Schuran calcium reactor users

[kurplunk]

I just wanted to get someones take on this reactor. I have had it for awhile and have never used it. I have heard stories about how hard it is to dial in from experienced reactor users. I know that it a dosing pump is needed to properly control the effluent, which i have covered with a reefdoser pump. Any issues or advice with this particular unit?

 

[iani]

The reefdoser pumps are too slow for the schuran reactor. You need a colepalmer pump that can do higher rates. Its easy to dial in with a good peristaltic pump.

 

[GreshamH]

[quote author=iani link=topic=6692.msg86315#msg86315 date=1236194111]
The reefdoser pumps are too slow for the schuran reactor. You need a colepalmer pump that can do higher rates. Its easy to dial in with a good peristaltic pump.
[/quote]

That's a bit confusing as numerous Cole Palmers are way to slow/little

Cole Palmer is just one brand and they actually make nothing but rather rebrand.

Look for 100+ RPM model, not 10-100 rpm and get a head that can handle 1/4" tubing.

 

[iani]

Thats true Gresham. Daniel you need to find a cole palmer (parmer) with a variable speed of 6-600 rpm. Ebay is normally the best place to find them.

 

[GreshamH]

with a 1/4" head.

Ebay sucks for them X-labs is a much better place when they have them

http://www.labx.com/

Ebay people think they are worth 5x's what used ones should sell for. If you pay more then $50 - 100 for a beater you've been ripped off. Quick release heads are the best and be sure to get new tubing.

 

[kurplunk]

So 800ml/hr is too slow?

 

[iani]

Just to give you an idea I do like ~100ml a min. I only have my co2 on for 12 hrs a day though.

 

[kurplunk]

Will the effluent clog up? Is that the reason for such a high rate?

 

[iani]

At 800ml/hr I doubt your calcium reactor will be able to keep up your kH and calcium in your tank.

 

[GreshamH]

Ditto what Ian just said

 

[kurplunk]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cole-Parmer-Masterflex-Pump-7543-Quick-Load-Peristalic_W0QQitemZ380106590897QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item380106590897&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Do you think this one will work?

 

[drdoolittle]

Like Ian, i do mines at 100ml/min. But since my Solenoid sucks/leaking. I leave my co2 on 24/7.

 

[GreshamH]

[quote author=kurplunk link=topic=6692.msg86596#msg86596 date=1236286511]
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cole-Parmer-Masterflex-Pump-7543-Quick-Load-Peristalic_W0QQitemZ380106590897QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item380106590897&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Do you think this one will work?
[/quote]

Says nothing on the page about the model so use this:
http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/product_view.asp?sku=0702124&pfx=EW
http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/product_view.asp?sku=0754301&pfx=EW

From looking at the pump alone that won't get you anywhere close to what you need (4.8 mL/min)
http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/charts/charts.asp?cht=5&sku=0754301&sch=352

 

[iani]

That won't work. You want a variable speed pump.

 

[fishez4alivin]

This is what I use, it variable speed and the EasyLoad2 L/S pumphead is the best one to use. I wouldnt pay that much for it, I paid a total of 110 for the pump and pumphead. You need to just keep an eye out for those deals though. Since most Ebay sellers try to get top dollar for those pumps.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Peristaltic-lab-pump-Masterflex-Easyload-7553-80_W0QQitemZ120384040782QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_Pumps?hash=item120384040782&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50