How to plumb calcium reactor off sump return

[smokinreefer]

hey,

i'm trying to figure out how to plumb my calcium reactor input/feed (1/4") from my sump return manifold (1" pvc)

- I gather I need some type of reducer to get down to 1/4"
- a 1/4" quick connect valve (to control the flow rate)

the 1/4" valve is easy enough, HD carries the JG type quick connect ones.

but is there such a thing as a 1"pvc to 1/4" quick connect reducer?

thanks.

[BlueTang<3]

I went 1 inch to 3/4 inch reducer, then from the 3/4 inch reducer put gate valve to accurately control flow. Put a 3/4 to 1/2 inch adapter off that and then threaded one of the 1/4 inch quick connect valves into that. Get it got it good:)

If I get energetic I can take a picture

[mark]

I just threaded a JG fitting into a cap

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h316/das75/PA290040.jpg

[WarDog]

Try to find a fitting called a 'bushing'. Not sure if HD has them, but most plumbing suppliers should (like Noble, {Lougheed at Blue Mtn}).
Mark has one in his picture just before the valve. They take up far less room than a few reducers in line.
Don't think they make a 1" to 1/4", but you could go 1" to 1/2" and 1/2" to 1/4" fer sure.

[Ryanerickson]

I tried doing this same thing run my ca reactor with my return I only used the 1/4 jg valve to controll flow. It did not work just no control either to fast or too slow flow I would assume the larger valve would help with that issue. By the way it sure looks like a ball valve not gate. I run mine off a syphon now works good for me more control it still not perfect Peristaltic pump is idea but more money.

[smokinreefer]

Thanks for all the suggestions and tips.
I'll try make it out to a plumbing store soon.

Thinking, put in a bushing, gate valve, another bushing down to 1/4" and then a JG type connector...

[TimT]

I used bushings and had a JG fitting that screwed into the bushing. Worked fine for years. The JG ball valves are not the best for fine adjustments. I used to run my reactor wide open so it wasn't an issue. Now I don't run a reactor and I sleep better at night... LoL.

Cheers,
Tim

[StirCrazy]

the only issue is by using a ball valve you don't have a very good adjustability as its oening is not linear, try find a "flow controle valve" which idealy would be a needle valve or in worst case a diaphram or gate valve (last two not really flow control valves but still better than using aball valve)

Steve

[smokinreefer]

Ok so I used a bushing to drop to 1/2"
Then threaded in a 1/2 to 1/4" quick connect

Now all I need is the valve...
I have a JG ball valve, but from all the input here, looks like what I need is a needle valve.

Now I've sourced out some, but all from the US. And these things aren't cheap!
$20-25USD +shipping...

Any ideas for a local source?
I'll call Sheret tomorrow.

[Aquattro]

I use a JG ball valve, no issues at all. Output from the reactor is controlled via an irrigation drip valve, and that provides more than enough control.

[mark]

the setup in my picture was all I had to feed my reactor and used the small JG type ball valve for control

[StirCrazy]

I use a JG ball valve, no issues at all. Output from the reactor is controlled via an irrigation drip valve, and that provides more than enough control.

ya, that.. the drip valves are a cheep needle type valve. on the output is fine, and a ball valve on the input is fine as long as your just using it as a on/off or don't need fine control, I regulated my reactor at the input, not the output.

Steve

[smokinreefer]

I use a JG ball valve, no issues at all. Output from the reactor is controlled via an irrigation drip valve, and that provides more than enough control.


Ding! Ding! Ding!

you just saved me $20!

and also reminded me how bad my memory is lol.

I used an irrigation drip valve on the output of my last calcium reactor set up years ago...

[daplatapus]

Not sure if you got one yet do do what your looking for, but this is what I used. Also used for drip irrigation and it simply threads onto 1/2" PVC. The one I got splits into 4 - 1/4" ports but there are ones that split to 2 ,4 or 8 I believe. I just got it at Home Hardware.
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x353/daplatapus/2013-03-15173518_zps4c1cf31c.jpg (http://s1177.photobucket.com/user/daplatapus/media/2013-03-15173518_zps4c1cf31c.jpg.html)

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x353/daplatapus/2014-02-02144610_zpsfcca75a8.jpg (http://s1177.photobucket.com/user/daplatapus/media/2014-02-02144610_zpsfcca75a8.jpg.html)

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x353/daplatapus/2014-02-02144534_zpsc5971300.jpg (http://s1177.photobucket.com/user/daplatapus/media/2014-02-02144534_zpsc5971300.jpg.html)