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Unread 07/16/2018, 07:37 AM   #76
Vinny Kreyling
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OK the limit has been met on this order.
Member # 1 gets 5 ft. the rest will get 2.5 ft.
As soon as tubing arrives I can go to the PO.


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Unread 07/16/2018, 07:56 AM   #77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling View Post
OK the limit has been met on this order.
Member # 1 gets 5 ft. the rest will get 2.5 ft.
As soon as tubing arrives I can go to the PO.
Great!

Thanks for doing all the leg work!


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Unread 07/16/2018, 10:41 AM   #78
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What do you guys think the roller life on these will be?

If these wear out quarterly then it doesn't make much sense to go with this vs a more expensive Masterflex. If you can get 6 months, or preferably a year it might be a good alternative.


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Unread 07/17/2018, 08:18 AM   #79
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Quote:
Originally Posted by anit77 View Post
What do you guys think the roller life on these will be?

If these wear out quarterly then it doesn't make much sense to go with this vs a more expensive Masterflex. If you can get 6 months, or preferably a year it might be a good alternative.
Masterflex pumps are about 5- 10 times (depending on model) more expensive than this Kamoer pump at initial purchase. The replacement rollers for Kamoer are $45 at BRS. If you're replacing the heads every 2000 hours (~3 months) you're spending about $180/year. It would still take you over 5 years to realize any savings by going with Masterflex. And that would assume the head on the Masterflex does not need to be replaced (sounds like it's rare). But I guess you could try and buy a used one. Then it seems like Masterflex would actually be the better option.

Seeing that the heads must be replaced so often has totally changed my mind on buying one of these. $180/year in maintenance is pretty crazy... and then you have to consider the cost of tubing as well. Still, I do look forward to hearing testimonials and hopefully a cost of ownership from those that did purchase one.


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Unread 07/17/2018, 09:00 AM   #80
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I went ahead and ordered a Kamoer. Buying a new masterflex was never an option for me, it was used or nothing. There are some decent looking units from Alibaba that are closer to a masterflex for $400-600 but after seeing someone using a model similar to this for 3 years I went ahead and got one. If I can get 6 months to a year out of the rollers I'll be happy for now.


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Unread 07/17/2018, 09:27 AM   #81
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I curious where anyone stated that the rollers were only good for 2000 hrs.

It was stated that the tubing has a life expectancy of 2000 hrs, and that the vendor selling the replacement heads only suggested that the head be replaced at the same time.

I have a Litermeter III that is over 13 years old, and granted that it's not a constant metering pump, other than replacing the tubing on occasion, I have never replaced the rollers. The Kamoer looks to have the same style of roller set-up, at least from the pictures.

UPS says I'll have my hands on one tomorrow. First thing, the head comes off to see the design. I'll post pics.


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Unread 07/17/2018, 11:54 AM   #82
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Thank you! This 90 day pump head replacement revelation has seriously put me on the fence as to whether I should grab one of these FX-STP pumps for my CaRx. More details and pictures of the pump head design would be much appreciated and beneficial for others like me, who are on the fence.


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Unread 07/17/2018, 12:15 PM   #83
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How do you know when the rollers need to be replaced?


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Unread 07/17/2018, 12:29 PM   #84
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Member No. 1 View Post
I curious where anyone stated that the rollers were only good for 2000 hrs.

It was stated that the tubing has a life expectancy of 2000 hrs, and that the vendor selling the replacement heads only suggested that the head be replaced at the same time.

I have a Litermeter III that is over 13 years old, and granted that it's not a constant metering pump, other than replacing the tubing on occasion, I have never replaced the rollers. The Kamoer looks to have the same style of roller set-up, at least from the pictures.

UPS says I'll have my hands on one tomorrow. First thing, the head comes off to see the design. I'll post pics.
It says on the replacement head page of BRS
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/repla...tp-kamoer.html


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Unread 07/17/2018, 12:51 PM   #85
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Quote:
Originally Posted by solitude127 View Post
It says on the replacement head page of BRS
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/repla...tp-kamoer.html
As quoted from your link.
"We recommend changing the pump head assembly every 2000 hours, along with the PharMed Tubing Assembly"

They "Recommend" changing, nothing about must change.

Only time will tell.

As to your other question, I would think a groove worn in the center of the roller, loose roller or the pump not holding and/or requiring frequent adjustment/calibration would be a good indicator of worn tubing/rollers.


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Unread 07/17/2018, 02:07 PM   #86
Vinny Kreyling
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Gentlemen --
Tubing will not ship to me until 7/31, so they tell me.
Just so everyone is up to date on what's going on.


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Unread 07/17/2018, 02:11 PM   #87
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NP
Thanks for the update.


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Unread 07/19/2018, 03:55 AM   #88
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So... there was a box on my door step as I pulled into my driveway!

Impressions:
Pros
Even knowing the physical size of the unit, it is pretty compact. Smaller that I expected.
Unit looks well built, heavy gage powder coated steel, which from the on-line pictures you can't tell. I wasn't sure whether or not the housing was plastic.
The roller unit looks well built, and despite the discussions here, I feel it will last well longer the tubing life which is stated as being 2000hrs. I was hoping to post pictures of the head assembly, but since the instruction manual supplied only covers the basics, and after I removed the (4) screws holding the roller head in place and couldn't easily remove the roller head, I decided not to proceed any further with disassembly.
The display is very clear, easy to read and well lit.
Controls are simple, easy to use. I will make this note, as I was concerned too, from some of the pictures on-line, the speed knob appears to be on MAX even when the pump is running slow. The knob rotates 360* so you keep turning the knob and the speed increases/decreases.

