Vertex Rx-C 6D Instruction Manual
Vertex Rx-C 6D is a high-performance calcium reactor designed to provide a stable and reliable source of calcium and alkalinity for reef aquariums. It features a unique design that combines a primary chamber, secondary chamber, and CO2 interface chamber to maximize the efficiency of the calcium dissolution process. The reactor is constructed from high-quality materials and components, including acrylic, PVC, and stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity. Vertex Rx-C 6D is equipped with a powerful Sicce Syncra 1.5 pump, providing a consistent flow rate and ensuring optimal performance. It also includes a precision needle valve for precise control of the CO2 injection rate, allowing users to fine-tune the calcium and alkalinity levels in their aquariums.
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Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor
Thank you for your purchase of the Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor. Please be sure to read and follow this brief guide to ensure proper install and operation of your device.
In the box:
1) Primary Chamber
2) Secondary Chamber
3) CO2 Interface Chamber
4) Bubble Counter
5) Flow Meter
6) Sicce™ Syncra 1.5 / Custom Bracket
7) PVC Pump Head
8) Reactor Base
9) Precision Needle Valve
10) Red, White & Black LLPDE tubes / 3m (6’) length each
11) CO2 Chamber Media
12) Sicce™ Syncra 1.5 Instruction Manual
13) Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Instruction Manual
Important Safety Warnings:
This is an electrical device operated in close proximity to water; be cautious, follow instructions and use common sense.
Do not touch the plug and/ or the electrical outlets with wet hands. Always dry your hands first.
Rx-C 6D and its components are solid heavy objects, impact can cause bodily harm, loss of life and/ or damage to property.
Do not attempt to service the unit while in operation or connected to electricity.
Unless you are qualified; service only by authorized service professionals.
Do not attempt to alter the product. Do not attempt to alter the Motor-Block or the Impeller Assembly.
Do not touch the impeller and/ or attempt to turn the Impeller when the unit is connected to power.
Ensure the product is free of defect and properly assembled before putting in operation.
Drip-Loop is required where the Power-Cable is connected to the Power-Outlet.
Do not carry, lift or hold the pump or the reactor by its cable.
Do not carry, lift or hold the reactor by its upper manifold. To service or move the reactor; do so one chamber at a time. Do not lift or carry the reactor while assembled on its base.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
Always think safety first! If you are unsure as how to operate this product; consult with a professional or contact us directly.
Installation:
1Remove your Calcium Reactor and its components from the box and inspect for any possible defects. If there are any concerns please contact your dealer within 48 hours of receiving your reactor, refrain from installing the unit, keep all original packaging as well as proof of purchase.
Any damages to the unit during transport are not covered under warranty and must be claimed with the forwarder at the time of receiving the product.
2After proper inspection, clean the unit with a damp cloth using RO water. This ensures removal of any oils and/ or chemicals used during the manufacturing process. Each unit has been individually Leak-tested both through high pressure Air and Water injection. Possible water marks or minimal amount of water might be present in the reactor.
Tip: Although the unit has been tested for possible leaks and/or any other defects; it is recommended to assemble the unit and run with water and no media for a few hours. Please follow this guide without using any media. Once you are satisfied that your reactor is devoid of any defects you can simply fill it with desired media(s) and put in operation.
3Rinse your Media with RO water. Only use coarse media .
4Remove Primary Chamber from the box. Do not lift or hold the chamber by its upper manifold.
5Gently unscrew the Primary chamber’s lid. It is recommended to seek assistance for this task since the lid might not be easily unscrewed. Hold the chambers Acrylic body and unscrew the lid pen. Place the lid carefully on a soft surface to avoid breaking the internal parts.
Warning: Do not attempt to hold the chamber by its manifold or the connections on the lid. Doing so
WILL result in broken manifold or lid-connections. Such damages are not covered under warranty.
6Place one hand on the top of the chamber’s opening holding it down. Using the other hand gently remove the upper perforated plate by pulling on the Titanium knob.
