Vertex Calcium Reactor - Owner's Club

[Bblinks]

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.

[Bblinks]

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]

Hey guy, I ran into some issues with my co2. After a week and a half I am already out of co2. what gives? I checked for leaks but came up empty. ph has been steady 6.5 in the reactor. Does anyone have any ideas or can some one tell me how long a 10lb bottle should last?

Thanks Rich

[cale262]

My last 5lb lasted me a little more than a 6 months and I was using it on a planted tank for 6 months before that...

[Bblinks]

Thanks for the reply, I'll check for leaks again.

[abcha0s]

I also think the tank should last for much longer. Is it possible the tank wasn't filled properly?

If there is a leak, it would have to be before (or at) the bubble counter.

- Brad

[Bblinks]

I got some special stuff from work that checks tire leaks. I will try it when I get home with a full tank. I am hoping for a leak, but if I can find it then I might have some serious issues.

[apexifd]

did you use silicone hose for the co2 line?

my half filled 5 lbs last about 3 month+, might be longer but I was going to go on holiday, and I don't think the wife will be nice enough to fill up the co2 tank while I was gone. So, better make sure I have a full bottle before I left.

although I only have 1/3 of water volume, therefore less demand.

btw, R6 rules

[Bblinks]

I found the leak...there is a pin hole in the vinyl tubing where it meets the silicone hose. I guess I must of missed it when I checked it the first time. All problems solved. Thanks guys for your input.

btw r6 is a good beginer's bike.

Originally Posted by apexifd

did you use silicone hose for the co2 line?

my half filled 5 lbs last about 3 month+, might be longer but I was going to go on holiday, and I don't think the wife will be nice enough to fill up the co2 tank while I was gone. So, better make sure I have a full bottle before I left.

although I only have 1/3 of water volume, therefore less demand.

btw, R6 rules

[apexifd]

9 months of running my rx4 the recirculating pump crap out. It probably happened a little while back, however I only notice it today when I decide to take clean it up a bit and refill the media.

any one know how long is the warranty on the pump and how soon JL can get me a replacement pump?

thanks