DIY, aqualift, or peristaltic dosing pumps

[nrbelk]

I'm planning on using a home made two part dosing system for my reef tank. Right now I just have been adding the doses by hand.

I would like to get some dosing pumps.

I do enjoy DYI projects because there is nothing better than saving money and that sense of accomplishment. But that said, I don't mind buying completed products if DYI doesn't save a lot of money.

So in my limited entry research, I've seen a couple different options and I would like opinions on them.

First, I've seen that most commercial two part dosing pumps are peristaltic. I have also found some plans for peristaltic DIY pumps. Anyone know how much money a DIY peristaltic pump would save over a commercial product?

The second thing that I've seen is that there are the aqualift type dosing pumps. Kind of like an airpump with an input and output ends. Which is typically more durable, stronger, and reliable, peristaltic or the other type?

Thanks

 

[chrismck97]

tagging along

 

[sabbath]

I have 2 aqualifters on timers for doing automated water changes. It works ok If the pumps are the same age. I still have to make small ajustments once and a while.
But for procise amounts they very there flow too much. They also work good for ato because the amount is controlled by your float switch.

 

[nrbelk]

Thanks for the reply sabbath.

Are peristaltic pumps more accurate in their dosing rates then?

 

[sabbath]

Yes I have a bubble Magnus triple doser for carbon, alk & ca. It is very close and most Important, it is consistent. My Brs 1.1 works good too.

I have a aquamedic twin doser that works far. It gets off if I separate the times more then 5 hrs or so.

There is some china made dosers on eBay that may be good too. I don't know.

Thanks for the reply sabbath.

Are peristaltic pumps more accurate in their dosing rates then?

 

[ccalabro]

Peristaltic is going to be far more accurate over the long term. As the diaphragms in the aqualifter pumps loosen up with age, dosing will continue to become less reliable.

 

[nrbelk]

Thanks for the information.

Armed with this new knowledge, I think I will look into the peristaltic pumps.

Do any of you have recommendations for DIY guides/pieces or commercial pumps?

 

[disc1]

Peristaltic pumps are, by the nature of how they work, always going to give you more accurate measures of flow.

 

[zigzag1]

Peristaltic is going to be far more accurate over the long term. As the diaphragms in the aqualifter pumps loosen up with age, dosing will continue to become less reliable.

+1 Aqualifter pumps are great for ease of use, low cost, low maintenance, and small volume. They are without a doubt my, favorite ATO pump on small/medium tanks. Accuracy is not their strong suit, though. For reliable, accurate dosing a peristaltic would be much better for the purpose. GL!