Hi all,

Would appreciate feedback from anyone currently using a Mazzei.

I installed a Mazzei 584 8 days ago hooked to a 500 gph Mag drive. The pump sits in the sump and the Mazzei output is directed back to the main sump pump and then to the twin returns. 180 gal tank reef style and sump.

Some observations on my application and then a couple of related questions.

These benchmarks have been steady for at least 5 days now, after 2-3 days of adjustment.

1. The Mazzei can bring my ph from 7.1 to the desired setpoint of 6.5 to 6.6 within 90 minutes.

2. I get a fine mist via the returns, but some larger bubbles also are output. Not large by any means, but not mist.

3. My two drop checkers show light green within 15-30 mins after lights on. C02 is on 1.45 hours prior to lights.

4. If the ph goes to 6.4 fish show distress and DC are clearly yellow.

5. Good pearling within 30 minutes and much better pearling overall. HC and Riccia on substrate both pearl. HC is still new so just a bit but Riccia is shiny. Had some floating Heteranthera that was just covered in pearls. Looked awesome!

6. Compared to my AM1000 reactor/venturi the Mazzei uses MUCH less c02. I am at about 10-30 bps(?) but is hard to tell. I would say my bubble count is at least reduced by 75% needed to reach my desired levels as compared to the old setup.

Okay couple questions:

1. I understand that Mazzei can pull down PH by a full point in a 180 (like mine) within 15-30 minutes. Since mine takes 90 minutes to get only 50% of that benchmark, am I getting the best match of pump to Mazzei? I was thinking of a 900-1200 gph pump instead. I have a throttle valve, so can adjust as desired.

2. Again, are the larger bubbles due to insufficient pressure to the venturi and the need for a larger pump? Am I not getting the ideal mix?

3. The mazzei pump is on 24/7. Will it just be passing air/02 when no c02 is injected? I can see a faint mist with n0 c02. Is it drawing c02?

6. Again, related to a small pump? Other threads have spoken of tanks close to this size, but with needle valve barely open and 4-5 bps count.

Just trying to get a sense of how I can improve my performance or if I should just leave it as is.

Thanks in advance.

The bigger pump as stated will give better performance if head is better than current unit. Remember though it's not the flow that will make it perform better it's the head


Absolutely!



When the Co2 is off you will not get any mist in the tank so if you are then you are either taking in air from the nipple due to a loose hose fit, suction cap threads or your solenoid is bad.

I suspect the threads as this was my experience so I used thread tape to get a nice air tight seal.



I do know the fact that we are sump users makes things very different so don't go by bps count neither or compare to others. Just adjust to whats best for your tank to achieve healthy algae free plants. If it helps my rate is ridiculously fast



You will know bigger is needed if the mist ouput is more bubble like or diffuser like. Mazzei mist is like....well mist so thats what you should aim for.

mrkookm,

thanks for the replies.


Well, my mazzei is only 15" from the pump.

A stronger pump just has more flow at the same head height.

Are you saying the Mazzei should be further away from the pump, or that the pump should have a higher end head height?


Yes, it helps. You can't help but compare to others it is human nature. If I was doing something say 7000% different from everyone else I have to wonder why, no?

Thanks again.