Cons
Tubing connections - Wish they had a better way to connect RO/DI tubing to the head. I used the supplied 1/4" silicone tubing as a connecter between the pump head and the RO/DI tubing. I used small wire/zip ties at the connections as a safety precaution.
Calibration - The supplied manual is very basic, and the instructions could be explained a little better as I'm sure they lose something in the translation. What it doesn't explain to well is that you is you need to keep repeating calibrating steps A,B and C until it's calibrated. It took about ten calibration attempts to get the setting to repeat. It's a simple process, hard to explain until you've tried it.

Overall, this looks like a nice compact pump that I hope works well in the long run. I was using the Neptune DOS as my CaRx feed pump, and it was working fine, however, I do like how the output of effluent is more steady whereas the Apex was ON/OFF in cycles. This has a steady drip, and as a side benefit quieted my Vertex RX-C 6D to the point it is now silent.

Hope this helps anyone thinking about the buying pump make a informed decision either way.


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Unread 07/19/2018, 08:35 AM   #89
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Here's a video that better explains the calibration. I found it much better than the instructions



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Unread 07/19/2018, 01:08 PM   #90
Vinny Kreyling
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Since there is no pressure in any of the lines I see no reason a joint using the silicone tubing supplied & zip tied is a concern.
I have my Litre Meter hooked up the same way ( no zip tie) for years without a problem or second thought.


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Unread 07/20/2018, 06:55 PM   #91
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Just checking back in, I'm in. Thanks in advance


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Unread 07/21/2018, 07:17 AM   #92
Vinny Kreyling
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Since I have offered to one I will offer to others --
I can bring the tubing to MACNA if you are interested let me know please.


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Unread 07/22/2018, 07:11 AM   #93
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Member No. 1 View Post
Cons
Tubing connections - Wish they had a better way to connect RO/DI tubing to the head. I used the supplied 1/4" silicone tubing as a connecter between the pump head and the RO/DI tubing. I used small wire/zip ties at the connections as a safety precaution.
So if you want John Guest quick connect adapters for your RO tubing to the 1/4” ID silicone tubing, there is a way. These are the parts that the Masterflex guys use to connect their 1/4” Pharmed BPT tubing to RO tubing. In this case we will be connecting the silicone tubing to the RO tubing.

For 1/4" OD John Guest to 1/4” OD silicone tubing, you’ll need:

2 - http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/cata...x?itemid=36204

2 - http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/cata...x?itemid=42009

2 - http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/cata...x?itemid=34082


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Unread 07/22/2018, 07:43 AM   #94
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling View Post
Since there is no pressure in any of the lines I see no reason a joint using the silicone tubing supplied & zip tied is a concern.
I have my Litre Meter hooked up the same way ( no zip tie) for years without a problem or second thought.
Vinny,
For clarification, I didn't say the connection was an issue or concern, I simply stated I wish they had a "better" way of connecting the tubing.

I also have a Litermeter with extra pump heads that I've used for years, but it uses ¼" tubing so the input side slips over ¼" RODI while the output side has a short length of ridged tubing that's connected to a push to connect check valve.


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Unread 07/22/2018, 09:05 AM   #95
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LQT View Post
So if you want John Guest quick connect adapters for your RO tubing to the 1/4” ID silicone tubing, there is a way. These are the parts that the Masterflex guys use to connect their 1/4” Pharmed BPT tubing to RO tubing. In this case we will be connecting the silicone tubing to the RO tubing.

For 1/4" OD John Guest to 1/4” OD silicone tubing, you’ll need:

2 - http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/cata...x?itemid=36204

2 - http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/cata...x?itemid=42009

2 - http://www.usplastic.com/mobile/cata...x?itemid=34082
Leon,
Thanks for the info. But the problem is making the connection to small ⅛" tubing that is used on the Kamoer. My Litermeter uses ¼" silicon tubing so the connection is easy.


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Unread 07/22/2018, 09:08 AM   #96
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny Kreyling View Post
Looking into a tubing order for this pump.
Please put your name here if you want a length from a 25 foot piece.
$2.41/ft & cheapest shipping from 11764 or if someone else wants the responsibility.
2 so far---
Vinny,
Just for clarification, the tubing you purchased, is it ⅛" or ¼" ID?


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Unread 07/22/2018, 09:13 AM   #97
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You’re still gonna have to go through the silicone tubing. My understanding is that direct contact to the pump head rollers is the 1/8” ID Pharmed BPT tubing, then a 1/8” to 1/4” barb connection, then the 1/4” ID silicone tubing. Granted, I haven’t purchased the pump yet as I’m still on the fence. Am I mistaken with my assumed tubing sizes?


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Unread 07/22/2018, 09:21 AM   #98
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LQT View Post
You’re still gonna have to go through the silicone tubing. My understanding is that direct contact to the pump head rollers is the 1/8” ID Pharmed BPT tubing, then a 1/8” to 1/4” barb connection, then the 1/4” ID silicone tubing. Granted, I haven’t purchased the pump yet as I’m still on the fence. Am I mistaken with my assumed tubing sizes?
That was my original "Con". The tubing is ⅛" so as you said, ⅛" to ¼" barb, then ¼" silicone to RO/DI tubing.





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Unread 07/22/2018, 09:38 AM   #99
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Gotcha. I’m just seeking a secure John Guest quick connect solution to attach RO tubing to the pump and the provided tubing that we have to work with.


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Unread 07/22/2018, 09:42 AM   #100
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Quote:
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Gotcha. I’m just seeking a secure John Guest quick connect solution to attach RO tubing to the pump and the provided tubing that we have to work with.
That’s what I’m looking for. I would like a smooth transition from the pump to 1/4” RODI tubing without having a lot of adapters or connections


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