2 part dosing tube output location

[jedimaster1138]

This is a very simple question, and as such, might be stupid,:lol: but here goes

Where do you direct the output of your 2-part dosing, assuming it's automated? Return Chamber? Drain chamber? Someplace else?

I've had mine in the return chamber since...forever. I've noticed a little bit of alkalinity solution build up (white schmutz) on the bottom of that chamber lately. I wonder if there isn't enough water movement in the return section to mix up / grab the stuff and blast it up to the DT before it settles, despite the very powerful return pump (Speedwave 2640 GPH)

My drain chamber is big, contains my giant monster skimmer, and is much more turbid because of the drains (lots of bubbles, splashing etc) I could easily redirect the dosing tubes to dump there instead of the return chamber...would the skimmer though rip out any of the calcium/carbonate/magnesium solutions? FWIW, I do not use socks most of the time. I'm using BRS 2 part and IC Reef Crystals.

I've noticed that I'm having a bit of a hard time maintaining high levels of both Ca and Alk (mag is around 1350). Granted my tank is a 120g full of SPS and clams, but I'm dosing over 100 ml per day of each of calcium and carbonate. I'm wondering if I'm dosing the bottom of my sump, or I just need to up the dose or, failing that, shoehorn a Ca reactor in my stand.

 

[PhoenixOne]

Good question. I also get the white schmutz build up as well. Not sure if it's calcium or alkalinity solution in my return section. Following along.

 

[SteveZ15]

its pro the alk the alk cup when i dosed my hand used to get all caked up the calc one always clean.I just hooked up mine have outputs going to return chamber i have them ovet the side so the chemical drips into the water and not down or on the sides.Do you have sand in the fuge or dt. I was dose 45 ml on a 40 breeder with a 60/40 sps/lps.. I took the sand out of the fuge it was a brick and now i dose 30 ml each to keep same levels 10alk 460 cal mag runs high 1450 1500.

 

[PhoenixOne]

LOL! I took out the sand from my fuge too. It was a big square brick slab.

 

[jedimaster1138]

Shut my fuge down a few months back. It was just a trash dump. I might try re-starting it next year. We'll see. My NO3- readings are consistently 2-3 ppm and PO4- is mostly fine if I change the GFO on schedule (which I don't usually).

So... drain section or return... I'm inclined to try it in the drain and see what happens. Speaking of, I need to up my dosing. SIGH

 

[PhoenixOne]

Problem is, my doser is on the right, my drain is on the left. I would have to extent the dosing tubes all the way to the right....which won't look pretty and the tubes will be in the way. As far as the fuge being a trash dump....mine was a landfill. Until I brought a mini wet dry and vacuum it out every month. I also put a small power head in the drain section and the cheato section so it will minimize junk settling on the bottom.

 

[jedimaster1138]

Yeah my dosing tubes, the output side at least, have to run about 3 feet horizontally now. Going to the drain section would cut off about 2 feet.

Full disclosure, when I was running the fuge my return pump was wimpy. Now its 3x the power so the fuge would be much more agitated. We'll see in the future if I feel ambitious and want to run it. I'd probably just toss chaeto in there and no sand... maybe. Hmm.

 

[SteveZ15]

I had mine in the return thinking I didnt want it in the drain because the skimmer will pick it up somewhat. I was thinking to put it on the wier into the return section where the fuge spills over so it will somewhat mix I want a small pump in my return because stuff settles there but I have return and pump for reactor in there and its a tight fit. I have bb fuge with cheato and some mangroves with some small rubblle to hold the roots down.I am not sure how much the fuge does .. pro not much but its there as part of the sump and things grow in the cheato it does grow good, its a good safe spot if need be for a fish or something.Are you using b ionic for 2 part of something less expensive due to the tank size and dose amount?

 

[james1990]

I moved my 2 part from the return to the drain side and it seemed to have worked. No more white film on the surface of the water. I also have my kalk dosing in there as well.

 

[jedimaster1138]

I use the BRS powdered stuff or I'd go poor pretty fast. Heh

I'm going to move my tubes into the drain and change the dosing amounts back to where they were, then test again in a few days, probably Friday. Here's hoping. I'd prefer to not drop 500$ on a Ca reactor and all the trimmings.

:fish: