Help needed w/ Osmolator & Calcium dispenser operation

[reefknight]

I just installed a new Osmolator and calcium dispenser (5074). The first time it needed to start up and top off I found that the "red- too low" indicator flashing. The optical sensor is now out of the water and it times out on each attempt. I took off the tube leading to the calcium dispenser and started the pump and it pushed water, but when I re-attach it nothing happens. Each time nothing comes out of the tube.
The tubing that came with the Osmolator do you need to cut it's length to match the height of your tank or can it push through the extra amount of tubing? I though these pumps could handle a bit of head pressure. Any advice would be great, thanks.

Bill

 

[rvitko]

It is just a matter of excessive back pressure from all the air in the lines. Unscrew the lid of the calcium dispenser until it fills up. You may also need to tip the pump upside down under water in the reservoir to prime it/ get the air bubbles out.

 

[reefknight]

Yeah, I tried all of that and still nothing. I thought maybe there was something blocking the tubing so I blew into the tubing and air goes through just fine. Still no water movement though. Do you slip the black tubing over the exterior of the pump or insert it down into the inside of the motor housing? I pushed my connection down into the pump because I didn't see how the tubing was to expand over the exterior of pump. Thanks, Roger.

Bill

 

[rvitko]

It pushes down inside. The pump can handle a maximum of 9ft of head pressure. I would try it again, it can take a full cycle just to fill the calcium dispenser. It is very hard for the pump to overcome all that air pressure the first time. You might also double check that the check valve is in properly, you might try filling it without this added resistance.

 

[reefknight]

I initially filled the reactor with RO water, so it was full from the begining. I checked the the check valve, again I can blow air through it with no problem. Any other thoughts? Thanks.

Bill

 

[rvitko]

I would empty the reactor because it could cause an air bubble trapped between the check valve and the reactor that the pump cannot overcome. Start with everything empty except the resrvoir, tip the pump upside down while it is running with the cover unscrewed from the dispenser, this should get the air purged out. Once the dispenser is full and water bubbling out cover it and it should quickly pump up to the tank.

 

[reefknight]

Roger, I think I may have found the issue. No matter in which direction do I install the check valve do I get water flow through it. Currently I left the tubing attached to the pump and disconnected everything past the check valve. No matter which way I install it no water is pumped through. Bad check valve, maybe? The spring seems to work fine and I can only blow through it in one direction. Thoughts? Thanks.

Bill

 

[rvitko]

Have you tried connecting it with just a short length of hose to the pump and nothing on the other end? Otherwise the pressure on each end might be equal and prevent it from opening. Is the line looped up above the reactor with the zip tie like shown in the manual? This is important as it reduces the strain on the check valve.

 

[reefknight]

Yeah, I tried that first using just the recommended 30cm piece of tubing > pump > check valve, nothing exited the check valve. I can blow air through but not water. As soon as I place the check valve in line, no water is permitted (I flipped it end for end and tried both sides) through. Yes, I have the tubing looped upwards with the supplied cable tie as well. Thanks.

Bill

 

[rvitko]

Hmm, I don't have an answer for that. I can send another check valve if you PM me an address.

 

[reefknight]

Alright, thanks Roger.

Bill