How to secure hose to max mix reactor

**octopus** · 23rd Aug 2013, 23:53

Just bought myself a Large Ista Max Mix Reactor. As i am planning to have it installed externally, am a little concern about the reliability of the hose connection from Cannister to The Reactor. Appear to be a popular reactor at AQ so would appreciate if those using this reactor can share how you secure the hose. Any experience of hose popping out under pressure?. Users of other brands of reactor are also welcomed for your suggestion.

**Berny** · 24th Aug 2013, 00:01

used it for few weeks, no issues of hose popping out, mix rate is super good!!!! but I changed back to diffuser because even though I'm blasting g co2, I don't see any bubbles... I also notice, my flow rate dropped alot, possible cause is because of T joint usage and 2nd, algae choking up inside reactor. but nonetheless, it's still good for co2 dissolve rate

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**octopus** · 24th Aug 2013, 14:44

Thanks for the sharing. Will proceed with installation of the reactor.

**qngwn** · 24th Aug 2013, 14:47

Originally Posted by octopus

Just bought myself a Large Ista Max Mix Reactor. As i am planning to have it installed externally, am a little concern about the reliability of the hose connection from Cannister to The Reactor. Appear to be a popular reactor at AQ so would appreciate if those using this reactor can share how you secure the hose. Any experience of hose popping out under pressure?. Users of other brands of reactor are also welcomed for your suggestion.

I used to use a max mix and was very happy with it.

I used those kind of metal clips to secure hoses. You can get them for around $1 to $1.50 at hardware shops.

I reinforced the inlet and outlets with white Teflon tapes and thus no leaks or such.

If you're looking at external reactors, I believe other than ISTA, there is sera. Others brands would be recommended to be internally placed. Else there are people who DIY.

As mentioned by FrozenDuck, the flowrate drops as the hole into the reactor is for 12/16mm hoses. If you do not wish to slow down, NA does sell those DIY water filter type of reactors for 16/22mm hoses which will not slow down the flowrate.

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**octopus** · 24th Aug 2013, 19:45

Since already bought just make the best out of it. But discontinued installation as found that my 16/22 hose too loose. If possible will look for a suitable fittting at Seaview tml or alternatively have to adopt yr method of using seal tape and hose clip. Thanks for the timely sharing.

**Berny** · 24th Aug 2013, 19:50

Originally Posted by octopus

Since already bought just make the best out of it. But discontinued installation as found that my 16/22 hose too loose. If possible will look for a suitable fittting at Seaview tomorrow or alternatively have to adopt your method of using seal tape and hose clip. Thanks for the timely sharing.

what I did back then was to use the elbow joint and the small hose reducer included in the set for my 16/22 hose, since joints are involved, it's bound to drip, which I used white pipe tape to seal it.

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**octopus** · 24th Aug 2013, 23:25

Originally Posted by FrozenDuck

what I did back then was to use the elbow joint and the small hose reducer included in the set for my 16/22 hose, since joints are involved, it's bound to drip, which I used white pipe tape to seal it.

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Actually I had other plans for the reducers but after looking at your suggestion I went to test it out. I agree with yr suggestion that the reducer can be put to better use. Just wondering is it possible to turn the reactor upside down after connection to purge out the air as suggested in the instruction?

**Berny** · 24th Aug 2013, 23:26

I didn't bother purging the air, it's usually gone after 1 day

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**qngwn** · 25th Aug 2013, 03:00

Originally Posted by octopus

Actually I had other plans for the reducers but after looking at your suggestion I went to test it out. I agree with yr suggestion that the reducer can be put to better use. Just wondering is it possible to turn the reactor upside down after connection to purge out the air as suggested in the instruction?

Yes that is what I usually do after water changes and cleaning the reactor. It just annoys me that there is air in the reactor which is not the CO2 that I want in the water. Just over turn it and the air will come out in seconds.

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**BFG** · 26th Aug 2013, 13:50

The air trapped in the reactor is probably excess oxygen produced by the plants during the photosynthesis period. During night time when the reverse happen, when the plants consume oxygen, the air volume will get lesser as the water passing through the reactor absorb the air. But the air volume in the reactor would increase given time. Just turn the reactor over to release the trapped air.