Reef safe peristatic pump lube

Cory · Dec 21, 2016

Just wondering whats a good choice to lube the peristatic pump hose and roller cage?

I dont want any getting inside the tank because I frequently have the hose rip every month or two.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 22, 2016

I would expect that silicone oil is a fine one to use. Any lubricant might swell the tubing slightly, changing the delivered volume a bit.

Cory · Dec 22, 2016

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
I would expect that silicone oil is a fine one to use. Any lubricant might swell the tubing slightly, changing the delivered volume a bit.

Thanks. Not sure where to buy it locally, probably have to order online. Ive got some silicone spray but i think its different than what yiu suggest. It even has a poison symbol on it.

cope413 · Dec 22, 2016

It's probably fine once the solvents flash off.

Cory · Dec 22, 2016

cope413 said:
It's probably fine once the solvents flash off.

You think the silicone spray is fine? Here is the msds https://www.wd40company.com/files/p...water-resistant-silicone-lubricant-us-ghs.pdf

Why would they put propane in it? lol

delta_G · Dec 22, 2016

The propane is there as a propellant to make it spray out of the can.

Cory · Dec 22, 2016

Im curious if i cant find silicone grease, could i use canola oil, or sodium silicate? Lol

cope413 · Dec 23, 2016

No canola oil. That'll go rancid.

You'll be able to find silicone oil. If not, dry PTFE lube would likely work too. PTFE is reef safe.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 23, 2016

Cory said:
Im curious if i cant find silicone grease, could i use canola oil, or sodium silicate? Lol

Sodium silicate won't be a lubricant except on your skin where it converts your skin fat to fatty acids (soaps).

Cory · Dec 23, 2016

Lol. So is that a yes, no or maybe on the wd-40 silicone spray i posted Randy?

BlueCursor · Dec 23, 2016

Good scuba dive shops also have silicone lube. But make sure it's the type that says 100% silicone on it. The normal stuff is not what you want.

When using Nitrox breathing air, especially high O2% mixes for decompression, you have to use the special silicone lube. It doesn't ignite like the other lube.

cope413 · Dec 23, 2016

Here you go.

$6. 100% silicone.
https://www.amazon.com/LifeSpan-100...517840&sr=8-3&keywords=100+silicone+lubricant

jason2459 · Dec 23, 2016

Cory said:
Just wondering whats a good choice to lube the peristatic pump hose and roller cage?

I dont want any getting inside the tank because I frequently have the hose rip every month or two.

What kind of peristaltic pump are you using that the tube is ripping open every month? I've used the same BRS 1.1ml/m pump for vinegar dosing for many years now (5-6ish I think) and have never had a tube rip open or off the pump. You should replace the tubes about every year or so and keep them lubricated but you are experiencing something way to frequent.

FWIW, I haven't followed my advice because a diagnosed medical problem called LARS and my peristaltic pump's tubes have not been swapped out ever and never have been lubricated those many years mentioned. Still running fine.

Cory · Dec 23, 2016

jason2459 said:
What kind of peristaltic pump are you using that the tube is ripping open every month? I've used the same BRS 1.1ml/m pump for vinegar dosing for many years now (5-6ish I think) and have never had a tube rip open or off the pump. You should replace the tubes about every year or so and keep them lubricated but you are experiencing something way to frequent.

FWIW, I haven't followed my advice because a diagnosed medical problem called LARS and my peristaltic pump's tubes have not been swapped out ever and never have been lubricated those many years mentioned. Still running fine.

Yeah it seems weird i agree. Sometimes i wonder if its working right. Its an Avast Marine version. Im using some "silicone" tube from home depot. The hose it came with was black and is like 8$ a little peice.

Cory · Dec 23, 2016

cope413 said:
Here you go.

$6. 100% silicone.
https://www.amazon.com/LifeSpan-100...517840&sr=8-3&keywords=100+silicone+lubricant

Id rather buy it locally because of the shipping cost.

jason2459 · Dec 23, 2016

Cory said:
Yeah it seems weird i agree. Sometimes i wonder if its working right. Its an Avast Marine version. Im using some "silicone" tube from home depot. The hose it came with was black and is like 8$ a little peice.

I have not had good experiences with avast's pumps. Love their neck cleaner and lockers.

I've had 2 peristaltic pumps go out on me and a diaphragm pump leak. Never had one run long enough to know if the tube will split in a month. Sounds like there's a tolerance issue with the rollers or bad tube materials.

Swoody · Dec 23, 2016

Food Grade Glycerin is all you need....just a few drops as needed will do.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 23, 2016

Cory said:
Lol. So is that a yes, no or maybe on the wd-40 silicone spray i posted Randy?

WD-40 does not disclose its ingredients, so that's a no.

Cory · Dec 23, 2016

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
WD-40 does not disclose its ingredients, so that's a no.

The product i have shows it in the msds i posted no?

https://www.wd40company.com/files/p...water-resistant-silicone-lubricant-us-ghs.pdf

redfishbluefish · Dec 23, 2016

I first question what tubing you are using on your pumps that they get ripped up in a month. Tubing for peristaltic pumps is a specialized silicone based tubing. You can't just use any old latex or rubber tubing. I've also never lubed my tubing on my pumps. But if I had to, I'd use a NON-PETROLEUM based lubricant....such as Plumber's Grease found at your local HD or hardware store. Just make sure it's non- petroleum based. I personally use Leslie's Pool and Spa Lube....it's the least expensive for a life-time supply. Been using it for over 20 years on both freshwater and saltwater rubber parts (and my pool).