Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS!

Woodstock · 06-08-2007, 11:49 AM

I happened to check the output of my dual phosban reactors and found the minijet pump wasn't pushing water through the them. I removed the pump and cleaned it. I failed to clean the small input hole often enough and it was covered with algae.

Just a reminder to frequently check all of your reactor pumps -- clean the pump or at least visually inspect the intake and output to make sure it is working properly.

BrothaWolf · 06-08-2007, 11:52 AM

Ya if I dont clean mine every once in a while the same thing happens to me

Woodstock · 06-08-2007, 11:56 AM

You should've warned me

Dentoid · 06-08-2007, 12:31 PM

Thanks for the heads up!

BrothaWolf · 06-08-2007, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodstock

You should've warned me

LOL sorry.... Um... if the flow is greatly reduced then you need to clean the unit If you dont see water coming out the return at all then you are not spending enough quality time with your sump.

BoomerD · 06-08-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodstock

You should've warned me

Yes you're right Woody. We forget you're so new to the hobby that you don't know to check and clean your pumps periodically.
Our bad...

Woodstock · 06-08-2007, 01:27 PM

I have a NEWB card saved up my sleeve for such occassions

Frankie · 06-08-2007, 01:40 PM

How often do you change the media in your phos reactors? I just wait for the phos ban media to get yellowish then change it out with new stuff. I also change out the carbon one at that time also.

Dentoid · 06-08-2007, 02:00 PM

Frankie I have the same delimma about when to change my phosphate removal media. I use RowaPhos and the instructions say that it should last several months depending on the initial phosphate level and the amount of feeding. Testing is the best way to indicate time to change. I change it when I start noticing the phosphate rising when I test. The other problem I run into is changing the carbon. I have seen reports to, at least, rinse the carbon once a week, but I don't know at all when to change it. How long should that last?

BoomerD · 06-08-2007, 02:40 PM

I changed my Phosban/Rowaphos monthly, whether it needed it or not. Cheap insurance I figured.
Carbon I ONLY ran for one week, then tossed it. (rinsed it well in fresh water, and into the garden soil)

DrHank · 06-08-2007, 02:46 PM

I read that the recommendation (from Calfo) is 25% of your carbon weekly. Can't say for Phosban. Haven't heard.

bluespotjawfish · 06-08-2007, 04:56 PM

I change my carbon monthly unless there is something of concern, then I will change it early if I feel the need. Phosban I had planned on running for 3 months before changing, but I will monitor this thread for recommendations. So far it is two months and no increase in Phosphates.

Woody, you need to check your pumps! I think you sent out the warning about checking our skimmer pumps, so why didn't this one get checked at that time. Sounds like you are getting too many new fishies and aren't paying attention any more. Next thing you know you will be going back to Florida for another vacation. What will your pumps do then? I check the movement on my little pump each time I check equipment in the sump. They cane stop pumping easily if the flow gets slow enough and it's hard to notice. Also, if the power goes out, sometimes they struggle to start backup because of the slow flow so check them at that time also. That is what I like about the variable pump you can kick it up a notch when you need to or turn it down a notch right after a cleaning.

Woodstock · 06-08-2007, 10:36 PM

well.. before I could not tell if the water was flowing through the reactors because the output hose was below the water line. I had to remove the acrylic cover over the sump then raise the output line to see if the water was flowing out....

BUT... I just changed the layout of the biggy-backed reactors. I shortened the output hose so it pours just above the water line. I can check its operation at a glance now

I also upgraded the old mini-jet 404 (threw it away) and bought a mini-jet 606 at the LFS today.

bluespotjawfish · 06-08-2007, 10:49 PM

Disposable pump! Cool!

Woodstock · 11-09-2007, 07:00 AM

Well, the mini-jet 606 went kaput sometime within the last 7 days. That means it only lasted 5 months

The input hole was NOT clogged nor was the inside dirty. I guess the motor just stopped working?

I have it soaking in a pure vinegar bath and will try it again tonight.

06-08-2007, 11:49 AM	#1 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 23,199 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! I happened to check the output of my dual phosban reactors and found the minijet pump wasn't pushing water through the them. I removed the pump and cleaned it. I failed to clean the small input hole often enough and it was covered with algae. Just a reminder to frequently check all of your reactor pumps -- clean the pump or at least visually inspect the intake and output to make sure it is working properly. __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My QT/Hospital Tank* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

