CaRX pump

[zed102]

I am looking for a reliable pump for my calcium reactor. Is anyone using this pump?

https://www.coleparmer.com/i/stenne...-feed-peristaltic-pump-85-gpd-115-vac/7420640

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

No experience with that one, but at that price, I hope it's reliable! This seems like a lot more than you should be needing. I'm sure you can find some more than adequate options for far less investment.

 

[jda]

Kangaroo 224 & 324 is an older pump, but VERY reliable - you could check eBay for one. They make newer ones that are also hospital/surgery grade, but they are more expensive than the Masterflex below. 224 & 324 was all the rage in the 1990s and 2000s. There are threads out there about making them work for a reef.

Masterflex is the current reasonably priced model that people like.

I have never heard of that pump before you posted it, but it looks promising.

There are still a ton of people who use a Tee off of the mainline, or a small pump like a MaxiJet or QuietOne.

Edit: added 224 as a Kangaroo model.

 

[zed102]

Thanks I will take a look at those. I was interested in the cole parmer because I have found them new for about $250. I was hoping some folks had some experience with them.

 

[Wrasse-cal]

Which Cole Parmer were you looking at?

I am considering this: https://www.coleparmer.com/i/stenne...ltic-pump-80-psi-21-7-gpd-120-v-60-hz/7420906

I am not sure though if there is something better out there. VERY interested to get recommendations.

 

[Water Dog]

Thanks I will take a look at those. I was interested in the cole parmer because I have found them new for about $250. I was hoping some folks had some experience with them.

The pump you provided in your link is a fixed speed Stenner peristaltic pump. I’ve seen people use the dual head version of that pump to perform AWCs. For CaRx use, you want to be looking at the variable speed Masterflex or Watson Marlow peristaltic pumps.

 

[Wrasse-cal]

Thanks. Why variable speed? Wouldn’t I want the effluent to be at a constant rate?

 

[Wrasse-cal]

Thanks. Why variable speed? Wouldn’t I want the effluent to be at a constant rate?

 

[Water Dog]

There are several different methods of running a CaRx. You can use the constant drip, variable pH method. In this method, you don’t necessarily need a peristaltic pump as you can use an MJ1200 or a manifold off of your return.


Or you can go with the more traditional method of keeping your reactor pH between 6.5 - 6.7 and dialing in the appropriate effluent drip rate for your tank’s consumption needs. In using this method IMO, a variable speed peristaltic pump like a Masterflex or Watson Marlow is invaluable to maintain a consistent drip rate without the annoyance of having the effluent line clogging every few weeks (especially at the slower drip rates).

 

[Wrasse-cal]

There are several different methods of running a CaRx. You can use the constant drip, variable pH method. In this method, you don’t necessarily need a peristaltic pump as you can use an MJ1200 or a manifold off of your return.


Or you can go with the more traditional method of keeping your reactor pH between 6.5 - 6.7 and dialing in the appropriate effluent drip rate for your tank’s consumption needs. In using this method IMO, a variable speed peristaltic pump like a Masterflex or Watson Marlow is invaluable to maintain a consistent drip rate without the annoyance of having the effluent line clogging every few weeks (especially at the slower drip rates).

I was planning on using the constant drip, variable ph method. Sounds like the manifold would be the cheaper (and equally good?) option.

 

[Water Dog]

While that Stenner pump is industrial duty and very reliable, it is also very loud. If you do go with a manifold feed like in the video, make sure you have sufficient flow from the effluent line to avoid clogging.

 

[Water Dog]

While that Stenner pump is industrial duty and very reliable, it is also very loud. If you do go with a manifold feed like in the video, make sure you have sufficient flow from the effluent line to avoid clogging.