Pete's 280 log

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14671738#post14671738 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by psteeleb
thanks Jay, it has a barbed fitting and they sent a piece of 1/2" soft tubing, so I'm not sure if the JG fittings would work. I bought a couple barbed X threaded fittings for it; a straight through and an elbow type. I'll go with these for now but if they seem flimsy I may change to a more rigid tubing and use the JG fittings

Glad to hear Marc was able to help get your set up dialed in. Will you still be checking the alk daily to make sure it's hitting your demand level?

FWIW... I replaced all my hoses/tubing with more rigid tubing from Lowe's and use the JG/quick connect fittings. Lowe's sells a lot of the basic stuff, but for anything out of the ordinary I use www.usplastic.com

I posted a link for that needle valve on my thread.

Here's a pic of how I fed it off the manifold with the JG/Quick Connect 1/2" threaded adapter I picked up from Lowe's. I get the flow close with the ball valve, then dial it in with the needle valve right before the reactor.

 

[psteeleb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14677095#post14677095 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrismunn
very nice pictures!

good luck with the new reactor. are you sure you want to set it up and let it run for the first time while your out of town? that seems kinda scary, unless you like living on the edge that is

thanks Chris - or maybe Marc should thank you

In a way I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard spot on moving to the Ca reactor, but the sooner I get there the better.

I want to get away from 2 part as I'm just not home to deal with it. When I was gone every once and a while it wasn't too much of an issue for my wife to keep up with the dosing. But now, and for the next year, or so, I'll be out of state most of the time. Add to that demand continues to be on the rise, so it's just going to get worse. Bottom line is, I really want to get the Ca reactor up and running. I can probably work it out where I start it in on a Friday night and can monitor it till Monday morning (or 3+ days). In that time I hope to get a good read on the unit and supplement any shortage with the 2 part. I can have my son take readings during the week, so we can adjust the 2 part as needed. As long as the Ca reactor isn't dosing too much it won't have to be messed with. Then when I get home I can make some small adjustments and repeat the process.

 

[psteeleb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14677975#post14677975 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty
FWIW... I replaced all my hoses/tubing with more rigid tubing from Lowe's and use the JG/quick connect fittings. Lowe's sells a lot of the basic stuff, but for anything out of the ordinary I use www.usplastic.com

I posted a link for that needle valve on my thread.

Here's a pic of how I fed it off the manifold with the JG/Quick Connect 1/2" threaded adapter I picked up from Lowe's. I get the flow close with the ball valve, then dial it in with the needle valve right before the reactor.

TJ - I was admiring your set up and want to do the same. I like the added fine tuning control feature as you point out. I may even try to add in a pressure gage. thanks for the link :thumbsup:

 

[BigJay]

Tswifty, did you break into my house and take pictures of my setup? My manifold outlet looks exactly like that, and I'm running a Korallin reactor.

I learned a new lesson today: Remember to shut off the solenoid when turning off the main pump to feed your anemones. Otherwise your media will melt a little and throw fines in the tank.

 

[BigJay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14678118#post14678118 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by psteeleb
TJ - I was admiring your set up and want to do the same. I like the added fine tuning control feature as you point out. I may even try to add in a pressure gage. thanks for the link :thumbsup:

I know, I'm busy on that website now digging for that needle valve he has.

I don't suppose you have a link to it?

Edit: NM Here they are: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...splastic&category_name=15615&product_id=15616
I imagine that's the "1/4" OD John Guest x 1/4" OD John Guest PVC Needle Valve"?

You want one Pete? I'm putting in an order.

 

[Hop]

It should be the 1/4" guest fitting

 

[BigJay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14678235#post14678235 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Hop
It should be the 1/4" guest fitting

Yep, it's extremely nice. I have the JG lever needle valve you see on RO/DI units, and it's extremely hard to adjust the effluent drip rate.

I'll place an order when Pete decides if he wants one. He lives right up the street from me, it'd be a waste of shipping. Heaven knows I owe him one after muscling in on his last cleanup crew order.

Question for tswifty: Do you need to leave the second output line open on the Korallin? I think the directions mentioned having it open a tiny bit, but nothing ever comes out of it.

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14678118#post14678118 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by psteeleb
TJ - I was admiring your set up and want to do the same. I like the added fine tuning control feature as you point out. I may even try to add in a pressure gage. thanks for the link :thumbsup:

No Problem.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14678146#post14678146 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BigJay
Tswifty, did you break into my house and take pictures of my setup? My manifold outlet looks exactly like that, and I'm running a Korallin reactor.

I learned a new lesson today: Remember to shut off the solenoid when turning off the main pump to feed your anemones. Otherwise your media will melt a little and throw fines in the tank.

:lol:

Good point... I may need to insert a line of code into my AC3 program which will automatically turn off the solenoid if the return pump is shut off for any reason.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14678343#post14678343 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BigJay
Question for tswifty: Do you need to leave the second output line open on the Korallin? I think the directions mentioned having it open a tiny bit, but nothing ever comes out of it.

I purchased my reactor used, so I never had an instruction manual. I just assumed it was a bleed line, so I have it closed.

 

[chrismunn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14678081#post14678081 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by psteeleb
thanks Chris - or maybe Marc should thank you

In a way I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard spot on moving to the Ca reactor, but the sooner I get there the better.

