Official: Masterflex Calcium Reactor Setup Thread

[tkeracer619]

There is no way to replace the fittings on the reactor unless i cut/drill/grind the old fittings out?

I assumed the ones on the top were just threaded in. Did they glue them?

If so I would be more tempted to modify the probe port and use it then drilling and tapping but for now I would carry on without modding anything.

Since you are starting over go with regular arm. You will need different settings but before messing with gas make sure the reactor runs effluent for a few days without building up air to rule out leaks.

 

[dburt520]

They were glued in, but nothing that a press, drill press and tap couldn't fix!



I am going to look into doing this to all of the fittings.

 

[tkeracer619]

That would be the preferred solution. I don't know if I would even mess with the center one. I think it is pretty insignificant in the overall operation of the unit.

 

[dburt520]

Should I do this to all of the fittings?

 

[tkeracer619]

If they are glued I wouldn't really mess with too many of them. I would probably just do the offset fitting on the lid.

Yeah I've been looking and it seems you are right.. I really can't spend the $ on that one right now unless I do a large frag sale.. It may come down to that but by the time I'm done I'm sure it would be gone =)..

If you keep an eye out you can score an older one at a good price. They are incredible drives. The pallet of them I had a while back had the original packing slip on one of the boxes... there are two other pallets out there. I have searched high and low for them without luck. They are probably sitting in the corner of some damp warehouse...

 

[dburt520]

tkeracer619, first let me say thank you for taking the time to help me out.

I brought the reactor back online tuesday night, and must say so far it is operating great after making those changes.

One thing I have noticed is that it is much more efficient (I guess that's the right word)?

Prior to the changes I was running a bubble size of 5 psi, with a bubble every 4 seconds. It held the PH at 6.62 in my reactor, and ran 60ml/min through the masterflex. The controller never shut off with these settings.

I went back to those settings when I set it back up but it was way to much for my tank... I am now down to 3 psi bubble size, 1 bubble every 9 seconds and 23ml/min through the masterflex. Even with this setting on the regulator it is still turning off and on every few hours.

I keep a normal ALK/calcium level (8.5/415), and after a few adjustments this setting has kept my tank stable for almost 24 hours.

Any thoughts on why that changed so drastically?

 

[tkeracer619]

Yup, it's working correctly now These systems are pretty simple but when you start trapping air the whole thing goes to hell. Like you many have become frustraited and rightfully so. You spent a lot of money, more than some spend on their entire setup. I am glad it is running good now, hope it stays that way. I am glad to help and let me know if there is anything I can do. I too used to be a frustrated reactor owner, we gotta stick together sometimes. That's the point of the thread and I am glad we were able to get you going again! So thanks for participating and giving it a shot, it is a lot to ask of someone to spend that kind of money. We now know what it takes to setup this reactor, whenever you change media again and clean the reactor getting a good stock photo of how it is setup will surely help others.

Keep us posted and post some pics of the thing setup

 

[dburt520]

Sure, here are a few pics of my setup.

 

[hkgar]

Sure, here are a few pics of my setup.
/QUOTE]

Your set up looks great and glad it is working well.

Just one thing, chain that co2 tank to the wall to prevent accidentally knocking it over. If it fall and the to could come off and you have a rocket in the house. If you have ever had water on the floor you know the accidents happen regardless of best intentions.

 

[dburt520]

I know I read about it the first time I read through the 23 pages... when the motor rollers roll from one another my they make a click sound. Is there a fix to this?

I am using masterflex ls24 tubing. I may need to go with a smaller tube to make the motor spin a little more, it is barely moving with the ls24.

 

[tkeracer619]

Excellent looking setup!

It's one of a few things.
Slack in pump head where it connects to the drive... To fix it put some 3m tar strip from an autoparts store into the slot.

Worn bearings... You can get replcements at a local bearing supply house.

Dry rollers... re grease the rollers with a penetrating synthetic spray grease.

Worn rollers or housing... Deal with the clack, repair the head, or replace the head.

 

[dburt520]

The head itself is brand new. The noise is coming from slop between the pump head and where it connects.

Will look into the 3 tar strip.

 

[tdo]

Thanks to everyone involved in this super informative thread! I am about to take the plunge, and looking at http://http://www.ebay.com/itm/261692540021?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT for a pump for my co2 reactor. Will this work ok? The price tag definitely looks good. And I would be getting the tubing and connections from us plastics as listed on the first page.

 

[hkgar]

Thanks to everyone involved in this super informative thread! I am about to take the plunge, and looking at http://http://www.ebay.com/itm/261692540021?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT for a pump for my co2 reactor. Will this work ok? The price tag definitely looks good. And I would be getting the tubing and connections from us plastics as listed on the first page.

Two things:
I use that pump for my ATO and it would work for the CA reactor. I believe it is digital display but not digital drive.

The auction (listing) expired on Friday the 26th.

 

[hkgar]

The head itself is brand new. The noise is coming from slop between the pump head and where it connects.

Will look into the 3 tar strip.

I had that problem with my previous pump and solved it with Teflon thread tape wrapped around the part that fits into the drive. Cannot think of a name for that little flange type thing. I think just about everyone has Teflon tape around somewhere

 

[tdo]

Two things:
I use that pump for my ATO and it would work for the CA reactor. I believe it is digital display but not digital drive.

The auction (listing) expired on Friday the 26th.

Thanks for the quick response. I will keep my eyes open for something similar. If I can save a few pennies it will def help with explaining to the wifey!

 

[tkeracer619]

If anyone is looking for a top off/dosing pump or a couple precision tubing easyloads. This might be of interest.

Is anyone using Cole parmer LS24 tubing? If so can I get a very small sample?

 

[d2mini]

If anyone is looking for a top off/dosing pump or a couple precision tubing easyloads. This might be of interest.

Is anyone using Cole parmer LS24 tubing? If so can I get a very small sample?

Perfect!!!
I needed two heads for my AWC (already grabbed a bare drive) and I was about to buy a cheaper peristaltic pump for ATO.
This was a steal.

Thanks!

Now I just need a single head for this drive to run the ATO.

 

[janes_mw]

Sooooo, thank you to the max Tkeracer for this thread. With your help I grabbed this pump to go with my Geo 624 and reg/meter system from Alanle thread. Hope it all works out . Going into my 300 new build.

mike

 

[tkeracer619]

Perfect!!! Thanks!

You're welcome, it was quite the steal! You even get an official dual head mounting system. Make sure the next head you get has adjustable occlusion. Those pumps work really well for top off and at 20rpm you should be able to find a range that will flow about 2-4x your evap rate.

Sooooo, thank you to the max Tkeracer for this thread.

Thanks

While you are waiting on your pump to arrive you should install a new 1/4" push to fit connector into the lid(unless there is one already there I don't see). If you don't have the correct bits or don't feel comfortable doing it take it to an acrylic shop.