Converting a maxi jet 1200 for pump on calcium reactor

Aquattro · #1 01-07-2016, 10:18 PM

Where does the air come from? Shouldn't be any air in the return line or your tank would be full of bubbles!

LeanneP · #2 01-07-2016, 10:25 PM

Okay, actually, I had it plumbed into the line going from sump to the chiller. I put a T in the line. Would it make a difference which one it was in? There was air coming in from somewhere. I am definitely not a plumber so I figured a pump might be easier

Aquattro · #3 01-07-2016, 10:52 PM

Chiller line should work as well. I can't see where air is getting in, unless the pump intake is right beside the skimmer output. I use my return line and no air gets in at all. A pump could work, but I'd get a small pond pump over a maxijet. Either way, you'll need to rig up some connection to the pump.

iamfrontosa · #4 01-08-2016, 04:07 AM

I am also using a maxi jet 1200 to feed my calcium reactor .. I like the extra flow in the sump that the maxi jet gives out.

iamfrontosa · #5 01-08-2016, 04:24 AM

I used the plumbing glue to connect the feed line to the power head air line slot (seems to be holding well so far); I also added a valve to regulate the amount of flow into the feed line and, If I need to clean the power head, I can just disconnect here. On the powerhead outlet end, I used a clear vinyl tube with another valve. I am not at home right now, otherwise, I would take a picture how I got mine done.

LeanneP · #6 01-08-2016, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamfrontosa

I used the plumbing glue to connect the feed line to the power head air line slot (seems to be holding well so far); I also added a valve to regulate the amount of flow into the feed line and, If I need to clean the power head, I can just disconnect here. On the powerhead outlet end, I used a clear vinyl tube with another valve. I am not at home right now, otherwise, I would take a picture how I got mine done.

Thanks Ian. So just to clarify, you are using the smaller hole for the feed line to the ca reactor. It seems like it would be easier to use the larger powerhead outlet for the reactor line because I already have the fitting for it but I am guessing then there would be too much flow and pressure? Good idea about using the valves to regulate the flow. Are you just using regular plumbing glue? Thanks for your help. I wasn't thinking of valves so that answers my question about regulating the flow. Wish me luck as this has been never ending to setting up this reactor. Everything seems to have gone wrong. Thanks again.

mike31154 · #7 01-08-2016, 04:45 PM

I realize you already have the maxijet, but thought it worth mentioning I use an AquaClear powerhead (similar to maxijet) to feed my skimmer. The AquaClears have a lever at the intake side that allows you to regulate the output. Not sure it could be throttled down enough for your purpose, but would certainly keep the plumbing situation simpler, which is usually a good thing. Similar price as a maxijet, so not a huge investment if you can find one.

iamfrontosa · #8 01-09-2016, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeanneP

Thanks Ian. So just to clarify, you are using the smaller hole for the feed line to the ca reactor. It seems like it would be easier to use the larger powerhead outlet for the reactor line because I already have the fitting for it but I am guessing then there would be too much flow and pressure? Good idea about using the valves to regulate the flow. Are you just using regular plumbing glue? Thanks for your help. I wasn't thinking of valves so that answers my question about regulating the flow. Wish me luck as this has been never ending to setting up this reactor. Everything seems to have gone wrong. Thanks again.

Yep. Smaller hole (ones supposed to be for air intake) for the feed line. I just use a regular plumbing glue for PVC pipe. The powerhead outlet would be too much for a feed line. I was always worried that the feed line would come off, but so far so good. if I have to do it all again, I would probably use a Heat Shrinkable Sleeve in addition for extra measure.

I use the valve on the powerhead outlet end to control the actual flow to the feed line, and valve on the feed line to tweak actual flow (drip rate or ml/min). Having two valves make things easier.

For my specific system, I am running Co2 at 35 bubble/min. Flow rate at 50 ml/min. I have a Vertex Rx-6D. My system is ~150gallons. Medium stock with mostly SPSs. My water always runs stable at 125ppm / 7dkH.