Dosing Pump, Stand-Alone

[Bandomo]

So, here is the situation, I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to setup an auto top-off.
It boils down to two of the following options. I will also need to purchase a dosing pump, so please keep this in mind. Please let me know which option would be best, any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

1. Purchase a 3 pump stand-alone dosing unit plus an osmulator

OR

2. Purchase a 4 pump stand-alone dosing unit and use one of the pumps as my auto top-off.
The unit will need to pump roughly 1.5 gallons per day. I also have the option of installing a float valve in the future, therefore rendering the need to replenish the RO reservoir.

Which would be best, Pros/Cons?

Cheers,

 

[GDominy]

Secret option number 3.

Profilux II Econo Pack + Slave Doser 3 + Float sensor.

Will cost you a touch more then the Stand Alone Doser + Osmolator but give you WAY more options to play with!

Keep in mind that the Stand alone dosers are good for dosing pre-determined amounts, but have no way of connecting sensors to them to determine water level. You would be dosing blind based on assumed levels of evaporation.

 

[Bandomo]

Dominy,
Thanks for the CIA "Top Secret" option! That would definitely be the best option, but unforunately it is well above my budget...

If I go with option 1, I will be purchasing the new Bubble Magus dosing unit ($300), plus the new temperature sensitive aquacontroller from tunze that was featured at Interzoo ($200).

If I go with option 2, I'll purchase the 4 unit stand-alone dosing pump from Profilux ($550). I do understand that I'll somewhat be "dosing blind," I'm hoping that I can dial it to the exact rate of evaporation.

Thoughts?

 

[GDominy]

Well to be honest, (and I'm trying not to be biased) I do prefer the GHL Dosing pumps to any others I have tried. They simply have the best feature set and are really easy to calibrate and configure.

The Tunze Osmolators are pretty nice, but I have had some trouble with them filling sumps too fast (only in sumps with smaller chambers for the return pump though).

Either way you've made some good choices if the budget is a bit light, just don't forget if you need to save a little bit of coin you can go for the 3 pump GHL doser initially and upgrade it to a 4 pump model later with about 10 minutes of work!

 

[Bandomo]

The upgrade never crossed my mind! If I do purchase the 3 pump doser and decide to upgrade in the future, will the new pump be external, or will there be an extra slot in the main controller for the specific purpose of upgrading?

So far I'm really leaning towards option 2. I like the fact of having less pumps, power cords, cables, etc. that will all be present with the addtion of an osmulator.

Are the dosing pumps capable of handling roughly 1.5 gallons per day?

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Hi

The upgrade fits in the same unit, when you get the stand alone doser with less than 4 pumps for example a 3 pump version you will see at the front a black blank, you simply pop the blank out install the new pump, open the case and connect the pump lead and the doser then auto sees the new pump.

So any upgrade is all internal no outside box required.

And the best part is that the GHL is fully serviceable

yes you can handle 1.5 gallons.

 

[GDominy]

The bodies of the GHL dosing pumps are actually the same for all of the models, they simply have a "blank" installed over the missing dosing pumps. You simply remove the blank, insert the new motor and install the head with the peri tubing. Its a very modular system and super simple to upgrade.

The dosing pumps can handle a MAXIMUM of 40l per day (roughly 10 gallons) although its best not to push them that hard for extended periods. They run approximately 60ml/minute with a recomended maximum run time of 15 minutes (which then requires a 15 minute minimum "cool down" period).

You could easily dose 1.5 gallons per day if you break it up into several small doses (which is better for stability anyway)

 

[GDominy]

Hi

The upgrade fits in the same unit, when you get the stand alone doser with less than 4 pumps for example a 3 pump version you will see at the front a black blank, you simply pop the blank out install the new pump, open the case and connect the pump lead and the doser then auto sees the new pump.

So any upgrade is all internal no outside box required.

And the best part is that the GHL is fully serviceable

yes you can handle 1.5 gallons.

Dang, beat me to the punch! lol

 

[Bandomo]

Okay, I'm sold....
Where would be the cheapest place to purchase a 3 pump stand-alone dosing unit + a Vortech MP20 to MP40w ES upgrade....

Any sales/special offers currently going on...

Thanks for all the help...
Cheers,

 

[AQD_ottawa]

www.progressivereef.com
or
www.aquacave.com