Feed pump for vertex calcium reactor

[11f150]

Looking for suggestions for a feed pump for the current vertex calcium reactor that is out. I remember coming across the recommended pump somewhere but can’t seem to find it now. I am going the constant flow method. I would like to stick with sicce but not sure what gph I need.

Thanks

 

[GoVols]

I run the constant flow method with my 2 stage GEO.

Running the Sicce 1.5 for the feed pump.

 

[SneakyTortuga]

I run the constant flow method with my 2 stage GEO.

Running the Sicce 1.5 for the feed pump.

Have you seen any issues running the sicce 1.5 feed pump with consistency?

 

[jda]

I have run the same type of pump, but different kinds with Ehiem, QuietOne, MaxiJet over the years. They have been reliable for me with years and years of service (not bad for a $25-30 pump). The output can get clogged when the media gets really small, but this is true of any pump.

Here is my current pump of choice. I use 2-part putty on one of the output fittings to secure the small line:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LIFEGARD-Q...373906&hash=item1c94a9a4ab:g:tQoAAOSwdSNZ4MpG

 

[dannyfish]

From my experience using QuietOne, they’re not that quiet. I switched to Danner return pumps and I’m never going back.

 

[reeftivo]

maxijet 1200 here

feeds fine using constant flow method. just need to mod the adapter a little. i expanded the air intake stem on the adapter with a drill so it would relieve back pressure on the pump, yet still push plenty of water to the reactor.
helps with sump circulation a lot. No issues! No clogs. I also use a foam prefilter off the intake just to keep junk from entering the reactor.

 

[Sumo]

Can you explain how they connect the feeding pump?

Can you show a picture?

Thank you.

 

[reeftivo]

Can you explain how they connect the feeding pump?

Can you show a picture?

Thank you.

what kind of reactor and what pump do you have or are considering?

peristaltic like masterflex, kamoer continuous duty or just a submersible?

 

[Sumo]

The reactor is a Bubble Magus CR120WP. I do not have access to a continuous peristaltic, I'm going to use only a submersible pump, but I do not know how to connect it. I'm from Uruguay and here it's very difficult to get everything.

 

[reeftivo]

i'm not familiar with that model but this video should help

you can use a cobalt aquatics MJ1200 for the feed pump but you will need to do some DIY (do it yourself) for the connections. the MJ pump will have an adapter that pushes onto the outlet and you would want to use that. it has a larger port for the outflow and a smaller 90 degree hole off the side (intended for air intake). that smaller 90 degree hole should be left open to relieve back pressure on the pump and it will add circulation to the sump if placed downwards or sideways. The larger hole off the pump is where you will do some DIY for the RO fitting to the reactor.

I took a John Guess fitting i had laying around in my parts box that had a 3/8 inch threaded male end and RO slip socket on the other end. I used PVC hot glue and pressed the threaded part of the JG fitting into the adapter and let it set up over night. After that, it was just a plug and play scenario. Place the pump in the sump with the provided suction cups or optional magnet adapters, push the RO tubing into the pump output and connect to the RO connector at the top of the reactor (in video). Note!!! This is NOT a good option for the drip method of dosing since there is greater chance of clogging using a submersible over a peristaltic pump. BUT, this is a great option for the stream method (controller recommended) of using a CA rx because you have a slow constant flow of effluent which wont clog like a drip . You can google the stream method with controller for setting up a calcium reactor or i can find the video. There are also some pics for setting up the MJ pump but the best thing would be to go to a hardware store and take the adapter from the MJ pump with you. Then you can match the RO fitting with the adapter right in the store to make sure you get the right fit.

 

[reeftivo]

an old Meleves article that may help. there's some good pics of some RO fittings to use and an MJ pump applied
https://www.melevsreef.com/articles/how-to-set-up-a-calcium-reactor

I'll try and post a pic of my MJ set up when i get home from work later

 

[Sumo]

Thank you very much, you are very kind.

 

[reeftivo]

Thank you very much, you are very kind.

you're welcome . I've had a lot of help along the way ;Happy

 

[reeftivo]

a poor picture i tried on my cell, but you may get the idea

 

[reeftivo]

good video on the stream method for CaRx dosing. Super easy and doesn't clog using power head instead of peristaltic pump


only thing with this method is that you may need to get a cheap secondary chamber that will help control pH.

i run this and it works perfect
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/repl...r-for-calcium-and-nitrate-reactors-skimz.html

pH runs at 8.1-8.2, alk is at 8.2 constant with Ca at 450 all the time. Slow steady stream just faster than a drip with NO clogs.

 

[jda]

Ever since that video came out, I have spent countless hours helping people who have tried that method...and countless more pleading for people not to start. You can do better with reliability, output and tank pH if you don't do it this way.

 

[reeftivo]

Ever since that video came out, I have spent countless hours helping people who have tried that method...and countless more pleading for people not to start. You can do better with reliability, output and tank pH if you don't do it this way.

i guess i'm the lucky one since it has worked for me for over a year now with no issues

 

[jda]

I can believe that. What I usually see is people who have a few more years, larger and more full tanks and are getting exasperated about how poorly it is working with either low tank Ph, or inconsistent output or not able to keep up... or all of those things. For those of us who have super large demands and a few decades of CaRx use, that video is a joke. Hollar when you need more out of the unit and we can help you tune it.

 

[reeftivo]

I can believe that. What I usually see is people who have a few more years, larger and more full tanks and are getting exasperated about how poorly it is working with either low tank Ph, or inconsistent output or not able to keep up... or all of those things. For those of us who have super large demands and a few decades of CaRx use, that video is a joke. Hollar when you need more out of the unit and we can help you tune it.

10-4

thanks ;Happy