Aquabee Deltec mod attempt

[ickmagnet]

I just bought a Deltec PF601 CA Reactor off this site and realized the pump doesn't work. I did the vinegar thing but still no luck. Needless to say, not happy about what I thought was a great deal.

I called the Deltec rep in Canada and they want $230 for this pump which seems quite a bit of money for a pump with such a notorious history. Besides, I only paid $300 for the Ca reactor. It is an aquabee 2000. I seen some of these at Bulk Reef Supply for $100 but it looks like these have a different impeller and may not work properly with the CA reactor.

So, I've decided to do the mod to an ehiem 1260 as per this link:
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/...-601-601s.html

The only problem is, the guy who did it seems to think that the Deltec PF601 comes with an aquabee 3000 when in fact, it is a 2000. The eheim 1260 is a 640gph pump while the aquabee is approx 528gph (converting 2000 liters/hr). Would this affect the calcium reactor negatively. Would it be too much flow? Any other pump suggestions? There is an eheim 2000 that has an adjustbale speed of 264gph-528gph. Would this be a better fit? Anyone know anything about pump? The 1260 seems more "heavy duty".

[The Codfather]

Sure the 1260 would be fine, you could place a valve on the discharge side and dial it down a bit. Or use the 2000, it's not as "heavy duty" but it's just recirculating the water in the reactor.

[ickmagnet]

Would restricting the flow on the 1260 cause any damage?

[The Codfather]

As long as you valve the discharge side and not the suction side, it'll be fine.

[ickmagnet]

Thanks, maybe I'll just go for the Eheim 2000 as it is pretty much identical in terms of specs to the aquabee.

[BlueTang<3]

great find i have the same reactor and just waiting for the pump to crap out on it. As Bob stated the pump is only for recalculation. I would almost think bigger would be better as it would churn the media a little better the pump on there seems a little too weak right now as it is.

[ickmagnet]

I think what I'll do is join that site and ask that guy how is mod is working out for him. I'll get back to you guys.

[BlueTang<3]

Yeah i would like to hear. I would not use the jb weld tho i don't think that is too reef safe.

[Marlin65]

I had the same problem finding one for my skimmer and ordered one from the US but I got no response from the company and then ended up buying one off a member on this board. A week later the new on showed up so now I have two.
It is the 2000l though the needle wheel. If it will work for you I can sell it to you with shipping and duty I think it came to $170 PM me if you want it.

[ickmagnet]

I got a response from the guy and this is what he said:

Question 1. Does the bigger pump make any difference on the performance?

You can add a ball valve to lower the output of the eheim. Other than making the reactor more cloudy, I don't really see any issues with a higher flow rate.

2. The second question is the obvious one, how is everything working out for you?

I am very happy with the mod. I have switched to ARM media instead of the deltec ROWA C+ or whatever it is called. It dissolves much easier and tends to turn muddy a lot sooner. The added power of the eheim helps to push the water throught IMO.