Masterflex Peristaltic Pump Connection

[rjinct]

Hey Everyone,

I'm finally getting around to setting up my auto water change system. I built my water mixing station a while back and have been too busy to get this specific project going but am ready to take a look at it now.

I'm using a Masterflex pump and have mounted two identical pump heads to the unit. Since the pump heads are mounted to one pump drive, the pumps should remove and replace the same amount water...though I'll be doing a lot of testing to make sure. I'll adjust the length of time the pump runs to figure out the % of water I want to change a day. I'm using a peristaltic pump because my water mixing station is in my basement (DT 1st floor) and basically on the other side of my house. In any case, I originally wnated to use 1/4 inch diameter tubing (the type you buy at Home Depot) used for water filters...RO units, etc. I guess I'm paranoid about any kinking and this tubing is fairly rigid. This is where I'm running into questions...I have no idea how to hook up the tubing that comes from the pump head to the 1/4 inch RODI tubing. Any suggestions or other ideas of tubing I should use instead of this? I've bought a few fittings but haven't been able to get the correct size. Basically in the image below you'll see two tubes coming from the pump head...need each one to hook up to the 1/4 inch tubing. I'm hoping there are some experts out there that can lend their insight.

Thanks!
RJ

 

[SWINGRRRR]

I don't think that will work. It's going to crack and probably won't flow because it can't pinch it off completely.
You need soft neoprene tubing.
I could send you some 7015 tubing for cheap. Just PM me so this don't turn into a FS thread.

 

[rjinct]

Hi Swingrrrr ---

Thanks for the reply! I wasn't suggesting that I'd use the 1/4 inch RO tubing as the tubing within the pump head itself. I'd still use the original soft neoprene tubing. I was thinking about the 1/4 inch tubing as the transport from the pump heads to my aquarium (for the 25-30 ft) vs. using all neoprene tubing for the entire length. Unless I've misunderstood what you're saying...

 

[SWINGRRRR]

I misunderstood what you were saying. Sorry. I just shoved the 1/4 line inside the tubing. Then put a small zip tie around it. Been working fine for a year or so for me. I'll try to get a pic up later.

 

[rjinct]

Anyone else? I beilieve a few of using are using perstaltic pumps.

Swingrrr -- I tried what you suggested. With the tubing I have for the pump heads, I'm only able to shove the 1/4 inch tubing in about 1/2 an inch. It's a very tight fit and appears secure, but was hoping to get it in there a good inch to inch and a half. I may try to use something non-toxic to lubricate the rodi line to see if I can insert it further.

 

[Wheel of Time]

Go to the cole parmer website and dowloadthe manual for the masterflex...that should answer your questions (plus they sell the tubing you may need as well)

I almost bot that pump as well, but cheaped out and went for the medical doser...that was a couple years ago

 

[scolley]

RJ I've been using peristalics for years. Rarely have an issue. I'm not familiar with your pump though, but no matter...

I'm not sure what kind of flow you are trying to get, nor how long a run you are planning. But do be aware that with longer runs, it gets lots easier on the pump with larger diameter tubing. One quarter inch should be fine... assuming you are moving water through it slowly. But if that Masterflex is a high volume pump, and if you have a really long run (say more than 30-40 feet) you might need to consider stepping up the diameter.

 

[SWINGRRRR]

Swingrrr -- I tried what you suggested. With the tubing I have for the pump heads, I'm only able to shove the 1/4 inch tubing in about 1/2 an inch. It's a very tight fit and appears secure, but was hoping to get it in there a good inch to inch and a half. I may try to use something non-toxic to lubricate the rodi line to see if I can insert it further.

Run the neoprene tubing under some hot hot water for a couple of minutes. That way it become pliable and you can shove it further up in there. Plus it will shrink some when it cools.