CaRx feed pump - Advice needed

[GarrettT]

I'm using the Sicce 0.5 as my feed pump (no peristaltic), and my drip rate is all over the place. Anyone else using this pump experience inconsistencies? After about 12 hours the drip rate is cut in half.

I know many recommend Maxi-Jet, which I assume was the older model manufactured in Italy. Anyone have success with these newer Maxi-jets?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I'm using the Sicce 0.5 as my feed pump (no peristaltic), and my drip rate is all over the place. Anyone else using this pump experience inconsistencies? After about 12 hours the drip rate is cut in half.

I know many recommend Maxi-Jet, which I assume was the older model manufactured in Italy. Anyone have success with these newer Maxi-jets?

I use a tom lift pump which is quiet and consistent on my unit

 

[jmichaelh7]

I'm using the Sicce 0.5 as my feed pump (no peristaltic), and my drip rate is all over the place. Anyone else using this pump experience inconsistencies? After about 12 hours the drip rate is cut in half.

I know many recommend Maxi-Jet, which I assume was the older model manufactured in Italy. Anyone have success with these newer Maxi-jets?

I use this pump. Keep adjusting it until it is steady drip 1-2 per sec

I have yet to get a peristaltic pump... i was on the fence about it and almost got one but ive been running carx with out for 2-4 months now with success.

My only issue is the ro tubing coming from the pump to the carx ... there is a adapter you need

 

[GarrettT]

I use this pump. Keep adjusting it until it is steady drip 1-2 per sec

I have yet to get a peristaltic pump... i was on the fence about it and almost got one but ive been running carx with out for 2-4 months now with success.

My only issue is the ro tubing coming from the pump to the carx ... there is a adapter you need

How often does it fluctuate? Do you leave the Sicce’s adjustable intake wide open or partially shut?

 

[jmichaelh7]

it doesnt anymore. Initially i had the adjuster on the carx It was pinched a little tight so i would come back and it was completely stopped. I opened the valve and got the drip going again, and let it flow a little more until it was consistent every 2-3 hours i'd check to make sure it was still dripping. once that was dialed in i moved to the bubble count . You dont need to spend $300 for a pump to do this for you. its possible to manually do it, several people do

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

my advice is if you always want to tinker and have a potential uneven flow keep using normal pumps
if you want to set it and forget it get a peristaltic pump
ive ran both ways for decades both can work, one needs way more manual input from the reefkeeper

 

[StevePhx]

The actual flow of the CaRx with the Sicce is going to be much closer to what you are seeing after 12 hours. You just need to set it based on this amount. You don’t say if you are using a needle valve or not. I’m guessing you are and this is what’s causing the reduction. It slowly builds up sediment from the reactor.

I used a Sicce 2.0 without a needle valve and adjusted the pH in the unit to control my alkalinity.
I was going so far that I had different pHs set for day and night to account for alk usage.
Peristaltic pumps just couldn’t keep up with the demand of my tank even wide open.

 

[GarrettT]

The actual flow of the CaRx with the Sicce is going to be much closer to what you are seeing after 12 hours. You just need to set it based on this amount. You don’t say if you are using a needle valve or not. I’m guessing you are and this is what’s causing the reduction. It slowly builds up sediment from the reactor.

I used a Sicce 2.0 without a needle valve and adjusted the pH in the unit to control my alkalinity.
I was going so far that I had different pHs set for day and night to account for alk usage.
Peristaltic pumps just couldn’t keep up with the demand of my tank even wide open.

Are you saying adjust and then after 12 hours, this will be your true flow rate? I run a prefilter on the effluent with a pinch valve after it.

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

what demand can a peristaltic pump not keep up with? they make all sized. my masterflex pumps are up to 3.4 liters per minute.

 

[YOYOYOReefer]

Are you saying adjust and the. after 12 hours, this will be your true flow rate? I run a prefilter on the effluent with a pinch valve after it.

yes hes saying to let it run for a day before trying to adjust it as it will settle out, then adjust it.. problem is, any dirt, calcium , grime, algae, etc that gets in the path readjust it again.. you always want to keep an eye on it if your set up this way especially for the first few weeks.

 

[jmichaelh7]

get in a habit to watch the drip every now and then to see if it stops.

i usually check on my refugium every other day and take a glance at the drip