7Fill the Primary chamber with proper media. Do not pack media tightly. Do not fill the chamber full. Small media particles can go through the bottom perforated plate. Do not be alarmed this will not affect performance.
8Once filled, gently push down the upper perforate plate in place. Ensure that the O-Ring is properly seated.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
9Inspect the threads on the lid and its matching counterpart on the body to ensure they are free of debris or media particles. Media particles if present between the threading will not allow achieving a seal and can cause leaks.
Caution: Debris or any particles present between the lid and the body or the threading can damage the threads rendering the reactor unusable. Such damages are not covered under warranty.
10Place the primary chamber on its dedicated spot within the reactor base.
11Remove the CO2 Interface Chamber and its media from the box.
12Using RO Water rinse the CO2 chamber media. Place the media inside the chamber.
Tip: The purpose of this media is to create multiples of irregular channels within this chamber to increase contact time of Co2 with water resulting in higher dissolution rate at the first pass.
Do not pack the chamber tight with media. This will result in significant loss of flow and performance.
13Inspect the upper union of the Co2 Chamber, there must be two O-rings present; one at the point of contact of “Acrylic tube and PVC” and a secondary O-ring is placed inside the “Union-Screw”.
14Place the CO2 Chamber in place and turn the Screw 3 revolutions. Do not tighten this connection yet.
15Remove the Syncra pump from the packaging. Ensure the metal shaft is properly in place.
16Gently place the pump on its dedicated spot within the base. To further reduce operation noise; large rubber dampeners have been utilized. These dampeners (Rubber-Feet) have also dedicated machined circles within the base that they sit on.
17Mach the pump with its bearing plate fixed behind the pump head. There are 2 notches within the Bearing plate that match identical cut-outs on the Motor-Block. Ensure the Shaft is properly placed to be inserted into the rubber bushing on the Bearing-Plate.
Warning: The Bearing plate is glued in place permanently. Do not attempt to turn or move the bearing plate. Turning the Bearing plate will render the complete Co2 Chamber unusable. Broken Bearing plate or Co2 gas chamber due to excessive use of force or improper installations are not covered under warranty.
18Once you are completely satisfied that the pump, bearing plate and it’s shaft are all properly matched; apply very small amount of force to assemble them together.
19Match the Cut-outs on the pump-head with notches on the Motor-Block’s outer casing. Now turn the pump-head to position. The pump-head should cover the Motor-Block notches completely.
20After the pump-head is properly assembled tighten the upper union screw of the CO2 Chamber. To ensure leak-free operation; small amount of food grade silicone lubrication can be applied to the O-rings at this time or any future routine maintenance.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
21Gently match the pump-output’s union to its matching counterpart welded to the primary chamber.
Ensure the O-ring is present prior to tightening this connection. Gently tighten the union.
Warning: The Pump-Output union is glued in place permanently. Do not attempt to turn or move this union. Turning the union will render the pump assembly useless. Broken pump assembly due to excessive use of force or improper installation are not covered under warranty.
22Remove the Bubble-Counter, Flow-Meter and its screws from the box.
23Fill the Bubble-Counter with RO Water. It might be required to refill the Bubble-Counter with Clean water periodically.
24Place the Bubble counter in its dedicated slot located behind the manifold.
25Place the Flow-Meter against the Acrylic holder. The Acrylic Holder has been machined in a countersunk fashion to house the Screw-Heads. Ensure the meter is placed on the right (correct) side of the holder.
Using a flathead screw driver tighten the Titanium screws. Do not use excessive force as this will damage the Screw’s head and the Flow-Meter.
26Remove the secondary chamber from the box and place it on a hard flat surface. Mind the push to connect fittings connected to the bottom of the chamber as well as other internal component. If placed on an angle or applied forced against, this connection can break rendering the secondary chamber unusable.
