Vertex Calcium Reactor - Owner's Club

cale262 · #1 04-29-2011, 04:53 PM

Thanks for the tips. I have the 4 which I'm going to swap into my system this wkend, it's currently running in the sink with vinegar/rodi. My plan was to run it internally which is good as I've already found a couple leaks. The pump is very noisey, I was hoping it would quiet down as it breaks in, my IN-180 skimmer was the same way for the first few days. I'm not planning to use a pump to feed it, the calc reactor in my system now is running via syphon, so the plan is to use the same line already in place. I have a container of the coarse ARM and ZeoMag, Arm for the main and Mag for the secondary. I think I'm running my reactor with a target PH of 6.0, I'll have to confirm on my controller when I get home but it's working well now.

Bblinks · #2 06-28-2011, 07:03 PM

Hey guys, I am in the Vertex Club.

Bought it on the weekend after a month of research. Thanks to Brad for helping me make up my mind and picked the Vertex over Geo and Deltec. I will get some pictures up as soon as I get a chance.

tankmates · #3 06-29-2011, 02:54 AM

hey guys, I fired mine in today, using maxijet 1200, but water keeps poping out of the ph probe area? what am i doing wrong...

abcha0s · #4 06-29-2011, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankmates

hey guys, I fired mine in today, using maxijet 1200, but water keeps poping out of the ph probe area? what am i doing wrong...

Welcome to the club!

Generally speaking, my Vertex reactor is fairly water tight. There is some minor salt creep at a couple of the John Guest connections, but nothing major and nothing that worries me.

My guess is that you are missing the round rubber band (washer/o-ring/thingy) that fits around your pH probe? Without this band, the probe holder would not work.

If you are not missing the band, but it is still leaking, try fitting the original plug back in and see if the problem persists. If it leaks with the original plug in place, then something isn't right. Check the threads to make sure they aren't stripped or damaged.

Please let us know how you make out and post any tips you discover.

- Brad

tankmates · #5 06-29-2011, 04:08 AM

I did not get any ring with my PH probe and I believe that is what I am missing here, any idea what will fit in? Also, I don have the original plug..but i do feel the ring is what it is

abcha0s · #6 06-29-2011, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankmates

I did not get any ring with my PH probe and I believe that is what I am missing here, any idea what will fit in? Also, I don have the original plug..but i do feel the ring is what it is

So, here's the bad news. The ring seal that you are looking for comes fitted onto the plug that comes with the unit. If you can't find the plug, that might explain why you can't find the ring. I expect they are in the same place.

You might be able to DIY a new ring. Of course it would help to know what the original ring looks like. If anyone can snap a photo of this before bringing their reactor online, please post it..

If you would like, I can see if we could special order the part for you. You will end up paying way too much for a $0.99 part, but at least your reactor will work. Before we go there, let's see whether anyone can post a picture of the ring seal that you are looking for.

- Brad

Bblinks · #7 06-29-2011, 09:10 PM

Here is my set up. I know the stand is pretty ugly looking, but its rock solid. I also modded the recirculation tube that goes from the top of the main chamber to pump intake tube with a tee and a valve so I can release the excess co2 build-up without making a mess and get rid of the annoying pump drawing too much air or co2 noise. Well, the reactor is in the garage so it really doesn't matter if it was a bit loud. I am lucky that there is a drain right below my reactor and the chiller, so even if I make a mess or if there is any leakage, it would go right into the drain.
So far I love the reactor, easily setup with no leaks at all. My ph in the chamber is around 6.5-6.6 which is controlled by my apex. effluent is a steady drip with no breaks. I have monitored my ph in the display tank and it has been solid, minor swing from 8.05-8.20 during a 24 hour period. My tank is a pig when it comes to cal/alk intake, so hopefully it will be able to keep up.

Bblinks · #8 06-29-2011, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankmates

I did not get any ring with my PH probe and I believe that is what I am missing here, any idea what will fit in? Also, I don have the original plug..but i do feel the ring is what it is

The oring that came with the unit is silicone based, but I think you can use a regular oring used in the automotive trade for the time being. If I were you I would get a replacement one from where ever you bought the reactor from. You don't want to be worried about a 2 dollar part that may or may not cause you a leak when you couldve replaced with the original piece if you could've waited. I am sure your lfs would just give you the oring they have in stock and replace it when there order comes in. I know the boys at my lfs would.