Calcium Reactor plumbing question

[SnoopDog]

I have a slight problem, my Calcium reactor is developing bubbles in the chambers on a regular basis. The pump is located behind a wall that separates my tank from the sump. The plumbing goes through the wall. Since the tank dumps it's water in the same chamber as the pump for the calcium reactor I guess the pump is pulling small water bubbles. I tried extending the tube to a different chamber and it quickly stopped up with algea from the light. A BIG MESS, the thing stopped up and the media practically melted. My question is why can you not plumb directly to your main pump with a converter and "T". The calcium reactor has a pressure reducer on it, so would it be that bad ? I am at a loss trying to get rid of these bubbles so I need you guys to give me a hand. I cannot put the calcium reactor in the store room as it is practically full already.

 

[Carpentersreef]

I'm not real sure of the set up of your pumps, but I would say that putting a "T" on your main return pump would be the best method. I couldn't find a "T" adapter for mine, so I am using the air venturi off of the outflow from a Hagen 802 pump, and it works great, no bubbles in the reactor. Maybe you could hook that up from one of your pumps used for circulation in your main tank. You would have to make sure that there is some kind of pressure on the outflow so that water came OUT of the venturi hole. Some powerheads come with an adjustable outflow attachment.

Mitch

 

[Nathan1]

I use insulating foam that I bought from Home depot to shield the pipe from light. It's easy to use, just peel it open and slip it over the exposed area of pipe.

Also you can buy black tubing from Home Depot. They keep it in the garden/outdoor pool/pond area and is used by pond pumps.

-Nathan