27Hold the Bottom sub-chamber’s body with one hand and the upper sub-chamber’s body with the other hand. Twist in opposite directions and the bottom sub-chamber (Secondary Chamber for Carbonate
Media) will separate.
28If desired this chamber can be filled with additional Calcium Carbonate media to remove any excess CO2 still present in the effluent at this stage. It can also be utilized for dolomite placement in the reactor.
29Hold the bottom of Top Sub-Secondary Chamber with one hand and its lid with the other hand. Twist in the opposite directions and remove the lid.
30Holding the Titanium knob; remove the basket from the chamber.
31Using a flathead screwdriver remove the Titanium screw from the top of the basket and remove the perforated plate lid from the basket.
32This basket can be utilized for additional Medias such as Dolomite or other desired media. It is best to reserve the basket for media that would need occasional replacement such as phosphate removers.
Ensure that you are using proper media that will not react with saltwater of lower PH range in a negative way. While the input saltwater can have PH as high as 9; the effluent PH can drop to lower than 6.
Specially if the reactor is not dialed in properly.
33Rinse your media with RO water. You can now place your media of choice in the basket.
34Place the lid back on and match the perforated lid’s screw hole with that of the internal basket’s shaft.
35Using a flathead screw driver gently screw the perforated lid back to the basket.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
Caution: Do not use excessive force. Do not Cross-Thread the screw into the PVC shaft. Do not overtighten. If over-tightened the shaft WILL break rendering the media basket unusable. Such damages due to use of excessive force or improper assembly are not covered under warranty.
36Ensure that the O-Ring underneath the TOP Sub-Chamber is properly in place. Now gently screw the top chamber back onto the bottom chamber.
37Place the basket back into the TOP Sub-Chamber, make sure the basket is properly seated within the chamber.
38Hold the TOP Sub-Chamber Acrylic body and screw the lid closed with the other hand. Ensure that the O-
Ring on the top of the body is seated properly. Inspect the threading both on the lid and its counterpart on the body to be free of debris and/ or any media particles.
Caution: Debris or any particles present between the lid and the body or the threading can damage the threads rendering the reactor unusable. Such damages are not covered under warranty.
39 Now the Secondary Chamber can be placed on its dedicated slot within the reactor’s base. A dedicated small rectangular slot has been milled into the reactor’s base to house the Push to Connect fitting located at the base of the Secondary Chamber. Diagram 1 exhibits how the Chamber must be placed on the base.
Diagram 1: Images in the right box display the correct assembly process of Secondary Media Chamber onto the reactor’s base. Do not force the chamber down unless the Fitting and its housing-slot are perfectly aligned. Image in the left box displays improper alignment of Secondary Chamber and reactor base. Do not apply force to the
Push to Connect Fitting. This Fitting can break easily if the force applied is greater than the strength of the fitting’s stem. Such damages are not covered under warranty.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
40The assembly process is almost complete. Ensure that all the connections and fittings are properly tightened and closed. Improper connections and/ or assembly will cause leaks that can result damage to your system and/ or property. Do not use excessive force.
41Remove the Needle-Valve from the Box. Insert the Valve into its dedicated slot behind the Primary
Chamber’s manifold.
42There are 3 sets of LLPDE tubing provided with the unit. Different Colors can be used to code incoming, internal connections and/ or Effluent tubes.
43Further to that small holes have been milled into the Bubble-Counter’s holder than can help you achieve a neat set up assembly. You can simply run any tube through any of the 5 machined holes.
44Use a sharp knife to cut the tubing in desired lengths. It is Imperative to cut the tubes with clean and straight ends/ edges. Angled cuts will possibly be the cause of leaks immediately or after some time.
Diagram 2 exhibits how the tubes should be cut.
Diagram 2
45When connecting the tubes to the fittings; insert the tube in and push firmly to make a tight seal. If not pushed in properly the connection will leak. If you notice a leak from any Push to connect fittings; remove the tubing, ensure that the cut is clean and firmly reinsert back into the fitting until the tube stops.
