Cheap way to dose Randys 2-Part?

[reefnewbie54321]

Looking for the cheapest way to dose Randys 2-Part (also has to be reliable and safe)

I am assuming some one has come up with an alternitive to expensive dosing pumps by now. I did a search but nothing came up but it could be becuase I didnt type in good keywords.

 

[reefnetworth]

try a medical supply office for used IV pumps. or try www.mscdirect.com they have peristaltic pumps and doseing. REEF-ON!!!

 

[ohioreef]

An Aqualifter pump works great and can be had for about $10. That is what I use to dose limewater and it has held up very well.

 

[MJAnderson]

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_dosing_pumps_top_off_kent_marine_aquadose.asp?CartId=

 

[Rainer Feyer]

Do you guys have any problems with the Kalk clogging the hosping system?

 

[Horace]

I would just like to say one thing...The aqualifters are NOT a good pump for this type of thing. They pump far too much, too fast and change in flow rate over time as they wear. You need to get a good dosing pump. While they are not super cheap, its the only reliable way to do it. www.innovativeaquatics.com is the best place IMO.

 

[ohioreef]

I have my Aqualifter hooked to a float switch so the flowrate doesn't matter. I guess I should have clarified that.

 

[Horace]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7787842#post7787842 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ohioreefer
I have my Aqualifter hooked to a float switch so the flowrate doesn't matter. I guess I should have clarified that.

I agree, that works just fine for Kalk, but it will not work for 2-part which is what he is asking about. If you tried to does 2-part with a float switch you would be in big trouble. Plus you would need two aqualifters because you cant run both parts through the same pump so that makes it even less likely to does the same amount of each. So basically the only way to accurately dose 2-part that I know of is w/ a dosing pump....

 

[skyfireblaze]

How much are you trying to dose? Forgive me for being ignorant here, but can't you just slowly pour it into a high-flow area of your sump? As Horace said, you'd need two systems anyways since you can't combine Randy's two solutions before putting them in the tank.

 

[reefnewbie54321]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7788900#post7788900 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xchrisjb
How much are you trying to dose? Forgive me for being ignorant here, but can't you just slowly pour it into a high-flow area of your sump? As Horace said, you'd need two systems anyways since you can't combine Randy's two solutions before putting them in the tank.

Yes but I am trying to automate my tank ... manualy dosing i what I do now.

I was told that you can modify a Kangaroo Medical IV pump to be put on a timer and dose Randys 2-Part. Anyone done this or have links about it?

 

[BeanAnimal]

The only way to modify the kangaroo is to dig DEEP into it and hack the electronics. They will not work on a timer (though in theory somebody with the schematic and soem know how could do it).

Take a look at the b-ionic doser. You can fashion a similar setup yourself for a lot less. The other option is any of the peristaltic dosers made for the hobby. They are expensive but most work fairly well. With some electronics know how, you could build yourself a peristaltic 2 part doser for about $150

 

[reefnewbie54321]

b-ionic doser looks simple enough to rig up anyone have any links to some one who has done it before?

 

[Horace]

The pumps from innovative aquatics will dose both parts at the same time...they are "Dual" dosing pumps. They do this by using two separate lines that are both pumped at the same speed. You then have one hose at one end of the sump and the other at the other end. Easy as pie....Its the only good way to dose 2-part imo.

 

[reefnewbie54321]

I understand a dual dosing pump is best but they can be expensive. I would rarther m,anualy dose it then pay that. What I dont understand is why anyone hasnt made a doser simaler to the one b-ionic is selling? It is based off of air pumps and seems easy enough.

 

[reefnewbie54321]

This is what I was looking for

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=596907&highlight=part

A cheap knock off of the b-ionic doser utilizing air pumps

 

[JeffCA]

I recently purchased the "Kangaroo" -AKA Simplifier dosing pump from Innovative aquatics. I got mine on ebay for $125. Retail on the site they run for $139 I think.

I've been running the 2-part system thru this dosing pump for a few days now and it works great. You have to specify that you want the 2 channel set.

For a real life example:

I've been dosing 40ml cal/alk per day in my tank all at once in the morning.

The dosing pump when set up for duel channel mode will pump 1/3 of the amount shown on the dosing meter. I have mine set for 60 ml/hr and have the dosing pump connected to a simple timer that runs for a little over 2 hrs.

60 ml x .3 = 18 ml

18 ml x 2 hrs = 36 ml per day (I have mine set for a little over 2 hrs)

I did tests where I dripped regular water and it was very accurate down to the ML.

HTH

 

[sfsuphysics]

Cheapest way I found was to get an old glass, mark on it the amount I needed to dose, and poor from a couple 2 liters and into the tank.

Unless you have a massive drop in calcium & alk per day you should have no issues if you dose all at once.