06-08-2007, 11:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
BrothaWolf Acropora Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,798 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! Ya if I dont clean mine every once in a while the same thing happens to me __________________ 75 Gal AGA Nano - 115lbs LR 140lbs LS Tunze 6025 x 3 40 gal DIY Sump/fuge 20lb LS 26lb LR Outer Orbit 150 HQI Mh x 2, 54w T5 x 4, 18 moons, ASM G3 Mated pair Yashia Gobies (seperated) and Red Band Pistol Shrimp, True Percula, Purple Fire Fish, Yellow Clown Goby, Orange Back Fairy Wrasse, Barber Pole Goby, Blood Shrimp, Crocea Clam, Scarlet Hermits, Cerith, Nassarius, Nerite and Margarita Snails (hold the salt) Zoas, Rics & Shrooms, Xenia, Hammer & Frog Spawn, Star Polyps, Blasto, Blue Anthelia, Lord Acans 29 Gal Oceanic Bio Cube- 40lbs LR 30lbs LS Sapphire Skimmer, DIY Nanotuners 4.36 Lighting, DIY Moonlights, DIY Mod CPR Refugium Randalls Goby, Zoa's ,Trach,Shrooms President: Crabs Make Me Itch Society

06-08-2007, 11:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 23,199 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! You should've warned me __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My QT/Hospital Tank* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

06-08-2007, 12:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
Dentoid Over Achiever Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 10,240 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! Thanks for the heads up! __________________ Scott Dentoid's Reeforama

06-08-2007, 01:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 23,199 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! I have a NEWB card saved up my sleeve for such occassions __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My QT/Hospital Tank* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

06-08-2007, 01:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
Frankie Angel Girl's Daddy Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: The End Of The World Posts: 7,862 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! How often do you change the media in your phos reactors? I just wait for the phos ban media to get yellowish then change it out with new stuff. I also change out the carbon one at that time also. __________________ Click here to visit my thread: New Horizons Text Is a Poor Form Of Communication! If we ignore the environment maybe it will just go away....

06-08-2007, 02:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
Dentoid Over Achiever Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 10,240 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! Frankie I have the same delimma about when to change my phosphate removal media. I use RowaPhos and the instructions say that it should last several months depending on the initial phosphate level and the amount of feeding. Testing is the best way to indicate time to change. I change it when I start noticing the phosphate rising when I test. The other problem I run into is changing the carbon. I have seen reports to, at least, rinse the carbon once a week, but I don't know at all when to change it. How long should that last? __________________ Scott Dentoid's Reeforama

06-08-2007, 02:40 PM	#10 (permalink)
BoomerD Reef Shark Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,637 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! I changed my Phosban/Rowaphos monthly, whether it needed it or not. Cheap insurance I figured. Carbon I ONLY ran for one week, then tossed it. (rinsed it well in fresh water, and into the garden soil) __________________ Intelligence is not knowing all the answers, but knowing where and how to find them! www.google.com

06-08-2007, 02:46 PM	#11 (permalink)
DrHank Golden Moray Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 2,284 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! I read that the recommendation (from Calfo) is 25% of your carbon weekly. Can't say for Phosban. Haven't heard. __________________ Doc Dr Hank's 210 Build: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nks-tanks.html

06-08-2007, 04:56 PM	#12 (permalink)
bluespotjawfish Tridacna maxima Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 4,210 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! I change my carbon monthly unless there is something of concern, then I will change it early if I feel the need. Phosban I had planned on running for 3 months before changing, but I will monitor this thread for recommendations. So far it is two months and no increase in Phosphates. Woody, you need to check your pumps! I think you sent out the warning about checking our skimmer pumps, so why didn't this one get checked at that time. Sounds like you are getting too many new fishies and aren't paying attention any more. Next thing you know you will be going back to Florida for another vacation. What will your pumps do then? I check the movement on my little pump each time I check equipment in the sump. They cane stop pumping easily if the flow gets slow enough and it's hard to notice. Also, if the power goes out, sometimes they struggle to start backup because of the slow flow so check them at that time also. That is what I like about the variable pump you can kick it up a notch when you need to or turn it down a notch right after a cleaning. __________________ Lorraine To BB and all Bluespots - Journey of the 2nd Year ...The 2nd Year - Photoshow Check out Mr. BJ and friends... Mr. BJ's Aquarium - PhotoShow

06-08-2007, 10:36 PM	#13 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 23,199 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! well.. before I could not tell if the water was flowing through the reactors because the output hose was below the water line. I had to remove the acrylic cover over the sump then raise the output line to see if the water was flowing out.... BUT... I just changed the layout of the biggy-backed reactors. I shortened the output hose so it pours just above the water line. I can check its operation at a glance now I also upgraded the old mini-jet 404 (threw it away) and bought a mini-jet 606 at the LFS today. __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My QT/Hospital Tank* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

06-08-2007, 10:49 PM	#14 (permalink)
bluespotjawfish Tridacna maxima Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Utah Posts: 4,210 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! Disposable pump! Cool! __________________ Lorraine To BB and all Bluespots - Journey of the 2nd Year ...The 2nd Year - Photoshow Check out Mr. BJ and friends... Mr. BJ's Aquarium - PhotoShow

11-09-2007, 07:00 AM	#15 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 23,199 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Phosban Reactor pumps-- CHECK YOURS! Well, the mini-jet 606 went kaput sometime within the last 7 days. That means it only lasted 5 months The input hole was NOT clogged nor was the inside dirty. I guess the motor just stopped working? I have it soaking in a pure vinegar bath and will try it again tonight. __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My QT/Hospital Tank* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

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