Avoid cutting the tubes too short or fold, tie or close the tubes. Closed tubing can pressurize the chambers, damage the reactor, cause explosion and/ or significantly reduce performance.
Diagram 3 exhibits how the tubing must be looped in order to avoid blockages.
Diagram 3
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
46Diagram 4 exhibits how different chambers must be connected to each other:
Diagram 4
APrimary Chamber
BTop Secondary Chamber / Sub-Chamber
CBottom Secondary Chamber / Sub-Chamber
DGas Interface Chamber
EBubble Counter
FFlow Meter
GNeedle Valve
HEffluent Exit / Primary Chamber
IPH Probe-Port
J-
K-
Unused CO2 Recycle / Primary Chamber
Unused CO2 Recycle / Manifold
LSource Water Input
MCO2 Input / Manifold
NCO2 Output / Bubble Counter
OCO2 Input (Source) / Bubble Counter
PCustom Sicce™ Syncra Pump
QSecondary Chamber’s Input
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
Operation:
Most Oceanic animals and plants require Calcium and Carbonate ions for many of their vital cellular functions such as building skeletal mass, cell membrane functions…
Although there are different methods to replenish the said ions in a Marine Aquaria; Calcium Reactors remain to be one of the easiest and more reliable methods to do so.
A Calcium reactor achieves this goal by injection of Carbon Dioxide into its main chamber and reducing the PH of the water flowing through it. The reduced PH will dissolve the Media (CaCO3), breaking it into its building blocks of Calcium and Carbonate Ions. Further to that, use of dolomite in a Calcium reactor can also accommodate your system with a steady supply of Magnesium ions.
This document can serve as a brief guide as how to install, operate and maintain your reactor. If you are unsure as how to operate or dial your reactor consult with a professional or other available resources. Improper assembly, installation and/ or operation can cause serious damage to your system or loss of livestock.
There are 3 components to use and operate a calcium reactor; Media, Source Water and Carbon Dioxide.
A) Media:
I.
Calcium Carbonate Media (Primary Media):
Different type of Media can be utilized in a Calcium reactor such as; “Dead Coral Skeleton”,
“Broken shells of different mollusks”…
Vertex Aquaristik™ only recommends the use of coarser media with a minimum Average particle size of 12mm or larger in diameter. Smaller particle size media do break down much faster and get compacted inside the reactor chamber which reduces the flow through the reactor significantly. This in return increases the need for frequent maintenance and flow/ Co2 adjustment.
II.
Magnesium Media (Secondary Media):
Magnesium being the third most abundant ion in seawater is required for many biological processes of Oceanic Fauna and Flora. Most Conventional Calcium Carbonate Medias are devoid of magnesium. However addition of dolomite to your calcium reactor will increase the concentration of this ion in the effluent and therefore supply your system with this necessary element.
Dolomite can be added to any of the reactor’s chambers. However it is imperative to acquire your dolomite from a reputable source that guarantees purity and cleanliness of the material.
Dolomite is available in many different particle sizes, purity and or grades. We recommend the highest grade dolomite available to you. DO NOT USE COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION GRADE
DOLIMITE AS THE IMPURITIES OR PRESENCE OF HEAVY METALS WILL DAMAGE YOUR SYSTEM.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
B)
III.
Phosphate Removers:
Phosphate being the building block of many organic compounds; is present in higher levels within some Carbonate media, specially with crushed gastropod shells. This is one of the underlying reasons as why Vertex™ only recommends coral skeleton (Coarse Media) instead of the conventional smaller particle size media. Further to that it is imperative to acquire your absorber from a reputable source that guarantees purity and cleanliness of the material.
To reduce the phosphate concentration of your effluent; it is possible to use phosphate absorbers in your TOP secondary chamber’s Sub-chamber. Ensure that you are using proper media that will not react with saltwater of lower PH range in a negative way. While the input saltwater can have
PH as high as 9; the effluent PH can drop to lower than 6, specially if the reactor is not dialed in properly. In most cases Iron-Based absorbers are not suitable.
