Calcium Reactor effluent stops flowing.

[stubbsz]

My k2R Reactor is now installed and running.

Getting the bubble rate to what I want is no problem but getting the effluent to drip at the rate I want and not to completely stop dripping is a problem.

I set it up and it drips away and a number of hours later, i will look at it will be stopped. I open the valve and air normally sucks back into the the tube... I have to suck it back out to start the effluent flowing again... and then adjust it to a drip rate that I want.

Something is wrong here but I'm not exactly sure what.
-Adrian

 

[stubbsz]

More info: I see that after it stops and I open up the valve, it just seems to suck air back into the reactor. I have to suck it all the way out and start a good flow to stop it filling the reactor with air... it's as though a the pressure in there is to low... pump not able to draw more water into the system for some reason?

Frustrating as hell

 

[Anonymous]

How are you feeding the reactor?

 

[stubbsz]

The pump that circulates the water in the reactor also draws the water from the sump.

 

[Anonymous]

That seems weird. I am not familiar with the model reactor you have but usually there are two pumps to a reactor, one that recirculates the water and one that pumps water into the reactor.

If it is recirculating the water, how is it drawing water from the sump?

 

[stubbsz]

As well as return water going back into the pump. There is a T fitting; C02 enters on side, the other has a tube that goes into the sump. My Reactor is sitting in the sump but its a squeeze so it is above the water in the sump... the water has to go up hill a couple of inches. I guess the pump may just not be up to recirculating and getting enough suck to get that water into the reactor... I just figured the flow of effluent from the reactor would be a pretty small volume. It is the pump that is supposed to come with the reactor.

 

[Anonymous]

I would guess that the tube that goes into the sump is supposed to have a pump on it to feed the reactor, but I am not really following your discription. Do you have a pic of your set up?

 

[stubbsz]

Not according to my understanding and what I see and hear about it.. including from the guy I bought it from.

It would be nice to get hold of Manufacturers documentation to try and figure these kind of issues out though.

I see Marine Depot sell 'em. I'll drop the guys there a line and see what they can tell me... maybe a contact for the manufacturer!

A decent picture will have to wait... gonna be hard to show the relevant shot as it's half in a sump!

However, if this works and I attach the photo correctly ( from an old ebay Ad) if you can zoom in you will see at the front of the pump is the T.. RHS going to a bubble counter, LHS going toward his kitchen and this is just supposed to go into the sump to supply water.

Thanks
-Adrian

 

[stubbsz]

The guy from Marine Depot said it really needs a gravity feed or a tiny pump to feed it ( not that they mention that in the write-up). Pretty much in line with what you are saying. Anyone had any luck with the...

" Aqua Lifter Vacuum Pump AW-20 by TOM " to feed a calcium reactor?
It's cheap... not the total issue here but I think it's all I need.

-Adrian

 

[Anonymous]

I use one on my Korallin reactor and never really had any issues with it. I'd spend the extra three bucks and get the filter. I've had little snails and debris get in the intake and clog the feed line.

 

[Anonymous]

I would feed it with a small maxi jet powerhead. Cheap and reliable.

You may have to so some plumbing reduction and put some kind of valve on it to control the flow.

 

[reefland]

I have the same reactor. You do need to feed it with a pump. I use a mini-jet 404 (little brother to the maxijet line) and then use a mini ball value on the output to control flow rate. The pump has an adjustment on it to reduce flow down if needed.

You have to be careful not to over pressurize the chamber as the seal on top is cheap and will leak water. Overall I'm not thrilled with the unit, overpriced even years ago when I got it. If I was getting a reactor today it would not be this one.

 

[stubbsz]

Thanks all. The little aqua lifter is working like a charm. Shame that the info I could get on the pump always implied that no feed pump was needed. CoralFarms.com kindly sent me the instructions for the unit that stress that things are much easier with a feed pump and not to rely on siphon or gravity.

And thanks Rich for your most wonderful standpipes. I can hear myself think while in the room with the tank thanks to your design.

-Adrian

I did get the pre-filter by the way