I want to get away from 2 part as I'm just not home to deal with it. When I was gone every once and a while it wasn't too much of an issue for my wife to keep up with the dosing. But now, and for the next year, or so, I'll be out of state most of the time. Add to that demand continues to be on the rise, so it's just going to get worse. Bottom line is, I really want to get the Ca reactor up and running. I can probably work it out where I start it in on a Friday night and can monitor it till Monday morning (or 3+ days). In that time I hope to get a good read on the unit and supplement any shortage with the 2 part. I can have my son take readings during the week, so we can adjust the 2 part as needed. As long as the Ca reactor isn't dosing too much it won't have to be messed with. Then when I get home I can make some small adjustments and repeat the process.

neccessity has spoken!

i didnt know you were going to have any time to play with it, or that you could have your son maintain a watchfull eye. as a matter of fact i didnt even know you had a son!

 

[psteeleb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14678178#post14678178 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BigJay
I know, I'm busy on that website now digging for that needle valve he has.

I don't suppose you have a link to it?

Edit: NM Here they are: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...splastic&category_name=15615&product_id=15616
I imagine that's the "1/4" OD John Guest x 1/4" OD John Guest PVC Needle Valve"?

You want one Pete? I'm putting in an order.

yes - I'm going to order 3 different valves tonight, so let me know exaclty what you want and I'll add yours

I picking up a 1/2" FPT needle valve, a 3/4" 3 way, and a 1/4" FPT ball. I need to check some of the specs

 

[Tswifty]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14678178#post14678178 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BigJay
I know, I'm busy on that website now digging for that needle valve he has.

I don't suppose you have a link to it?

Edit: NM Here they are: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...splastic&category_name=15615&product_id=15616
I imagine that's the "1/4" OD John Guest x 1/4" OD John Guest PVC Needle Valve"?

You want one Pete? I'm putting in an order.

Whoops... didn't see that post. I dug up my old order, and the valve is:

SKU 22326
1/4" OD John Guest x 1/4" OD John Guest PVC Needle Valve

 

[BigJay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14679126#post14679126 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty
Whoops... didn't see that post. I dug up my old order, and the valve is:

SKU 22326
1/4" OD John Guest x 1/4" OD John Guest PVC Needle Valve

Pete, here's the item I need. This needle valve is fantastic. PM me what I'll owe you.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14678372#post14678372 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty

I purchased my reactor used, so I never had an instruction manual. I just assumed it was a bleed line, so I have it closed.

If you don't mind me asking, roughly what is your BPM and effluent rate set to?

 

[Tswifty]

My bubble count is 1 every 5 seconds, and my effluent rate is 40ml per minute.

 

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14681391#post14681391 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tswifty
My bubble count is 1 every 5 seconds, and my effluent rate is 40ml per minute.

So multiply that times four since his tank maybe 1/4 of what you have, Anthony.

 

[BigJay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14682304#post14682304 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
So multiply that times four since his tank maybe 1/4 of what you have, Anthony.

You already have my tank set to 1BPS and at least four times that effluent rate.

I really need that new needle valve on the effluent line though, because fine adjustment on my JG lever valve is impossible.

 

[psteeleb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14682950#post14682950 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BigJay
You already have my tank set to 1BPS and at least four times that effluent rate.

I really need that new needle valve on the effluent line though, because fine adjustment on my JG lever valve is impossible.

Jay - I just placed the order with US Plastics

I also ordered a couple quick disconnects for my reactors. I remember seeing this type on Marc's set up and thought it was nice as it provided a quick disconnect with built in on/off valve.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...usplastic&category_name=16045&product_id=8451

 

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14682950#post14682950 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BigJay
You already have my tank set to 1BPS and at least four times that effluent rate.

I really need that new needle valve on the effluent line though, because fine adjustment on my JG lever valve is impossible.

Yes, that or a pinch valve. That needle valve is excellent, and a little more expensive than a pinch valve.

 

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14684463#post14684463 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by psteeleb
Jay - I just placed the order with US Plastics

I also ordered a couple quick disconnects for my reactors. I remember seeing this type on Marc's set up and thought it was nice as it provided a quick disconnect with built in on/off valve.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...usplastic&category_name=16045&product_id=8451

Those are nice. The one on the top of my reactor works flawlessly, but the one going into the reactor can clog up from time to time if detritus gets in the line. Twice a year I take them out and really clean them, which is kind of difficult. There is a tiny screen inside that clogs up. I usually end up beating the fitting on the edge of my sink to dislodge it, then press it together so water can flow through it to get it clean.

I'd kind of like to see your tray have a bulkhead and plumbing back into the sump in case any reactor leaks. However, it would be imperative that the tray stay clean so you don't flush anything evil into the system.

 

[psteeleb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14684696#post14684696 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Those are nice. The one on the top of my reactor works flawlessly, but the one going into the reactor can clog up from time to time if detritus gets in the line. Twice a year I take them out and really clean them, which is kind of difficult. There is a tiny screen inside that clogs up. I usually end up beating the fitting on the edge of my sink to dislodge it, then press it together so water can flow through it to get it clean.

I'd kind of like to see your tray have a bulkhead and plumbing back into the sump in case any reactor leaks. However, it would be imperative that the tray stay clean so you don't flush anything evil into the system.

we think alike :lol:

I was thinking about mounting a plastic sink drain to the tray and diverting it to the sump or a bucket with a moisture detector/alarm of some sort.

 

[BigJay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14684463#post14684463 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by psteeleb
Jay - I just placed the order with US Plastics

I also ordered a couple quick disconnects for my reactors. I remember seeing this type on Marc's set up and thought it was nice as it provided a quick disconnect with built in on/off valve.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...usplastic&category_name=16045&product_id=8451

That's actually really nice!

Had I known, I would have ordered a few 1/4" disconnects to make it easier to remove the reactor. Sooner or later I'm going to have to add media to it.

Thanks for the order, hopefully that and your regulator make it here by this weekend.