Tip: Always rinse your media with RO water prior to use. While not always necessary, it is best to soak your media in RO water overnight. Doing so will reduce the chance of introducing any contaminants to your system.
Carbon Dioxide:
As mentioned previously, Carbon Dioxide is required to dissolve the Calcium Carbonate Media.
Due to the fact that C02 is supplied in a pressurized container; it is imperative that you observe and follow all safety precautions to allow presence of such equipment in your living, commercial… space.
Only use ¼” CO2-Safe tubing. Respect and follow local, state and Federal rules and guideline as how CO2 tanks and equipment must be handled, used, stored and/ or operated.
1Connect your CO2 supply to the bubble counter. ( CO2-Safe tubing not Supplied)
2Use CO2-safe tubing to deliver CO2 from the bubble counter to the reactor manifold.
Warning:
CO2 tanks may leak if improperly stored or handled. Carbon dioxide cannot be detected by the human senses, as it has no taste, odor or visible appearance. Carbon dioxide replaces oxygen in air, meaning that as a room fills with carbon dioxide, the air becomes less and less breathable.
Eventually, an undetected carbon dioxide leak can cause suffocation and death.
Another potentially dangerous situation is an overfilled tank. An overly full tank poses a serious risk to anyone in the area. Depending on the tank size, its safety valve is designed to only handle a certain amount of gas. When pressure exceeds the valve’s capacity, the valve will burst, causing a leak and potentially injuring anyone nearby with shrapnel.
Refill your CO2 bottle only at an authorized dealer. The CO2 canister must be checked during each refill to ensure there is no loss of structural integrity and/ or possible leak that can result in explosion.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
Like almost any pressurized gas, carbon dioxide runs the risk of explosion if the cylinder is pierced or otherwise ruptured. This explosion may be limited to the immediate area around the cylinder, but may also produce dangerous, and potentially deadly, metal shrapnel.
The improper use of, or an accident involving, a CO2 Canister can lead to serious physical harm.
Exposure to high pressure CO2 exiting the canister can cause painful burns and blisters on human skin.
Chose the location of CO2 bottle carefully. Place it securely in a vertical position.
Do not expose the CO2 bottle to direct sunlight and/or any other heat source such as radiators…
Only use CO2-Safe tubing. (Not supplied)
Connect the regulator to your CO2 bottle using Teflon tape. Small amount of “Soap/Water” mixture can be used on the regulator connections to detect any possible leaks in form of bubbles.
Only use good quality Needle-Valve, regulator and/ or Solenoid. If you are unsure as how to install, operate, maintain or service your regulator or solenoid consult with the manufacturer.
Vertex Aquaristik™ cannot be held liable for any damages or loss of life that improper installation, maintenance or operation of such devices can cause.
CO2 tanks, Regulators, Solenoids and/ or any other related devices must be installed, handled, maintained and/or serviced only by qualified professionals. Improper install, maintenance, operation or service can cause damage to your system, property, loss of livestock, bodily harm or loss of life. Vertex Aquaristik™ cannot be held liable for damages caused by the use of a pressurized gas tank systems with your reactor whether properly or improperly installed.
Consumer or operator accepts full responsibility of using CO2 or any other pressurized gas tanks.
Always think safety first.
C) Source Water:
There are different methods to supply a Calcium Reactor with Aquarium water such as “Gravity Fed” or a “Pump”.
To gravity feed a calcium reactor simply place it under your tank and start the siphon through the feed tube. Open the needle valve and prime the reactor. Once it has filled completely with aquarium water; you can attempt to adjust the valve to desired setting.
Although this method is effective, it is not recommended. Gravity fed systems will require more monitoring and maintenance due to reduction of flow once the media has been partially dissolved.
