Official: Masterflex Calcium Reactor Setup Thread

[tkeracer619]

Originally Posted by IUfan

Given the fact that when I turned the gas off, water filled the tube between the bubble counter and the check valve, does that indicate that there is an air leak in that section?

Yes. That shouldn't happen. Check valve should stop everything. I think it's bad or the fitting junction is damaged.

[IUfan]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

Yes. That shouldn't happen. Check valve should stop everything. I think it's bad or the fitting junction is damaged.

Fitting junction on the check valve? Or fitting junction on the bubble counter?

Here’s the fitting junction on the bubble counter, just std John guest, is there a special type that seals against gas, or do they all do that?



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[tkeracer619]

They all do that.

Somewhere between the check valve and the regulator. Check valve is also probably bad.

[scuzy]

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

They all do that.

Somewhere between the check valve and the regulator. Check valve is also probably bad.

I would say is is the flex tubing he's using that's not a good seal. Have you swap it out with a semi clear one for use in refrigerators is cheap from home Depot.


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[IUfan]

Doesn’t it have to be Co2 resistant? I’m using the tubing that AquariumPlants provides. Is the Home Depot stuff Co2 resistent?

Just ordered a new check valve from aquariumplants.




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[slief]

Originally Posted by IUfan

Doesn’t it have to be Co2 resistant? I’m using the tubing that AquariumPlants provides. Is the Home Depot stuff Co2 resistent?

Just ordered a new check valve from aquariumplants.




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I’ve used the 1/4” polyethylene tubing from Home Depot for years without issues on my reactor.

[IUfan]

This?: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...1873/207144363

I have some, if it’s safe to use, I can switch it out and see if if fixed the issue


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[slief]

Originally Posted by IUfan

This?: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt...1873/207144363

I have some, if it’s safe to use, I can switch it out and see if if fixed the issue


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Yep. Same stuff. You can get it at Home Depot, Lowes as well as many other places.

[IUfan]

Your using this on your Co2 feed line, correct?


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[slief]

Originally Posted by IUfan

Your using this on your Co2 feed line, correct?


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Yes. Also used the same stuff on a number of customer installs. It’s perfectly safe for use with Co2.

[IUfan]

Thanks all, I’ll give this a try, If that doesn’t work I’ll try the new check valve, and if that doesn’t work I’m back to square one

If anyone sees something else I’m doing wrong, let me know. Appreciate all the help I get on this thread, and apologies for taking it off topic with my troubleshooting


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[scuzy]

Those clear tube you are using it's for barb connections like barb to quick connect connectors.




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[IUfan]

This is the tubing I’m using, it’s what AquariumPlants recommended. Fingers are crossed it is the tubing

https://aquariumplants.com/products/...bing-10-length



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[IUfan]

I switched out the tubing.

I also shortened the length of tube between the check valve and the bubble counter.

It appears that there is no water entering the tube. However when I turn the gas down or lower the bubble count, and set it to a level that won’t drive my Co2 too low - the bubbles become inconsistent, and the ph slowly rises.

Here’s my PH over the last hour since changing the tube.



It’s definitely better, but still not perfect. New check valve arrives on Monday, will try that. I’ll also keep monitoring the PH - installed a new double junction ph probe today also, so won’t have to manually test PH of the effluent, and I can monitor easier. Keep you posted.


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[IUfan]

Looks like we are holding steady right now. Almost 12 hours within a 0.05 PH. (I’m targeting around 6.5 to 6.55 FYI.)



I have my Gas cranked up to 13psi, and bubble count is 3.1s.

Concerned that the Psi is quite high, previously before I tore the reactor down and moved across country, my gas setting was closer to 4psi to achieve a PH of 6.3. I’ll keep monitoring and see if it holds this PH through the next couple of days


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[scuzy]

I run mine at 3-5 psi


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[tkeracer619]

I've seen that particular check valve take a fair bit of pressure to push through it. But at least now you're on the right path. I bet once you swap out the check valve that things will be better. Saltwater probably got into it...

[IUfan]

3 days on, looks to be somewhat holding steady.

Targeting 6.60, so pretty close.





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[hkgar]

Originally Posted by IUfan

3 days on, looks to be somewhat holding steady.

Targeting 6.60, so pretty close.





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Set your program to turn off regulator at 6.4 or 6.3. Do not set a high shut off.

[IUfan]

Just to update this thread on my particular situation.

I manage to get it operating very well with the original check valve, albeit had to run significant PSI to achieve a steady PH, it did creep up slightly over time but it wasn’t too bad. I then received a new check valve (exact same model) and installed that, as you can see, same settings, it all went haywire again.



I just went to Grainger and bought this check valve: https://m.grainger.com/mobile/produc...ck-Valve-2JFY8

Installed it, same settings, here is the results so far, seems like this style of check valve will take less PSI to achieve the same PH.



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[slief]

Originally Posted by IUfan

Just to update this thread on my particular situation.

I manage to get it operating very well with the original check valve, albeit had to run significant PSI to achieve a steady PH, it did creep up slightly over time but it wasn’t too bad. I then received a new check valve (exact same model) and installed that, as you can see, same settings, it all went haywire again.



I just went to Grainger and bought this check valve: https://m.grainger.com/mobile/produc...ck-Valve-2JFY8

Installed it, same settings, here is the results so far, seems like this style of check valve will take less PSI to achieve the same PH.



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I’ve used those check valves before and while they do need less pressure to remain open, they will fail much sooner than the heavy duty ones and fail open allowing water to pass through the check valve and into the regulator.

[IUfan]

Originally Posted by slief

I’ve used those check valves before and while they do need less pressure to remain open, they will fail much sooner and fail open allowing water to pass through the check valve and into the regulator.

Which check valve do you use?


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[slief]

Originally Posted by IUfan

Which check valve do you use?


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A gray nne like your original heavy duty one. They are sold by Aquarium Plants. They typically need about 5 PSI to keep them working properly.

[IUfan]

Well crap. I’ve used 2 of those now and both have been unreliable for me.


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[slief]

Originally Posted by IUfan

Well crap. I’ve used 2 of those now and both have been unreliable for me.


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This is the one I used. Not sure if you got yours from AP or not. These are rated to open at around 3 PSI. I use these with the AP Carbon Doser regulators.
https://aquariumplants.com/products/...st-check-valve