You could. If you had the apex it would be a little cheaper than the Litermeter route and work the same way(calibrate each pump in place and program the run time), but probably would be more expensive than a DIY two head pump in most cases (which you could run off your apex as well as long as you have a free outlet).
Automated water changes with dosing pumps?
- Thread starter shiftline
- Start date
You could. If you had the apex it would be a little cheaper than the Litermeter route and work the same way(calibrate each pump in place and program the run time), but probably would be more expensive than a DIY two head pump in most cases (which you could run off your apex as well as long as you have a free outlet).
I would target the closest size. For imperial sizes, 1/4" = 6.35mm, that should work fine.
Dennis
shiftline
New member
Automated water changes with dosing pumps?
I emailed the seller and he said Told me 6mm OD. 4mm ID
What kind of tube are you replacing it with?
It looks similar to theses but not 100% model match to find the specs
http://www.watson-marlow.com/Documents/knowledge-hub/Datasheets/us - USA/wd-400fd3-us-01.pdf
http://www.watson-marlow.com/Documents/knowledge-hub/Datasheets/us - USA/wd-400fd2--us-01.pdff
I emailed the seller and he said Told me 6mm OD. 4mm ID
What kind of tube are you replacing it with?
It looks similar to theses but not 100% model match to find the specs
http://www.watson-marlow.com/Documents/knowledge-hub/Datasheets/us - USA/wd-400fd3-us-01.pdf
http://www.watson-marlow.com/Documents/knowledge-hub/Datasheets/us - USA/wd-400fd2--us-01.pdff
The stuff I'm using is 1/8" outer by 1/16 inner, from one of those modified medical IV dosing pump that I had been using as a two channel doser so I've got a couple feet of the stuff. works perfect for dosing, but for water change you'll need the bigger tubing to get enough flow so the pump doesn't run all the time. I'm getting about 7.5ml/min running the pump on 12v (effectively half speed).
That tubing you already ordered should work just fine. The tricky part is getting the length right. I'm using a bit shorter piece of tubing than the stock tube sets as they have likely stretched.
That tubing you already ordered should work just fine. The tricky part is getting the length right. I'm using a bit shorter piece of tubing than the stock tube sets as they have likely stretched.
The pump head looks spot on to the one on the second page just an older model that isn't listed. Says they are spec'd to use silicone tubing with a 1.05mm wall thickness.
this is the stuff I'm using. any of the sizes with 1/32" wall should work. The ideal one for highest flow is probably:
1/8" ID x 3/16" OD x 1/32" Wall Tygon® Sanitary Silicone Tubing
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23278&catid=799
you might be able to go larger as it seems the 1/4" would fit but the barb fittings needed might not.
If you need barb fittings usplastics has every size imaginable as well.
1/8" ID x 3/16" OD x 1/32" Wall Tygon® Sanitary Silicone Tubing
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23278&catid=799
you might be able to go larger as it seems the 1/4" would fit but the barb fittings needed might not.
If you need barb fittings usplastics has every size imaginable as well.
shiftline
New member
Automated water changes with dosing pumps?
If you think 1/4 ID Would fit.. It would make connecting RO line a heck of alt easier. Does the hose need to use the connectors on that are on the edges of the plastic or can they just Hang there? (Aka does length matter?)
Any pics of yours ?! Mine is still sitting at the border. Would be nice to order some tubing. Just need to ration which one!
If you think 1/4 ID Would fit.. It would make connecting RO line a heck of alt easier. Does the hose need to use the connectors on that are on the edges of the plastic or can they just Hang there? (Aka does length matter?)
Any pics of yours ?! Mine is still sitting at the border. Would be nice to order some tubing. Just need to ration which one!
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Yes, the connectors are what holds the tubing in place so you have to use them.
It should be pretty much the same as the stock tubing. Although I think the stock tubing is a more durable material (possibly PharMed) but this silicone tube is the same size and should work well, just needs changed more often.
I'm trying to track down a source for the watson marlow tubing since usplastics is out of stock of this size at the moment....
How the tubing works will make more sense once you have the pump in hand
I'm trying to track down a source for the watson marlow tubing since usplastics is out of stock of this size at the moment....
How the tubing works will make more sense once you have the pump in hand
Just black version of the barbs that came with it. In the pic they are the black nylon barbs from usplastics 1/8" size. Had them left over form another project. But I'll be getting some slightly smaller ones for my setup since they are a little too big for the tubing sets I plan to use for dosing.
On the the pump you got I measured something around 33ml/min with the stock tubing when running the pump in 12v power supply. flow rate will be dependent on the tubing and voltage you run the pump.
for my AWC I'm using Cole-parmer L/S heads that run 60ml/min at full speed, but have them dialed down and as I said break up the water change into several periods throughout the day. You'll need to measure flow and set your timing once you have it all set up.
for my AWC I'm using Cole-parmer L/S heads that run 60ml/min at full speed, but have them dialed down and as I said break up the water change into several periods throughout the day. You'll need to measure flow and set your timing once you have it all set up.
yep, should be around 66ml/min. Tubing is back in stock at US Plastics btw. I just ordered some along with some extra connectors and misc other parts. Their shipping can be a little steep though so I always order up whatever else I might need for projects at the same time.
Generally a good idea to wipe down with vinegar and rinse a few times with a new can before putting into service, just for good measure to remove any manufacturing oils/dirt that might have been present.
As a suggestion I'd snag a mechanical float shutoff valve for filling so you don't run the risk of forgetting and having a flood.
And just a pesky observation but you've got a nice pile of flammable stuff sitting dangerously close to your water heater on the left of that pic.......
Also for when you've got your AWC up and running a good investment will be a simple 90 degree float switch mounted near the bottom of the SW container connected to a relay that will shut down your pump if the bin runs empty. A very wise safety feature IMO given your small tank volume.