Utilizing a pump such as peristaltic dosing pumps, are more reliable. Once you have determined which type of the metering device will be utilized; connect your pump to the system, open the needle vale and allow the reactor to fill completely. Once the reactor is full with tank water you can attempt to dial the flow through the reactor.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
Control:
There are different methods to Control and regulate operations of a Calcium Reactor. Vertex Aquaristik™ recommends the use of an Aquarium Controller or a PH controller. This will allow you to regulate and monitor the amount of CO2 injected into your system through monitoring the PH in the main chamber.
The onboard Probe-Port on the primary chamber will allow you to place your PH probe in the primary chamber. Ensure that the connection is properly tightened, do not pressurize the reactor as it can push out the PH probe resulting in leaks, damage to property and your system’s inhabitants.
Depending to the type of media utilized and the reactor’s settings; the ideal effluent’s PH value could vary from 6.3 to 7.2 PH.
Diagram 5 exhibits the relation between amount of gas injected, flow and PH value. However these relations are not always linear and must be monitored and observed on each system individually.
Diagram 5
* Warning: A balanced relation and concentration between Calcium and Alkalinity is required and while the points above apply, they are all affected if one value is reduced or increased. Explaining as how an equilibrium can be reached is out of the scope of this document. Further to that concentration of other ions such as Magnesium will affect the concentration of other said soluble ions such as Calcium and
Carbonate.
Starting your Reactor:
Now you are ready to start your reactor. To do so simply follow the steps below:
IChose the reactor’s location carefully. A calcium reactor requires periodical monitoring, maintenance and media refill.
IIEnsure that all the O-Rings are properly seated.
IIIEnsure that all the connections, unions, screws… are properly tightened.
IVEnsure that your gas tank, regulator, solenoid, needle valve… is properly assembled, safe and leak free.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
VOpen the Calcium Reactor’s Needle Valve fully and then turn on your metering pump. Supply the reactor with Aquarium water, once filled reduce the flow-through rate to a minimum by adjusting the needle valve.
VIYou must now turn on the Calcium Reactor’s pump, this pump will stay on at all times.
Ensure that there is enough length of wire to have a drip-loop. When electrical devices are operated in close proximity of water, drip-loops become more so important due to the possibility of splashing, moisture creep… DO NOT IGNORE THIS WARNING! As always your safety is our number one concern.
VII Wait until the water inside the reactor clears and the reactor is free of air. Some small amount of bubbles can be present. Do not be alarmed, in time this will subside.
VIII Adjust the water flow exiting the reactor. The optimal Effluent flow rate depends to your system’s Calcium/ Alkalinity consumption. However for initial set up; we recommend to set the valve to allow about 180ml/min or roughly 30 drops/min of flow. Do not flow too much water through the reactor to start, this can raise the alkalinity in your aquarium and drop pH too quickly which could be harmful to the inhabitants.
Caution: Always start at low output and allow a few days to bring the reactor to its maximum desired output level. The recommended flow guidelines in this document should only be used as a marker.
Every system is different and without considering all the factors such as size, consumption levels… it is impossible to make a proper assessment of what the optimal flow rate and CO2 Volume for your system would be. Test your Effluent and Aquarium water frequently and adjust your system to reach desired levels.
IXStart the flow of Co2. Start with 30 bubbles per minute or less depending to flow rate, system
Xsize and consumption.
Adjust your PH Controller to desired value depending to the media utilized and other involved factors.
XIPlug your CO2 Solenoid to your PH or Aquarium Controller.
Tip: Calibrate your PH Probe and controller at least once every 20 days. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal calibration regiment and use.
XIIAllow the reactor to run for a few hours, test Aquarium pH value to make sure it does not fall below 8.
XIIIAdjust the flow and CO2 bubble-count to achieve the desired PH Value.
XIVMeasure the effluents Carbonate hardness after 6 hours of operation. This value could be between 10 to 20 dKH. You must adjust this value to what is desired by your tank inhabitants.
