Valve options?

[blazn]

I've built a functional denitrification reactor but I need to improve the precision of the valve on my push-connect 1/2" input. What pvc valve options (pin, needle, etc) would you recommend that aren't upwards of $100 a valve? Thank you!

 

[SaltyT]

I'm unable to answer your question, but maybe another member of the #reefsquad can.

 

[KStatefan]

Do you need the valve to control flow? You can use a screw clamp that will give some control.

 

[blazn]

Do you need the valve to control flow? You can use a screw clamp that will give some control.

Thank you for your suggestion, as I was not aware of screw clamps.

I don't think a screw clamp would necessarily provide any more granular control than the push-connect valve I'm currently using. Please let me know if that is not the case. I'm also using push-connect tubing, which isn't quite as flexible as the tubing shown (in your post) as examples of screw clamps in use.

My issue is that I need to increase the granular control of the valve so I can make micro-adjustments to the flow. I've come across some options but have found them to be quite expensive for a small valve. I have to believe that there is an option out there that's reasonably priced.

Thank you again for your input!!

 

[KStatefan]

 

[JumboShrimp]

(I hope I am following you correctly): You are at 1/2" tubing now? Can't you reduce it down to the size of airline tubing, and use those plastic 15-cent airline tubing thumbscrews? That's how I made the micro adjustments needed when I ran that type of reactor. Best wishes!

 

[Gtinnel]

Here is what I used on my Donovan’s nitrate destroyer. I don’t like that it’s partially metal but it says for use with calcium reactors so I assume it’s probably ok.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/push...D=7153&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products
ETA- I missed the part about 1/2 line

 

[blazn]

You've provided another valve option I wasn't aware of. That one may work, but I'd prefer a valve that functioned in a traditional way rather than pinching the tubing.

The same vendor has what seems to be a perfect option for me, a needle valve, at a cheap price but apparently doesn't offer them at 1/2":

 

[blazn]

(I hope I am following you correctly): You are at 1/2" tubing now? Can't you reduce it down to the size of airline tubing, and use those plastic 15-cent airline tubing thumbscrews? That's how I made the micro adjustments needed when I ran that type of reactor. Best wishes!

Thank you for your suggestion!

That may be what I have to do, as I am currently using airline tubing for the reactor output, which is why I need the valve on the 1/2" input. I'm feeding this reactor off another reactor's input line, which is 1/2", so I either will need to come up with an option to reduce the input from the 1/2" line to airline tubing (which may be harder for me to find?) or find a suitable 1/2" precision valve.

Thank you!

 

[blazn]

Here is what I used on my Donovan’s nitrate destroyer. I don’t like that it’s partially metal but it says for use with calcium reactors so I assume it’s probably ok.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/push...D=7153&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products
ETA- I missed the part about 1/2 line

Thank you for your input!

This is for my version of a Donovan's Nitrate Destroyer. Thank you for your inputs on that DND thread!

Although I'd prefer to find a suitable 1/2" precision valve, if I can reduce the 1/2" input line, it appears there are more valve options available for less than 1/2" tubing.

 

[JumboShrimp]

If you want to read a 'parade of horribles', there's my old R2R thread.. from before I completely threw in the towel, and gave up. Lol. :dizzy-face:

Korallin Sulphur BioDenitrator Arrived Today— Let’s Track What Happens​

 

[blazn]

If you want to read a 'parade of horribles', there's my old R2R thread.. from before I completely threw in the towel, and gave up. Lol. :dizzy-face:

Korallin Sulphur BioDenitrator Arrived Today— Let’s Track What Happens​

You ended up having to give up with your denitrator solution? If so, that's certainly unfortunate. Hopefully you've come up with an alternate solution to reduce your nitrates. My NO3 was not as high as yours, but still too high at 75+, but with the DND solution, it's been easy to maintain 7-10. It just would be much easier if I could find a 1/2" valve with more precision! Thanks!