2 part doser

[Rlumenator]

I'm looking for info on any liquid 2-part (CA & Alk) such as Kent, C-Balance, Bionic- do they work well? The one I am using now I have set it up from 4 hrs. to 8 hrs over the past 2 years and still have to add manually. your experience with these systems would be appreciated. Thank you in advance, Dawn.

 

[Mihai]

They work fine. The commercial ones are expensive for large tanks, I use the home-made version published last year in the advanced aquarist.

M.

 

[Rlumenator]

I am using Natureef, what one are you using, and do you still have to manually add? Thank you, Dawn.

 

[Anonymous]

I think she is specifically asking about the dosers that you can buy to put the 2 part in the tank automatically. (right?)

Alas, I have no experience with those. It has been my experience on these boards that they are not too commonly used.

Is this what you are using? For that price, I might start looking into something like a kalkwasser reactor, if you are still having to put extra in by hand.



http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... ode=Dosers

 

[Mihai]

I see... I assume you need to get a larger measuring cup if you have a system like the one in the picture linked by Laura (rather than increase the rate of your timer).

I think that the system in Laura's link is pretty neat. I'm not sure how it works though (more exactly, when the air pump starts why does the air push the liquid up rather than just escape throgh the vent. It is expensive, but I guess that you can DIY one for about $20 or less (depending on what containers you're using).

From what I saw many people use peristaltic pumps to dose the additives. They are (very?) expensive, but some brands are also very reliable, and have all sort of alarms when the liquid runs out or when the tube gets clogged... I was thinking to save for two peristaltic pumps but now I'm considering DIY-ing a system like the one in Laura's picture.

M.

 

[Rlumenator]

My doser is about 6"x5"x3". It is reliable- it's just that I have to keep increasing amounts. My aquarium is inthe wall between my kitchen & dining room so the space I have to place items in cabinets overhead and underneath is limited. Therefore no calc reactor! I was just wondering about the other companies that make similar products and those people who have used them- if they have a similar problem. Thank you, Dawn.

 

[Mihai]

Having to increase the amounts is to be expected as corals grow they consume more and more calcium carbonate. If you want, I do have a similar problem (having to increase the additives) - only that I do it by hand (for now).

M.

 

[Rlumenator]

What company do you use?

 

[mopecula]

I was able to buy a two channel perastalic pump (spelling) from ebay cheap. Works great, I have it on a timer to turn on for 15 minutes four times a day but I can adjust the speed on the pump also. It great to keep the cal and alk at a constant level. Well it works for me.
Happing Reefing Guys and Gals!!

 

[Rlumenator]

Wow- an hour a day! What size is your tank? Thank you, Dawn.

 

[mopecula]

Wow- an hour a day! What size is your tank? Thank you, Dawn.

Dawn you have to remember that the dosing pump is adjustable as to how fast it feeds the cal/alk stuff to the tank. dose help to keep things very steady by dosing a bit at a time. kicks on twice during the day and twice through the night. you can always find good deals on these pump off of ebay just be careful who you buy from. i have been ripped off numerous times from people on that site.

 

[Mihai]

Mopecula, what type of pump did you buy? I don't know the first thing about pumps so I would not even know where to start...

Thanks,
Mihai

 

[Rlumenator]

Mine drips 8 hrs. at night very slowl. I buy a lot of things from "That Fish Place" as the price is right. I'm not sure if they have the pums.

 

[SnowManSnow]

I use B-ionic.. works great.. has been for the last year. But I have a small 37G reef tank.

B.

 

[mopecula]

Mopecula, what type of pump did you buy? I don't know the first thing about pumps so I would not even know where to start...

Thanks,
Mihai

the pump is a lab quality peristaltic pump with two channels which allows me to pump/dose the two part cal/alk stuff automatically. i used to use esv brand but i have been making my own for awhile now and seems to be working ok so far. i use a recipe from randy holmes which tells how to make it. any how i test for cal and alk every week and if it is necessary i adjust the pump to pump more or less depending on what the tank needs are. but i do also dose kalkwasser once a day. i like the idea of getting cal/alk from difference sources.

 

[mopecula]

here is a good place to look for pumps, but these are brand new. if your handy you can find good deals on ebay at times.
http://www.aptinstruments.com/Merchant2 ... Code=SP300

 

[Mihai]

the pump is a lab quality peristaltic pump with two channels

Sure, the question is what brand... in general, I assume that like with everything there are good brands and bad brands. Think Iwaki vs Rio, Honda vs. Yugo, etc...

Thanks,
Mihai

 

[mopecula]

the pump is a lab quality peristaltic pump with two channels

Sure, the question is what brand... in general, I assume that like with everything there are good brands and bad brands. Think Iwaki vs Rio, Honda vs. Yugo, etc...

Thanks,
Mihai

to tell you the truth let me go and look. Watson Marlow 400 but i must say the hoses for this pump coast around 100.00 or more so i made my own for like 10 dollars. you have to be very creative to save money in this hobby, lol i think most of these types of pumps are well made and the reason i say that is of all the people using them whatever the brand i have never heard a single complaint about them.

 

[Mihai]

I see, thanks!
Mihai