MasterFlex Head With Generic DC Motor To Drive It?

TheClark · May 27, 2015

I have been reading the calcium reactor threads that use a masterflex pump to drive calcium reactors for very precise effluent flow.

In one thread on another forum, someone suggested you can use a masterflex head, but another DC motor to drive them and PWM control. That is appealing if possible from the cost perspective. Even used these pumps can cost quite a bit.

Anyone else heard of this or had experience with it? I am quite interested if so...

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kireek · Jun 1, 2015

I have no experience with these pumps but I am sure someone else may be able to help you [HASHTAG]#REEFSQUAD[/HASHTAG]!

143MPCo · Jun 13, 2015

I think @d2mini has experience with this pump, let see if he's around.

d2mini · Jun 13, 2015

I have a few of these but they are full CP pumps.
The cheapest way to go for the CaRx would be one with a brushed motor. The one I picked up has the digital display but it's brushed.
Brushless are quieter but they get pricey.
If you are patient, you can usually fine one used for around $200-250 with an Easy Load head.
I got one without the digital display with the head for $200. And I got one with the digital display without a head for $195. Used heads go for $60-100.
I use the digital one for my CaRx and the standard one with two heads for my auto water changes. Both are 200 rpm max drives.
Then i picked up a cheap 20 rpm fixed drive to use as my ATO pump. I think it was $99.