New Chihiros dosing pump air in line

[Arjunb]

I just got a new chihiros 4 head dosing pump. I primed it dosed using it all fine but gradually after dosing its losing prime. Fert level from the tank outlet side for all tubes going down.
From the inlet end its even more strange. Its just not going down uniformly but as pockets of air. The seals are snug tight as its brand new 2mm/4mm tube. I have seen lot of other posts complaining of this, and will affect dosing quantity. What is the solution?

 

[Administrator]

Air in tube means you didn't insert or calibrate well.
You can cut a section of tube and reinsert, recalibrate.

 

[Arjunb]

I had calibrated well and primed it several times. The problem is i was using silicone tubing. Like its well known in planted tank community silicone is permeable to gas. What i noticed is a small air bubble formed in the pipe and that kept expanding and making big pockets of air. The silicone is not leaking but its the nature of the material. Hence i swapped it out with PVC pipes and no more bubbles or air pockets. BTW the pockets of air was reducing dose by 0.5 to 1 ml. I did not buy the tube from chihiros so cant comment what they are made of, but i got 2mm ID / 5 mm OD tube that had pretty thick walls, still over 24hrs air seeps in.

So not a defect with the heads or how its installed its the tube material causing this. Hope it helps!!

 

[Administrator]

Ok, recommend using our original tube 2/4mm.

 

[JRREEF]

Ok, recommend using our original tube 2/4mm.

 

[JRREEF]

The pump seems great but I'm having the same issue with all lines eventually losing prime. I dose highly concentrated 2 part for reef tank and need accurate dosing. I installed all new 2mmx4mm silicone lines. Can you please provide some help.

 

[BradleyJones]

I had calibrated well and primed it several times. The problem is i was using silicone tubing. Like its well known in planted tank community silicone is permeable to gas. What i noticed is a small air bubble formed in the pipe and that kept expanding and making big pockets of air. The silicone is not leaking but its the nature of the material. Hence i swapped it out with PVC pipes and no more bubbles or air pockets. BTW the pockets of air was reducing dose by 0.5 to 1 ml. I did not buy the tube from chihiros so cant comment what they are made of, but i got 2mm ID / 5 mm OD tube that had pretty thick walls, still over 24hrs air seeps in.

So not a defect with the heads or how its installed its the tube material causing this. Hope it helps!!

I use the chihiros tubing thats made for the pumps and it does the same thing. Its annoying

 

[JRREEF]

I use the chihiros tubing thats made for the pumps and it does the same thing. Its annoying

Exactly... It's not the tubing size or the material it's made of (silicone). I realize that silicone is permeable to gases. But a 2mm ID tube shouldn't leak within few hours. And others have mentioned the problem persists with "Chihiros" tubing.

The problem is with the rollers in the peristaltic pump. If the rollers don't completely pinch the internal hose then it will slowly leak and lose prime. I would like to hear response from administrator.

 

[BradleyJones]

Exactly... It's not the tubing size or the material it's made of (silicone). I realize that silicone is permeable to gases. But a 2mm ID tube shouldn't leak within few hours.

I don't think the clear tubing they offer is silicone. (it could be) I see they offer the colored tubing upgrade, thats silicone.... or at least it says it is. The clear stuff is harder.

Currently im dosing 3 ferts, once a week. The air bubble forms but stays the same size and just sits there. So I'm adding an extra 1ml to make up for it. Tye fourth pump is daily so I have it set up to run the entire amount ( for the day) split into once an hour. This keeps the air pockets from forming.

 

[Administrator]

Exactly... It's not the tubing size or the material it's made of (silicone). I realize that silicone is permeable to gases. But a 2mm ID tube shouldn't leak within few hours. And others have mentioned the problem persists with "Chihiros" tubing.

The problem is with the rollers in the peristaltic pump. If the rollers don't completely pinch the internal hose then it will slowly leak and lose prime. I would like to hear response from administrator.

When and where did you buy the device? Original tube?

 

[Administrator]

I don't think the clear tubing they offer is silicone. (it could be) I see they offer the colored tubing upgrade, thats silicone.... or at least it says it is. The clear stuff is harder.

Currently im dosing 3 ferts, once a week. The air bubble forms but stays the same size and just sits there. So I'm adding an extra 1ml to make up for it. Tye fourth pump is daily so I have it set up to run the entire amount ( for the day) split into once an hour. This keeps the air pockets from forming.

When and where did you buy the device? Original tube?

 

[JRREEF]

When and where did you buy the device? Original tube?

I purchased the pump last week on Amazon and used silicone 2mm x 4mm that I use for other peristaltic pumps. Another person responded they purchased Chihiros tubing and STILL leaking and losing prime.

 

[Administrator]

I purchased the pump last week on Amazon and used silicone 2mm x 4mm that I use for other peristaltic pumps. Another person responded they purchased Chihiros tubing and STILL leaking and losing prime.

Ok note, let's wait for his reply for technicians to confirm.

 

[BradleyJones]

When and where did you buy the device? Original tube?

From the chihiros website around February

 

[Administrator]

From the chihiros website around February

Ok, note. Technicians are reviewing it.
One factor is that the tansparent tube needs to be inserted to the bottom of the transparent connector.
Other factors wait for technicians' review.

 

[JRREEF]

Ok note, let's wait for his reply for technicians to confirm.

OK what about a response to my pump not holding prime?

 

[Administrator]

OK what about a response to my pump not holding prime?

Technicians suggest using the original tube.

 

[Administrator]

From the chihiros website around February

After reviewing 2 devices in our lab, technicians said you can cut a section to re-insert the tube to the bottom of the connectors.
If not work, you can open the pump head to check if the three rollers inside are worn. Take clear photos or video for technicians to check.