Anyone have a deltec PF 501 calc reator ... AND are still awake??

[Mrs Fish]

I need help installing ...

 

[marco67]

what do you need?

 

[Mrs Fish]

Can't figure out which lines connect to which. I presume the bubble counter should connect to the CO2? And then the other "Filter" thing (as described in instructions) should connect to the pump drawing water from the sump. Then the floppy long tube goes back into the sump with water charged with calc. Is this right?

If so, the attachment to the pump needs an adaptor before I can attach it to the hosing for the pump.

It's more complicated than I thought ..

 

[marco67]

Thats right tube from the top is water out. Water in should be 1/4" what pump are you using?

 

[Mrs Fish]

To clarify .. I have a solanoid, which is connected to the CO2. This I think I connect to the 2nd bubble counter on the deltec reactor.

Also ... I have to get some plumbers tape to properly connect the solanoid joint to the CO2.

Just figuring out what I need to fetch tomorrow. Looks like a hose adaptor and plumbers tape.

 

[Mrs Fish]

Sorry .. I must have been typing the 2nd message when you replied.

In answer to your question. The hosing that B gave me I believe is 1/4 ". The problem is that the connector on the deltec reactor is fractionally bigger ... hence my question about getting a connector.

B suggested I go with the aqua lifter pump to supply the reactor. It takes a 1/4" hosing, but like I said... the connector to the reactor seems like a larger molded connector.

 

[marco67]

In the past i've used a short piece cut from the effluant (sp?) tubing, the soft rubber makes a nice splice to go from the valve to the 1/4" for tank water in. You solinoid shoukd already be 1/4" as should the bbl counter on the reactor.

 

[Mrs Fish]

I think the yellow hosing that came with the solanoid is 1/4 ". Seems same size as hosing that I got from B. The black rubber piping that comes with the reactor is bigger than 1/4 inch ... that's the size of the valve.

So .. you think I should splice a bit of the black rubber hosing off and us it as an adaptor? It might slide right over the top of the 1/4" hosing that I'm trying to connect.

Sorry to be asking stupid questions so late.

 

[marco67]

Yup that's what I meant ...I've done it in the past. as long as the feed pump you use isn't high presure you'll be set and leak free

 

[Mrs Fish]

Thanks Marco ... I presume an aqua lifter is not high pressure. Seems that way from the description and instructions.

Should I worry about the plumbers tape .. Or just tighten the CO2 cannister/solanoid connection with a wrench (not too tight!).

Thanks again ...

 

[marco67]

OOps,
Looks like I missed one

Are you talking the regulator to the tank? (big 1 1/4" brass nut?) If so no tape there should be a washer on the reg inside that big nut.

 

[Mrs Fish]

Yes, there is a white washer on the inside of the brass nut. B said I should put plumbers tape, but I'm concerned about being able to loosen the nut when it's time to change the cannister.

 

[marco67]

I’m not sure why he’d call for that without talking to him. The seal is not made at the threads on this fitting. It’s possible he’s thinking a precaution against corrosion and maybe just playing it safe?
Either way don’t worry about getting it off when the time comes, with or without the Teflon tape it will free right up.