Controlling dosing pumps

[Kreeger1]

I just picked up 3 brs dosing pumps Was looking for the code to control them on my apex.
Thanks
For Mag and 2 part.
Tank size is 60 gals with 15 in the sump

Thanks for the help or pointing me in the right direction
Erik

 

[swearint]

Few ways to approach it. First though, determine how much of each you need and then divide by the pump rate to determine duration of pump run. Then you need to decide if you want to spread it out over the day or dose all at once. Post back a bit more detail, and we can help with the code.

Todd

 

[Kreeger1]

Thanks for the help, I,ll get all the details in the morning.

Would it be better to slowly dose multiple times per day or to dose all at one time...but seperate the calc, alk and mag by like a hour each?

 

[swearint]

It's personal preference really. Although, if your choice of Alk supplement increases pH then it is pretty much a necessity to spread it out.

Todd

 

[Kreeger1]

So my pump did 15 ml in ten minutes which is 1.5 per minute. I figure I need 20 ml per day.
What program do you suggest?

 

[swearint]

Since the amount is so small, I would just do a single dose of each and not worry about spreading it out. 20 ml would be a bit more than 13 minutes. The Time command has a resolution of 1 minute, so round down. The other issue is that those pumps are low current, so you would need to use the mechanicla relays (Outlets 4 & 8). Since you have three of them, you could put Mag & Ca on a one outlet and Alk on the other.

[Mag_Ca]
Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 22:00 to 22:13 Then ON

[Alk]
Fallback OFF
Set OFF
If Time 02:00 to 02:13 Then ON
If pH > 8.30 Then OFF

The start times are arbitrary, but I would space them out a bit. The pH check may not be necessary depending on your choice of supplement.

Todd

 

[ToLearn]

Almost 4 months later how are you liking the BRS pumps?

 

[Kreeger1]

Not a single complaint. Dialed it all in and has been great since day one!
Rock solid parameters too, I check them weekly on my apex., and test bi weekly or so for alk and calcium. Couldn't be happier. Calcium reactor was nice but I always seemed to have to tinker with it.
ERik

 

[ToLearn]

So did you cut off the Calcium reactor?

 

[Kreeger1]

Ran that on my other tank, And yes it's gone now. my old tank was a 360 gal tank that ran the reactor. My new setup is a 60 gal tank, mainly nonphoto corals.