Automated dosing... Liquid returning to dosing containers

[ErnestoC]

Hi,

I have set my automated dosing system to my tank but I am having a little problem

The liquid is returning to the dosing container... the could it be the dosing pumps? I am using the tube the dosing containers were designed for... does anyone has had this same problem?

Here is a pic of my setup:

Thanks for any help!

 

[ReefWreak]

How long have the dosing pumps been active for? Because of the way the rollers on those type pumps operate, they can wear down the tubing from rolling on it (especially at higher flow rates) and wear down the tubing or the rollers, causing a leaking backwards. I would say try replacing the tubing first, then see where you are and if it needs to be pursued further.

 

[ErnestoC]

How long have the dosing pumps been active for? Because of the way the rollers on those type pumps operate, they can wear down the tubing from rolling on it (especially at higher flow rates) and wear down the tubing or the rollers, causing a leaking backwards. I would say try replacing the tubing first, then see where you are and if it needs to be pursued further.

Hi, pumps ad new and I installed the system 4 days ago.. I will check the tubes.. thanks!

 

[SawdustInTank]

Is the out flow tube in the sump water? Also, what kind of doser is that?

 

[evsalty]

Try adding check valves between the pumps and the containers.

 

[Biggar]

If there is no way for air to come into the container with the dosing solution, alot of back pressure can cause sucking. See if air can get in the container

My .02

 

[AquamanE]

Not familiar with the pumps you show there but as previously mentioned peristalsic pumps dont allow that to happen because at least one roller is always in contact with the tubing.

Make sure tubinbs integrity is good and that rollers are always indeed in contact with the tubing at all times.

 

[marke]

That's a four chemical dosed which is pretty high tech. What are you dosing besides calcium and alkalinity? Are all four leaking? If its a new pump the tubing should be good. Is it possible you have the inflow outflow tubes reversed?

 

[Linesider]

Back siphon? Keep pumps above sump

 

[ErnestoC]

Hi guys. Thanks for all your replies! I think I will start by trying adding some check valves and see if that can stop it. now... where can I buy these check valves?

I have set the dosing form calcium and alkalinity and the two remaining are for magnesium and iodine. I will set them up as soon as I fix this problem.

 

[ReefWreak]

I would strongly recommend dosing iodine by hand, not automatically. It's just one of those chemicals that unless you're really really really diluting the container they're coming from, it's just too dangerous to dose automatically. To each their own though.

For the check valve, just google "Air line check valve," or go to your LFS and ask. Any LFS should have them, especially if they have a freshwater section, since it's more applicable to fresh water system bubblers than it is to aquariums.

I would also recommend a plastic one, not the brass ones, as plastic will be non-reactive.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10109

 

[AquamanE]

i would strongly recommend dosing iodine by hand, not automatically. It's just one of those chemicals that unless you're really really really diluting the container they're coming from, it's just too dangerous to dose automatically. To each their own though.

1+

 

[ErnestoC]

I would strongly recommend dosing iodine by hand, not automatically. It's just one of those chemicals that unless you're really really really diluting the container they're coming from, it's just too dangerous to dose automatically. To each their own though.

For the check valve, just google "Air line check valve," or go to your LFS and ask. Any LFS should have them, especially if they have a freshwater section, since it's more applicable to fresh water system bubblers than it is to aquariums.

I would also recommend a plastic one, not the brass ones, as plastic will be non-reactive.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=10109

ReefWreak, thanks for your advise on Iodine, didn't know that and I will dose it manually then.. Now I will have a backup container and pump in case of emergency

I got the check valves today at Something Fishy.. they are plastic, I agree with you... this will be non-reactive

Thanks again for all the help!