XVMeasure your system’s pH Value, Calcium and Alkalinity.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
XVIMake proper adjustment to flow and volume of Co2 injected based on your Aquarium’s consumption rate.
XVIIDuring the first few days of initial set up; it is imperative to monitor your Aquarium’s pH,
Calcium, Magnesium and Alkalinity values frequently to avoid any possible harm to the inhabitants due to any sudden parameter swings.
XVIIIAfter making adjustments to the reactor, it should be left for a few hours to allow the changes to take effect and the system to reach equilibrium.
XIXMake any adjustments only in small increments.
Maintenance:
Your Vertex™ Calcium Reactor can be fully disassembled for thorough maintenance. A flathead screw driver is required to perform this task. In order to disassemble your reactor simply follow these steps:
1Unplug the reactor; never touch electrical outlets with wet hand. Do not attempt to service or disassemble an electrical device when connected to electricity and/ or in operation.
2Unplug your metering pump or gravity fed valve to stop flow of Aquarium water through the reactor.
3Remove the tubes from the Quick-Connect fittings. Using a small Bucket, drain the tubing to avoid any spillage.
4Remove your reactor from its environment one chamber at a time.
5Follow the assembly guide in reverse to disassemble your reactor fully.
6Now you can clean, service or refill your reactor.
7To put back in operation; simply follow the assembly section of this manual.
Disassembling your pump for decalcification, removing any possible debris from pump-head and/ or any other service can be achieved following the steps below:
1Remove the pump from the reactor following the instructions provided in this guide in reverse.
2Hold the shaft using a dry cloth and remove it from the motor block.
Caution: The magnet used in this product is extremely powerful. Ensure that your fingers are not placed in between the impeller and the pump block. Jumping magnet can pose a pinch hazard. Further to that allowing the Impeller assembly to jump into the Motor-Block can damage the shaft and/or
Bearing. Insert the Impeller into the Motor-Block gently and assure it is in the right position.
The pump is now fully disassembled and can be cleaned using clean water or a VERY mild solution of Acetic Acid
(Household white vinegar). Ultimately for thorough cleaning; the pump could be placed in this solution overnight.
Using strong Acidic mediums or household cleaning solutions can possibly damage your pump casing, internal parts and/ or reactor. If an acidic solution is used; it is imperative to clean all parts with Luke warm water before
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
assembling and putting the unit back in operation. For any further maintenance of the Sicce™ motor block simply refer to the Sicce™ manual supplied.
*
Useful Tips:
Before reassembling the pump; ensure the inner motor-block’s bearing inside the pump is properly seated.
Further to all the instruction above on how to disassemble the reactor body and pump the following maintenances are recommended to be performed from time to time or when necessary:
Apply a small amount of food-grade silicone lubrication to O-Rings
Apply a small amount of food-grade silicone lubrication to the Bayonet’s Screw-side
Inspect for any blockage in the tubes or the reactor.
Check your reactor often, the valves, push to connect fittings, tubing, flow meter and other parts can quickly become blocked with deposits, causing a buildup of CO2 inside the unit.
The size of the drops on each brand of reactor will be different and irregular. For this very reason
Vertex™ utilizes a miniature flow meter allow betting monitoring of Effluent’s flow rate. However due to the small amount of flow monitored, the meter requires up to 100 seconds to display the proper flow rate after each adjustment. The flow rate is significantly affected by temperature and specific gravity of water. (An estimation of accuracy without considering actual water temperature, specific gravity and other factors is approximately +/- 11%)
Tip: Although the Flow meter can be used continuously; it is recommended to bypass the flow meter after the initial set up has been completed. Calcium Reactor Effluent can cause rapid calcification.
