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Aqualifter as a negative pressure pump for a CA reactor.

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by JB, Jul 5, 2012.

  1. JB Veteran Reefkeeper

    Marion
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    I have had absolutely no success getting a constant drip rate from my Calcium reactor, so I'm looking to change things up a bit.
    The one thing that a lot of people seem to swear but is using negative pressure to pull water through the reactor rather than pushing it through with a normal pump.
    The super awesome fool proof way to do this is also the most expensive:   Use of a commercial grade peristaltic pump.   They can create more than enough negative pressure to pull water through the reactor and they can be adjusted for the correct drip rate.
    I'd like to try the poor man's version of this first and see if I can get a bit better results with a cheap old aqualifter pump.
    Does anyone local carry these?   The CR/IC area would be best.
    -JB
     
  2. Roman Experienced Reefkeeper

    Cedar Rapids, IA
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    +321 / 3 / -0
  3. JB Veteran Reefkeeper

    Marion
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    Awesome, that would be great!

    Should be able to know if it will work or not in a few minutes... It's a simple change.
     
  4. Ray

    Ray

    243
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    +0 / 0 / -0
    I have an extra one that I would let go $5.00, if it works.
     
  5. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

    999
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    +24 / 0 / -0
    Following along.

    My CARx has been pissing me off big time. I can't keep a steady effluent drip rate.

    I assume it is the needle valve....it used to keep a consistent drip rate but not anymore.

    Now I wonder if it is my pump? I have a MRC duel reactor with an ehiem pump.

    Anyone know where I can get a better needle valve?
     
  6. JB Veteran Reefkeeper

    Marion
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    I don't remember where I got it, but I have a pretty nice stainless steel needle valve on mine and I still have the same problem. I get the drip rate set and a day or so later, I come back and it's either slowed way down or completely stopped.

    As I understand it, a lot of these problems go away if you use negative pressure plus it allows you to use less C02. That's why I'm hoping that the aqua lifter will be a cheap/easy solution. If not, I might have to bite the bullet and go the more expensive route. Those commercial peristaltic pumps are expensive, but they do give you an exact/constant drip rate.
     
  7. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

    999
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    Do you have a link for this peristaltic pump? Or a link to your intel? I can't picture how this pump would work.....

    I have two pumps on my CaRx. An Ehiem that 'manages' the reactors and a MJet that feeds the water to the reactor. Do you have something similar?

    My reactor behaves just as you say. It usually stops dripping completely after a couple days.
     
  8. JB Veteran Reefkeeper

    Marion
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    Yes, that's exactly what I have. The Maxijet "pushes" water through the system and the needle valve on the output controls the drip rate.

    Basically, what you do is put a peristaltic pump on the output side and let it pull/suck water through the system. You just adjust the speed on the peristaltic pump in order to adjust your drip rate.

    My research so far has been a bit of reading on various forums. Honestly, I'm still confused as to which pumps work the best and what type of hoses/connections you use.

    Here's an example thread:

    http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=562710

     
  9. JB Veteran Reefkeeper

    Marion
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    Here's another good thread from RC

    http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1998537&highlight=masterflex
     
  10. Lee

    Lee Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    JB - Would you be using the aqualifter on a timer, or how would you control the amount it pumps?
     
  11. JB Veteran Reefkeeper

    Marion
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    I would still be using a needle valve to try and control it.

    I know it's a long shot, but it's worth a try.
     
  12. Jamie

    Jamie Well-Known ReefKeeper Vendor

    591
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    +24 / 0 / -0
    I have never really had issues with this. I feed my reactor of off my Ehiem 1262 return pump and have a plastic micro valve on the effluent output that drips into my sump. (These valves are cheap and you can get them from F&S in 6 packs) My effluent line is about 5 feet long with the valve on the sump. Micro valves and needle valves aren't the same thing. I can see the stainless steel needle valve giving you issues (unless it's titanium the needle will rust over time causing inconsistent dripping)
    Your Co2 apsorbstion rate is actually going to be higher when it is a pressurized reactor vrs a negative pressure but I don't think it's going to make much of a differnce for what we are doing here.
    That RC thread seems like their throwing very expensive and complicated solutions to a simple problem. Something as simple as moving the effluent valve as far away from the reactor could fix the issues. Or moving the reactor below the sump if possible. Since the flow is a mear fast drip tiny particles are allowed to settle in the hose and dissolve there over time instead of cloging the valve. You could even put a in-line sediment only filter (yes like the ones for RO Units) in-line on the effluent to prevent any fine particles from clogging the needle valve if that's the cause of the problem. The one sold for the the aqualifter might work also if the micron rating is small enough. Just remember the more complicated you make something the more WILL go wrong.
    But then I don't even run a ph controller on my CA reactor (not necessary and just more equipment to maintain and fail IMO) I just adjust the co2 until I get a little co2 buildup in the reactor and I know I"m maxed out on absorption. I run Caribsea's fine grain media as well and don't have issues with it turning to mush.
     

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