failure since. I have 3 CaRx setups running masterflex pumps and 3 standard loads running my top offs.

I would not be concerned about a break but always recommend putting the pumps in some kind of shallow pan (not deep enough to flood the pump) with a leak detector to let you know if there was a leak.

The one I took a razor blade to didn't actually leak, it sucked in air

[jh2pizza]

US plastics seems to carry the L/S17 Norprene tubing, but not sized for 16.

If I am thinking correct, the L/S16 tubing is 1/8" ID and 1/4" OD.

[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by jh2pizza

US plastics seems to carry the L/S17 Norprene tubing, but not sized for 16.

If I am thinking correct, the L/S16 tubing is 1/8" ID and 1/4" OD.

LS Precision tubing has a 1/16th inch wall thickness.

Theoretically you can safely run any tubing you want with that thickness. I believe you are right though. I had this all sorted out on my computer but lost the HD.

[MrineLfRlz]

What are the best pump head model numbers to look for?

[victorcan]

So I have a Cole Palmer 7524-00 Pump hooked up to my Ca Rx and am running 70ml p/min to feed my Heavily populated spa tank.. I am having to dose alk and mg daily to keep up with it and and i can't seem to fine tune my CP Masterflex pump in smaller ml steeps than 10.. I was at 50ml then went to 60 ml now at 70 but if I goto 80 its too much I think if I coulg go 75 it would be perfect, however My unit only allows me to adjust flow in 10ml increments ? I know they can function in 1ml increments as Ive seen it on youtube but for whatever reason mine is set on 10ml? It there a button combination or something to change the programming on this thing? I can't figure it out and I really need to fine tune my effluent. Can someone weigh in on this? I have tried to get the manual online but can't seem to get it for my exact model. Current pH is 6.55-6.58

[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by victorcan

So I have a Cole Palmer 7524-00 Pump hooked up to my Ca Rx and am running 70ml p/min to feed my Heavily populated spa tank.. I am having to dose alk and mg daily to keep up with it and and i can't seem to fine tune my CP Masterflex pump in smaller ml steeps than 10.. I was at 50ml then went to 60 ml now at 70 but if I goto 80 its too much I think if I coulg go 75 it would be perfect, however My unit only allows me to adjust flow in 10ml increments ? I know they can function in 1ml increments as Ive seen it on youtube but for whatever reason mine is set on 10ml? It there a button combination or something to change the programming on this thing? I can't figure it out and I really need to fine tune my effluent. Can someone weigh in on this? I have tried to get the manual online but can't seem to get it for my exact model. Current pH is 6.55-6.58

Can you set it to rpm mode instead of tubing size? I've never used that specific pump.

Are you using a ph controller to control your reg?

You should keep the flow the same, just drop your ph a bit until it keeps up with the tank. If you hit 6.3 then bump the effluent flow.

[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by MrineLfRlz

What are the best pump head model numbers to look for?

Stainless easyloads are great. 7518-10 is readily available.

[victorcan]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Can you set it to rpm mode instead of tubing size? I've never used that specific pump.

Are you using a ph controller to control your reg?

You should keep the flow the same, just drop your ph a bit until it keeps up with the tank. If you hit 6.3 then bump the effluent flow.

I don't know If I can set it to RPM ? I will have to check to see if theres a setting for "RPM" but it does have a tube size option, will post back on that one.. I do have a Apex controlling the PH in the system, Ive been told running it below 6.5 can turn everything to mud and potentially wipe my tank? for the 2 years its been running 6.5 has always been the off point but its almost always constant 6.57 - 6.58 pH.. I will drop my carbon dose by 1/2 second ? and set my controller to allow 6.3, I have had some insane coral growth lately as well as added quite a few new pieces and it just aint keeping up at the 70ml p/min but every so slightly I'm only adding about 25-30 ml of 2 part all p/day to offset and keep my doh at 8.25 .. however calcium is increasing out of sync ? I run zero mag in the reactor as well and having to dose 20-25ml p/day of esv mg supplement , so all and mg are slipping and ca is gaining. Ill let you know by morning what the results look like. Thanks for helping.

[victorcan]

There are multiple setting ive discovered on tube size like 20? Do you know which setting im looking for? Im running tube size 17 right now? Thats how it was set when i got it all i had to do was play with the effluent and ph. I dialed the co2 from 6 on my carbon doser to 5.25 and i also tuned back my effluent from 70 to 60 just to be safe as the lower ph may act quicker than me lol.. i will test again in the am to see what if any changes arise. Ive included some pics as it easier than trying to describe each 1, there are lots of options but heres a few that i grabbed.Thanks again


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[Wiskey]

I'm so bummed!

I'd been keeping a casual eye out for one of these for quite a while and I finally found one!!! I managed to scoop up a 7521-40 with the easy load II head that has a really cool precision speed dial for almost nothing.

BUT! It is really, really loud. The drive makes this rumble/hum the whole time it's running, you can clearly hear it over the tank, over the TV, even over a big box window fan.

I was curious, is there any way to quiet it down? (I'm assuming not) but you never know.

Are there any of these units that are dead silent? I mean so quiet you could not hear it over a Tunze 6100 at 50% power?

Thank you,
Whiskey