There are also small particles present in the effluent that can block the meter. If used continuously the meter WILL require more frequent cleaning/ maintenance regiment. To bypass the Flow meter simply disconnect it from the system and deliver the effluent to your system right after the onboard needle valve. For future adjustments you can simply reinstall the meter in seconds. If disconnected from the system it is best to be placed in clean RO Water or cleaned properly to store.DO NOT
DISSASEMBLE THE METER. To clean the meter; place it in a VERY mild solution of Acetic Acid
(Household white vinegar) overnight and then clean with RO water. DO NOT USE STRONG ACIDS OR
HOUSEHOLD CLEANING CHEMICALS.
Having multiples of failsafe is always the best method to ensure the health of your system. If possible we recommend monitoring the PH at 3 points:
1Aquarium water
2Primary Chamber
3Last stage Effluent
This ensure proper monitoring and maintenance of PH and other parameters of your tank.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
Warranty, Service and Conditions:
Vertex™ Rx-C reactors carry a two-year limited manufacturer warranty. Parts and/ or components damaged due to misuse, improper installation or normal wear & tear will not be covered under warranty. Vertex Aquaristik™ deserves the right to warranty products based upon inspection. If any damages occurred were deemed to be caused due to any of the following reasons (but not limited to), they will not be covered under warranty:
Excessive Calcification
Improper assembly of the reactor
Improper assembly of the CO2 System
Custom modifications
Running the pump dry
Improper dialing of the Reactor
Physical damage or what caused by negligence
Improper electrical voltage and/ or frequency
Use of impure or improper media
Procedures other than noted in this guide.
Cutting the pump cable to use other plug types
Using parts and components other than supplied by Vertex and/ or utilized in the original design.
All warranty related issues should be handled at the point of purchase location by trained staff. Please contact your dealer for warranty and/ or any other service/ maintenance the unit might require.
Pay attention to all the warnings and pointers noted in this guide and use common sense. To avoid damage to property, livestock and/ or personal injury please follow all these instruction and/or consult with a professional. Vertex Aquaristik™ will not be held liable for any damages the misuse, modifications and/ or improper installation of this unit may cause.
Further to all the above, due to the fact that this device requires a pressurized gas tank to operate which requires scheduled inspections, monitoring and adjustment only by authorized professionals; Vertex
Aquaristik™ cannot be held liable for any damages included but not limited to loss of livestock, damage to property or loss of life caused by our product used in combination with a pressurized CO2 system. It is humanly impossible to assess what has been the final cause of a disaster should one occur due to but not limited to; explosions, leaks, fires, metal shrapnel, CO2 Poisoning, CO2 Burns or any type of CO2 exposure, asphyxiation, exposure to high Alkaline effluent or any other reason perceived or determined to be caused by our product or the CO2 canister and its related devices used for CO2 injection.
If you cannot agree to the above terms and conditions, do not install or use this device, keep your original packaging as well as proof of purchase and contact your dealer for a refund. Vertex Aquaristik™ will not issue refunds directly to the consumer and rather issues a credit to the retailer or the wholesaler who has purchased the said product from Vertex Aquaristik™ for the amount the device was purchased for. There will be no refund issued for used, installed or inferior than new condition products.
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014
For additional information regarding this and/ or any other Vertex Aquaristik™ products, please either consult with your dealer or any of the following resources:
Website: www.vertexaquaristik.com
E-mail: [email protected]
By Phone:
Global: +49 (0)2234 – 99366-0
Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm UTC
By Mail:
Americas: +1 (604) 278-1474
Monday-Friday / 9am to 5pm PST
Vertex Aquaristik GmbH
#19A Max-Planck Street
Cologne, Germany, 50858
Vertex™ Rx-C 6D Calcium Reactor / Instruction Manual © Vertex Aquaristik ™GmbH, Deutschland 2014

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Key features
- Unique triple-chamber design for efficient calcium dissolution
- High-quality acrylic, PVC, and stainless steel construction
- Powerful Sicce Syncra 1.5 pump for consistent flow rate
- Precision needle valve for precise CO2 injection control
- Bubble counter and flow meter for monitoring performance
- Easy-to-use design with quick-release connections
- Compact size for easy placement in sumps or cabinets