Best way to maintain steady drip rate from CaRx

[BraenDead]

Hello all,

I've had a calcium reactor for 10 years (Geo 612), and one thing that has always somewhat annoyed me is that any solution I use to control the drip rate always seems to slow down over time and need cleaning. Currently I'm just using a standard 1/4" tubing ball valve on the outflow to control the effluent drip rate. Just curious if anyone has come up with a better mousetrap for this issue that is a bit more reliable over time?

Thanks!

Bob

[d2mini]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2368618

[ReefDoberman]

Agreed with the link above. Masterflex is the way to go.

[sirreal63]

The other option is to do what numerous others who faced the same situation did, increase the effluent flow and raise the pH to compensate. The cause is a very rich solution and a small opening for the effluent, it is normal for that to clog, there isn't enough flow to keep the port open. It doesn't take much of an increase in effluent rate to stop it from clogging.

[BraenDead]

The MasterFlex pumps are interesting, but seem a bit overkill. I'll try increasing effluent rate and increasing pH in the reaction chamber for compensation. This seems like the easier option, and avoids yet another device that can fail.

Thanks for the options/thoughts!

Bob

[jda]

I use a T off of the return line and a flow control pinch on the output side. Never a problem in years and years.

[BraenDead]

jda - can you elaborate on "flow control pinch"? Thanks,

Bob

[jda]

http://premiumaquatics.com/products/...nch-valve.html

and

http://reefwarehouse.com/aqua-medic-...be-p-4357.html

If you restrict the flow AFTER the media (output side), then the media filters the stray particles out of the water and it stays relatively constant. When my output side pinch starts to clog, it is a clear indication that the media is getting small and needs replacement.

I have also gone several years just tying a loose knot in the effluent line to restrict flow.

[BraenDead]

Thanks jda. To be clear, I do already have a T off my return line for the influent and also am currently restricting flow on the effluent (which is output side). However, the ball valve will eventually clog (not really sure what: micro particles, calcium carbonate buildup, other stuff?) causing a slowdown in effluent flow. I'll try picking up a pinch valve sometime, this is one restricting valve I haven't tried yet.

Bob

[jda]

Ball valves always clogged for me too. Try tying a loose knot in it.

[d2mini]

I use a pinch valve too.
Mine looks more like a tiny vice.
My effluent stays at a steady stream, not a drip.

[mikeatjac]

A second chamber solved the problem for me.

[JB NY]

You could use a 586 series needle valve instead. I have one on my MTC Ca Reactor and it has been holding my effluent rock steady for well over eight years.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/ite...2209&catid=662

[BraenDead]

JB NY - I've got that exact same needle valve and the rate did not hold steady. Perhaps I had the rate too low and needed to increase the flow and decrease the chamber pH? What type of effluent flow do you currently have your valve set for? I've still got it sitting in my parts bins, so I can give it a try again.

mikeatjac - As for a second chamber - I've been wanting to add a second chamber to my CaRx for pH reasons and didn't previously think of the additional benefit of helping with the effluent flow. Any recommendations for adding a second chamber to a Geo 612 CaRx? I may start a second thread to go over this since it's not wholly related to this topic.

Thanks again, appreciate the thoughts/ideas - keep them coming!

Bob

[jda]

Is your media really worn out or small? That is when mine start to clog.

I don't use the extra coarse stuff or anything (just takes too much to melt IME), but I don't use the sand-sized stuff either.

[BraenDead]

jda - I use Tropic Eden large grain media. It's not enormous, but it's not small by any means. It's not worn out either, near full. As mentioned, I typically use a slow drip with a lower pH in the chamber, so I suspect the calcium carbonate-rich effluent is more prone to clogging over time. It's not like it clogs completely after a month or 2, but after several months I observe a slower drip rate which requires attention and then re-tuning the effluent rate (and triple checking to make sure the tank is getting the right amount).

Bob

[JB NY]

Originally Posted by BraenDead

JB NY - I've got that exact same needle valve and the rate did not hold steady. Perhaps I had the rate too low and needed to increase the flow and decrease the chamber pH? What type of effluent flow do you currently have your valve set for? I've still got it sitting in my parts bins, so I can give it a try again.

My effluent is at 100mL/min. My reactor has a flow meter attached to it so I just look at the flow every few days. It rarely moves, but it does slow up every once in a while, for me it's just a few seconds to fix. But I still think using a needle valve is easier to adjust than a ball valve.

[myaerica]

+1 to running a stream of water and adjust ph accordingly .

[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by BraenDead

The MasterFlex pumps are interesting, but seem a bit overkill.

Well you did ask for the best

Most everything on your system will fail and be replaced 2-3x before a good masterflex needs a rebuild.

[tassod]

Originally Posted by sirreal63

The other option is to do what numerous others who faced the same situation did, increase the effluent flow and raise the pH to compensate. The cause is a very rich solution and a small opening for the effluent, it is normal for that to clog, there isn't enough flow to keep the port open. It doesn't take much of an increase in effluent rate to stop it from clogging.

I'm seeing the same issues with the reduced flow rate and I want to implement this suggestion. My reactor PH is currently being kept at 6.5. If i were to increase the flow from right now is a quick drip to a steady stream what would be a good ph to set the reactor to compensate?

[sirreal63]

Originally Posted by tassod

I'm seeing the same issues with the reduced flow rate and I want to implement this suggestion. My reactor PH is currently being kept at 6.5. If i were to increase the flow from right now is a quick drip to a steady stream what would be a good ph to set the reactor to compensate?

I am sure someone could run the math and give you a close answer, however all I did was increase the effluent to where is stopped clogging and adjusted the pH to get the alk where I wanted it. In reality it did not take much of an increase in effluent to stop the clogging.