[Reefland]

Yuppers, that's what I'll do. For what it's worth for some reason the effluent pH dropped very low tonight and right now I have the CO2 off and some limewater sitting to drip tonight. the effluent pH was down to 6.5 from the second chamber.

[zhenya]

Something is off, Scott. I hope Andy replies to you but I think Eric said it right, reactor needs to be pressurized with full flow from the MJ1200. I have mine open all the way( in fact, there is no valve on my PH) and I control effluent output flow by using small air valve (my effluent line is CO2 safe airline size tubing).

[Reefland]

The effluent line on this one is much larger, maybe 1/4" in diameter or so. Andy just replied and said that they are now putting the valves on the effluent line but that's not helping my case. I think I need to find a valve in a hurry.

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by Reefland

The effluent line on this one is much larger, maybe 1/4" in diameter or so. Andy just replied and said that they are now putting the valves on the effluent line but that's not helping my case. I think I need to find a valve in a hurry.

Scott, I thought airline tubing was 1/4" No? If it is 1/4" you should have no problems finding one at the Home Depot. Go straight to the plumbing section where pvc piping and fittings are, right next to the fittings you'll see the fittings for water filters and such(John Guest type, I think).
Wait, I found one fitting in the bag, they are made by Watts and come in small bags.There are 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch availabe IIRC.

[Reefland]

This is much larger than the airline tubing, not sure what the diameter is though. A pencil would easily fit into the hose though??

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by Reefland

This is much larger than the airline tubing, not sure what the diameter is though. A pencil would easily fit into the hose though??

Probably 3/8" then. I have 5/16" hose laying around and pencil don't fit in there.

[Reefland]

I think your right, through continued conversation with Andy he thinks is 3/8 too.

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by Reefland

I think your right, through continued conversation with Andy he thinks is 3/8 too.

Did he try the pencil thing?

[Papa Doug]

Originally Posted by Reefland

This is much larger than the airline tubing, not sure what the diameter is though. A pencil would easily fit into the hose though??

I use a similar size. I have a grey gate valve thats fits 1/4in. hose. Ran it on both the input side and output side. Still not convinced on which is better.

I have found on many reactors, a need for higher input volume and more of a pressure inside the reactor, is required to maintain a steady effluent flow. However I know friends, whose reactor design does not require this. Some are even self fed, with no feed pumps. These seem to be more efficiently designed and upflow in style.

However, thats does not solve your problem. A similar gate valve on the output may help however.

[Reefland]

I went to Lowes this afternoon looking for one but couldn't find anything. I hate to order one online but I guess I'll have to.

[ereefic]

Can you use RO tubing? Can you put an adapter on to run the RO tubing? If so, then get the JG (John Guest) valve and your done.

[Reefland]

I guess I could reduce the current 3/8 effluent hose to a small hose and then use a JG fitting? Might be just as easy to order a 3/8 SMC needle valve though.

[Reefland]

I just ordered a needle valve from US Plastics. $13.00 including shipping but I guess worth it to not have to tinker with it every day.

[jim.l]

to all;
I found this article helpful http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-0...ture/index.htm

[Reefland]

Hi jim.l, Welcome to Reefland!

Thanks for that link, it is very helpful indeed!

[jumper]

Hey Reefland,I have a knop reactor I have been using for a couple of years.And Knop advises full pressure to the reactor and valving the effluent hose also.Also I have found that wrapping my clear reactor body with black plastic prevents organic buildup on the media.Which effects channeling of the media and clogging of the metering valve.

Originally Posted by Reefland

I just ordered a needle valve from US Plastics. $13.00 including shipping but I guess worth it to not have to tinker with it every day.

[golfish]

Scott, did you get the effluent steady yet? I've found a steady effluent "drip" rate to be very important. The best way to do this is to STUFF it with at least all a MJ1200 can put out.

[Reefland]

Not yet. I've got a needle valve that should be here tomorrow. When it gets here I will stick it in the effluent line, open up the needle valve on the MJ1200 output all the way and dial the effluent needle valve back to about 60 drops per minute. I had it steadied for a couple of days, the effluent pH was running at 7 but this morning when I woke up the effluent had all but stopped, pH was at 7.5 and when I opened it up a bit to get it dripping again the pH effluent dropped back to 6.6 and is holding steady there.

[Reefland]

Got word from Michelle that the valve arrived today, I'll put it on tonight and report back.

[Reefland]

Originally Posted by jumper

Hey Reefland,I have a knop reactor I have been using for a couple of years.And Knop advises full pressure to the reactor and valving the effluent hose also.Also I have found that wrapping my clear reactor body with black plastic prevents organic buildup on the media.Which effects channeling of the media and clogging of the metering valve.

Hey jumper, Welcome to Reefland!

Thanks for that bit of information. Do you have direct light hitting your reactor or is the problem common in all reactors with even just room lighting?