Calcium Rx Effluent Control

[onux20]

For all those that use a Ca Rx, what is the best effluent control valve out there? I have a Two Little Fishies micro ball valve. I have a hard time making small/precise changes to the drip rate. Is there a better or easier control valve on the market? If so, where did you get it?

 

Thanks

[Der ABT]

i use the micro ball valve from Avast, but truthfully the most accurate method is to use a dosing pump.

 

best thing to do with teh ball valve is make whatever adjustment you can and then adjust the ph in the chamber to compensate for the amount of effluent (aka raise your ph if the adjustment is too big)

[hypertech]

I use a needle valve. I was having trouble with the ball valve too and once I got the needle valve, its been much better. I'll see if I can find a link.

 

Edit: Here is the one I bought: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=32220&catid=956&clickid=searchresults

Edited November 8, 2012 by hypertech

[ctenophore]

All small valves are going to clog when set to drip. Not necessarily from calcium deposits, but usually from detritus, etc. My approach is like Evan said, set up a faster stream which is less likely to clog (the opening in the valve is wider, less chance of something getting caught) and set the reactor pH to give you the ca/alk that you need.

[Origami]

All small valves are going to clog when set to drip. Not necessarily from calcium deposits, but usually from detritus, etc. My approach is like Evan said, set up a faster stream which is less likely to clog (the opening in the valve is wider, less chance of something getting caught) and set the reactor pH to give you the ca/alk that you need.

This is probably the best way if you're going to use a valve. I've had trouble with microvalves clogging when using the drip method. I use a peristaltic pump, though.

[Steve175]

Peristaltic pump here as well with no valve on effluent. Aquariumplants.com regulator is best IMO/IME. With those 2 pieces of equipment and a 20lb CO2 tank my Alk has been rock steady.

 

 

"How did 1500G of saltwater cost THAT much?"