Official: Masterflex Calcium Reactor Setup Thread
- Thread starter tkeracer619
- Start date
tkeracer619
New member
I've seen that particular check valve take a fair bit of pressure to push through it. But at least now you're on the right path. I bet once you swap out the check valve that things will be better. Saltwater probably got into it...
hkgar
Active member
3 days on, looks to be somewhat holding steady.
Targeting 6.60, so pretty close.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Set your program to turn off regulator at 6.4 or 6.3. Do not set a high shut off.
IUfan
Member
Just to update this thread on my particular situation.
I manage to get it operating very well with the original check valve, albeit had to run significant PSI to achieve a steady PH, it did creep up slightly over time but it wasn't too bad. I then received a new check valve (exact same model) and installed that, as you can see, same settings, it all went haywire again.
I just went to Grainger and bought this check valve: https://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/JOHN-GUEST-1-4-Check-Valve-2JFY8
Installed it, same settings, here is the results so far, seems like this style of check valve will take less PSI to achieve the same PH.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I manage to get it operating very well with the original check valve, albeit had to run significant PSI to achieve a steady PH, it did creep up slightly over time but it wasn't too bad. I then received a new check valve (exact same model) and installed that, as you can see, same settings, it all went haywire again.
I just went to Grainger and bought this check valve: https://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/JOHN-GUEST-1-4-Check-Valve-2JFY8
Installed it, same settings, here is the results so far, seems like this style of check valve will take less PSI to achieve the same PH.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
slief
RC Sponsor
Just to update this thread on my particular situation.
I manage to get it operating very well with the original check valve, albeit had to run significant PSI to achieve a steady PH, it did creep up slightly over time but it wasn’t too bad. I then received a new check valve (exact same model) and installed that, as you can see, same settings, it all went haywire again.
I just went to Grainger and bought this check valve: https://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/JOHN-GUEST-1-4-Check-Valve-2JFY8
Installed it, same settings, here is the results so far, seems like this style of check valve will take less PSI to achieve the same PH.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I’ve used those check valves before and while they do need less pressure to remain open, they will fail much sooner than the heavy duty ones and fail open allowing water to pass through the check valve and into the regulator.
IUfan
Member
slief
RC Sponsor
A gray nne like your original heavy duty one. They are sold by Aquarium Plants. They typically need about 5 PSI to keep them working properly.
slief
RC Sponsor
This is the one I used. Not sure if you got yours from AP or not. These are rated to open at around 3 PSI. I use these with the AP Carbon Doser regulators.
https://aquariumplants.com/products/the-best-check-valve
LQT
Active member
US plastics has the heavy duty check valve with a lower 1 psi cracking pressure.
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=33334
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=33334
slief
RC Sponsor
From the link above.
Maintenance: Even though these checkvalves are highly resistant to corrosion, they still need regular cleaning due to mineral deposits that accumulate and cause the checkball to stick partially open.
If the unit sticks open, water (or even worse, saltwater) will backflow in to the regulator causing damage.
How to: Unscrew the 2 halves (carefully with 2 pairs of pliers being careful not to crush). As you disassemble the unit, take note of where the pieces go. Soak all of the pieces in CLR to dissolve the mineral deposits. Ensure all pieces are clean then rinse and reassemble.
Test: To perform a leak test, simply reverse the checkvalve, set the regulator on 12 lbs, run it in a cup of water (while reversed) and watch for bubbles.
slief
RC Sponsor
Those look very similar but they have a 1 PSI crack pressure which is pretty low. They may be prone to sticking open with such a low pressure rating so you would need to check them regularly to make sure they aren't sticking. Putting some tubing in the input output side and blowing through it would be how you would test it both directions.
LQT
Active member
I figured it would be okay since it looks like the GEO’s Reef “upgraded” check valve seems to be the same make with a 1 psi cracking pressure as well.
https://www.geosreef.com/product/check-valve-1-psi/
https://www.geosreef.com/product/check-valve-1-psi/
Vinny Kreyling
Premium Member
This is what came with my MTC unit:
http://www.smartproducts.com/check_valves_series_300_modular.php
http://www.smartproducts.com/check_valves_series_300_modular.php
IUfan
Member
Wow, feel like I'm collecting check valves right now.
The ones I got from aquarium plants, they are way to stiff, the crack pressure feels way more than 3 psi, I blew down the tube of both of them as hard as I could and couldn't get them to release, I assume I'm blowing more than 3 psi?
I ordered this check valve from BRS (before I read the latest posts) https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mur-lok-inline-check-valve-1-4-x-1-4-push-connect.html
I like the look of that GEO reef check valve, looks like it screws straight into the bubble counter.
Any idea of estimated lifespan for these check valves?
1) Grainger Check Valve
2) BRS Check Valve
3) GEO Check Valve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The ones I got from aquarium plants, they are way to stiff, the crack pressure feels way more than 3 psi, I blew down the tube of both of them as hard as I could and couldn't get them to release, I assume I'm blowing more than 3 psi?
I ordered this check valve from BRS (before I read the latest posts) https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/mur-lok-inline-check-valve-1-4-x-1-4-push-connect.html
I like the look of that GEO reef check valve, looks like it screws straight into the bubble counter.
Any idea of estimated lifespan for these check valves?
1) Grainger Check Valve
2) BRS Check Valve
3) GEO Check Valve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
hkgar
Active member
I have been using the one that came with the Aquarium Plants regulator for years with no problems, but I have never run less than 5 PSI, currently at 9.
Similar threads
