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#1
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For those not using a dosing pump, but otherwise automated dosing thingamajig...
...what are you using? I'm trying to figure out the best option for a low-cost dosing automation. This will be a temporary fix until I can fork out the cash for dosing pumps. My calcium and alkalinity are fluctuating too much.
I've seen everything from Aqualifters to air pumps...whatcha got? Maybe "low-cost" automation is too risky. I might just start mixing up my own 2-part (using reef products, not "raw" chemicals) if I can't figure out a decent wannabe dosing thingamajig. Just trying to get some ideas to go on. Last edited by Myka; 11-19-2009 at 02:54 AM. |
#2
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I went for the Aqua-lifter option on my 90g connected to a digital timer from Canadian Tire. I have been lifting the liquid from the container and dosing it through a gate valve over the tank
Not sure if it's the most reliable method but it saved me the chore each day! until the timer failed... I have ordered the twin doser for the new tank S.
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Nothing! No Tank, No Skimmer, No Zeovit, No Sump! Just Nothing.......At the moment Simplycorals 165g Upgrade. |
#3
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I run 4 aqualifter pumps so I can dose Ca & Alk into two separate tanks. Two timers set to run for 1 minute intervals on 1.5 hour intervals. Each dripline ends with an irrigation needle valve for drip control. Think I spent $15 each for the aqualifters. Everything else I already had.
The driprate is way more steady than I ever thought it would be. It's working out well, in fact, I pretty much have the needlewheel valves open all the way. I haven't tested yet this week to see where my Ca is at but I was debating switching the 1 minute durations to 2 minutes.
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-- Tony My next hobby will be flooding my basement while repeatedly banging my head against a brick wall and tearing up $100 bills. Whee! |
#4
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Quote:
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Setup: 180G DT, 105G Refuge (approx. 300lbs LR, 150lbs Aragonite) Hardware: Super Reef Octopus SSS-3000, Tunze ATO, Mag 18 return, 2x MP40W, 2X Koralia 4's Wavemaker Lighting: 5ft Hamilton Belize Sun (2x250W MH, 2X80W T5HO) Type of Aquarium: mixed reef (SPS & LPS) with fish Dosing: Mg, Ca, Alk |
#5
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Sure, there's not much to it, but you're totally welcome to check it out. Please promise not to laugh at the state of my basement. Shoot me a PM sometime, I'm down in Evergreen. I'll try to take a picture of it maybe but I have to find my camera's battery charger first.
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-- Tony My next hobby will be flooding my basement while repeatedly banging my head against a brick wall and tearing up $100 bills. Whee! |
#6
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I have tried all kinds of dosers including the Aqualifter pump, the best thing I have found is one of these recommissioned hospital IV peristaltic devices.
I found mine on Ebay but they are worth the money new. I use the device to feed my calcium reactor partnered with my reef controller controlling the PH inside the reactor. I do not have to fiddle with bubble rates, drip rates or anything. If my ALK levels are off I just increase the ML per Hour or decrease depending on my test results. Easy as PIE!! Next to my controller this is the best purchase I made for my system in regards to water quality. |