For those not using a dosing pump, but otherwise automated dosing thingamajig...

Myka · #1 11-19-2009, 02:52 AM

...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.

simplycoral · #2 11-19-2009, 03:30 AM

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.

Delphinus · #3 11-19-2009, 03:30 AM

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.

globaldesigns · #4 11-19-2009, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus

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.

Hey, would you ever allow someone like myself to come see the setup. I too have been thinking about this, but am too scared to screw things up. Would love someone to show me the ropes.

Delphinus · #5 11-19-2009, 03:39 AM

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.

Oceanic · #6 11-19-2009, 05:34 PM

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.

lastlight · #7 11-19-2009, 06:06 PM

Any idea what brand and roughly how much ? You need to buy one for each solution of course too.