PDA

View Full Version : Best "feed" pump for a CA Reactor


MeuserReef
05/06/2008, 10:36 AM
Im almost ready to fire up my DIY Calcium reactor and would like to know what pump / powerhead I should use to "feed" the tank water to the reactor?

Minijet?

Maxijet?

some-other-type-of-jet?

no-jet-at-all?

:D

docwells
05/06/2008, 10:54 AM
Maxijet.

I use a GEO reactor and Geo recomends a MJ 1200

MeuserReef
05/06/2008, 11:03 AM
Thanks docwells. I know I have one of those laying around.

ps.. Go Panthers! (Im a native of Charlotte)

barclayrl
05/06/2008, 11:12 AM
Toms Aqualifter!! you can't beat them, used to run a maxijet, to much heat transfer and wasted electricity.

Aqualifters are about $12 and run on 2 or 3 watts and dont add any heat transfer. work perfect on my GEO618 reactor. My reactor actually came with plans for both a maxijet and an aqualifter.

Hope this helps

mr294
05/06/2008, 11:45 AM
I prefer to tee the feedline off my return; one less pump to run :D

MeuserReef
05/06/2008, 11:50 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12482220#post12482220 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mr294
I prefer to tee the feedline off my return; one less pump to run :D

Now that is an idea I know I can run with! Im guessing that you could tap a John Guest fitting into the return line and control the flow with a small JG ball valve?

Would you use the small 1/4" vinyl RO type tuning or would you suggest stepping up to the 3/8" vinyl tubing?

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys. If I can maximize the usage of my existing pumps, I think I will go this route. If not, then the Aqualifter sounds like its running a close second.

mr294
05/06/2008, 11:54 AM
I just use a JG ball valve and 1/4" RO tubing. Some people recommend putting a valve on the return after the tee for the feedline to get a consistent feed, but mine has worked fine without it.

trd47
05/10/2008, 11:16 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12482296#post12482296 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mr294
I just use a JG ball valve and 1/4" RO tubing. Some people recommend putting a valve on the return after the tee for the feedline to get a consistent feed, but mine has worked fine without it.

I'm in the same boat and was wondering if it would be possible for you to provide pictures of your set up?

thanks in advance

glxtrix
05/10/2008, 12:33 PM
I run mine like that. I have a threaded PVC "T" which goes to 3/4" line....john guest or what ever you call it. That runs right into the reactor then I have my needle valve near the outline. Turn it down there, I had it before the reactor and it was a mess trying to get levels right.

idareefer
05/10/2008, 12:44 PM
use a rio, works great & hardly any heat transfer & liittle wattage.

mr294
05/10/2008, 02:02 PM
Overall shot to give you frame of reference for the close up:

http://www.buddypants.reacura.com/images5/elos95.jpg

Closer shot of the tee (don't mind the zip ties, temporary peace of mind until I get some proper hose clamps)

http://www.buddypants.reacura.com/images5/elos96.jpg

If you have trouble maintaining a consistent feed you may need to add a valve on the return line after the tee. Slightly closing this valve will give you a little more pressure on the feed. As I mentioned though, I've got my setup feeding consistently without it. HTH.

das75
05/10/2008, 03:56 PM
My Iwaki MD70 does a good job, though always reading about the Aqualift as an ideal

Tapped in at the 45°.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h316/das75/feed.jpg

MeuserReef
05/10/2008, 07:20 PM
Thanks everyone for taking the time to post pictures of your setups!

Is it better to have the JG ball valve before or after the reactor?

das75
05/10/2008, 07:33 PM
I'm running a JG 1/4 turn valve before my reactor and find once I set it, the drip rate is constant for weeks (probably haven't touched it for more than a month).

I have read though better control with the valve on the output, no experience though. Once thing with the valve on the output, the reactor will run at a higher pressure.

MeuserReef
05/10/2008, 07:47 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12514713#post12514713 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by das75
One thing with the valve on the output, the reactor will run at a higher pressure.

This is something that will be important as my reactor is DIY... Im sure it will be fine, but I didnt build it with pressure in mind.


Good point das75

ostrow
05/10/2008, 08:44 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12514796#post12514796 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MeuserReef
This is something that will be important as my reactor is DIY... Im sure it will be fine, but I didnt build it with pressure in mind.


Good point das75

This is the issue with mine, a DIY based on greeneyedblackcat's design.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=335219&highlight=handtite
and
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=243755&highlight=handtite

The pressure inside the chambers generated by closing the valve on the output has led to leaks in the second chamber (never the first). Better to control on input side.