Dosing Pump Units - Which One?

[Pacific Sun RD]

More questions for both GHL and PS....

Can any of the pumps in either doser work continuously, like for a calcium reactor?
If not, what are the recommended max run times before the plastic rollers get too hot and start to wear down?
How many times per day can the pumps be run?

GHL... I see there is a slave unit coming out soon. Is there pricing for this yet (USD) and what differences are there between it and the SA?

This kind of peristaltic pumps(like in GHL Doser and our Kore 5th) are not designed for continuous work. Of course, you can use it as feeding pump for Calcium reactor but probably lifetime(of plastic rollers inside) will be limited to 700-1000 hours.
There will not be a problem with motors(in GHL there is step motor, in our - DC with speed regulated by frequency/voltage) but with plastic rolles inside(which seems to be made from similar material).
I understand that you are looking for something which will "feed" your reactor and why you want to do it(easy to maintenance and control flow).
Im not sure how it can be done with GHL Doser 2 but with Kore 5th you have possibility to use channel #1 and set doses for 144 daily with predefined amount. Program allow for setting : 1,2,4,6,8,12,24,144 doses/day.

This program will run pump every 10 minutes for configured time. If you will use fast flow silicone tubings working on fast speed doser will can "feed" reactor for 140ml of water in every minutes of work.
6x1 minutes in hour = 840ml/hour.
But Im still not sure that its best idea(using typical "micro" size peristaltic pump as "feeding" pump for reactor a specially when flow in ml/min is quite low.
Maybe we can discuss in our thread(PS thread on RC) possibility adding special program in our software to DC pump(which have regulated flow in software) and use it as pump which will feed reactor but if you are interested - please start thread in proper section.
Thank you.

Regards

Przemek

 

[d2mini]

Ok so maybe not the best for CaRx. Picking up a used Cole-Parmer is still my best bet.

But for AWC, it can run up to 144x per day which is great.

Thank you for answering my questions!

 

[slief]

Ok so maybe not the best for CaRx. Picking up a used Cole-Parmer is still my best bet.

Without a doubt, the Cole Palmer is the best bet for a CaRx. Plenty of pressure to maintain consistency and designed for continual use so it will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.

 

[Pacific Sun RD]

Here, in EU popular pumps made IKS - they are priced but probably with similar reliability like yours Cole Palmer.
All pumps designed for continual use are always bigger, have much wider peristaltig tubings and pump head. They are multi roller and quite simply in configuration

 

[d2mini]

Without a doubt, the Cole Palmer is the best bet for a CaRx. Plenty of pressure to maintain consistency and designed for continual use so it will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.

Here, in EU popular pumps made IKS - they are priced but probably with similar reliability like yours Cole Palmer.
All pumps designed for continual use are always bigger, have much wider peristaltig tubings and pump head. They are multi roller and quite simply in configuration

Yep, I figured as much.
Just wanted to ask.

The main question was the amount of dosings per day and how long they could run, but with 144x per day they wouldn't need to run very long anyway.

If it could only run 10x per day, that could be a problem for AWC on larger tanks because if you needed so split up several gallons over the course of a day by only 8, this could cause the pumps to run too long.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

The GHL can be programmed I think the max is 24x a day, just leave 15 minutes in between each cycle.

The software is still in expansion so this may change, but I agree with PS as you have dedicated questions I think it is important for this thread that they are directed to the relevant sponsored forums as we are now into specific technical advise which was not the intention im sure of the OP

 

[d2mini]

oh for Christsake. It's not technical advise! :headwallblue:

I asked two simple questions.
1. How many x per day
2. How long can they run

Two easy, specification questions that could be important to people, and should be public knowledge if one is to make an informed purchase decision.

PS kindly answered my questions in a single post and now finally I get an answer for the Doser 2.
I really don't think it was that hard.

Thanks, I'm done.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

I gave this info above
"15 minutes in between each cycle"
"The GHL can be programmed I think the max is 24x a day"

But early days everything could be expanded

 

[bklynreef123]

LOL.. What does that say about medical grade dosing pumps like the Cole Palmers?? Big yes and arguably the most reliable pumps you can get.

The Apex pump is big because of the stepper motors it uses which are much more reliable than the typical peristaltic motors used in most dosing pumps. They also offer the advantage of being variable speed which adds a level of control and speed not found in most dosing pumps. The Apex while big offers a lot of advantages over most of the other dosing pumps. It does look funky compared to traditional dosing pumps though. I've got to give you that much.


This I couldn't agree with more.

The GHL Doser 2 also uses stepper motors. It combines stepper motors with a traditional layout.

 

[reefdude135]

Other than the models mentioned previously: has anyone used the BRS units? I am curious on their effectiveness....

 

[iceet]

The GHL Doser 2 also uses stepper motors. It combines stepper motors with a traditional layout.

very nice, thanks for sharing

 

[tonymission]

I'm surprised only one vote for the BM doser. Very reliable for me on two separate tanks and can be had for around $200 secondhand everywhere.

 

[troynel]

Will the BM also do water changes or can't the unit handle that many intervals?

 

[AQD_ottawa]

No the BM could not there are no sensor inputs its just a timed dosing event box. I also would not trust dosing ANY chemicals into a fish tank to a cheap device I think its a game of fire to be honest but thats my personal feelings. I do feel its one device for a tank where quality should be considered. we are happy to spend $500 on some corals but not the same to look after them.

 

[unze]

The pacific sun kore seems to be very good value as most things are included in the package, and plus 20% discount , so its a great price.

 

[Reefvet]

I'm surprised only one vote for the BM doser. Very reliable for me on two separate tanks and can be had for around $200 secondhand everywhere.

I have a couple friends who do tank maintenance full time in Southern California (Both for 20+ years.) I have heard several horror stories from both of them about BM dosers failing and just stopping or turning on and not stopping. Both have clients that have lost large reefs from them and wouldn't touch them again.

 

[iceet]

Other than the models mentioned previously: has anyone used the BRS units? I am curious on their effectiveness....

You need a quality timer for those.

 

[BrklynArch]

I think Im going the Apex DOS route.
I currently have the old style GHL stand alone doser.
While i keep hearing about reliability and durability i have had nothing but headaches.
It worked reliably for the first year or so then the screen went out had to be replaced.
Next up Pump 1 would activate and rotate but it wouldn't draw in any liquid.
Come to find out one of the 2 pumps im using hasn't been dosing any for weeks.
I checked the connection to the vessel it was drawing from swapped out tubes even cleaned the lines and motor.
After cleaning and reassembly it worked for about a week...then a few nights later I notice it's doing the same thing.
was told that the Peri tube/pump has no real warranty as a degenerative/service item unless faulty on receipt.
Servicing should be performed every 3 months as a rule.
Involving removing the pumps, cleaning the inside of the pumps out and re-assembly.
The tube and rollers should be replaced every 6 months $$$$.
I bought new heads etc and now im having the same problem on pump # 2 (brand new head), pump #1 (new tubing) still looses prime
and as a special added bonus the screen went out again and it seems to be a common problem on these units.
i can not trust them with my tank and money again.
The new Apex DOS motors seem very industrial and beefy and replacement and upkeep looks to be a straight swap of the tube no need to fiddle with rollers that degenerate over a few months and need to be cleaned every 3 months.
the motor size is whats sold me all the other dosers seem to use the same little motors.

 

[Raul-7]

The Apex DoS looks good but the problem is it only has 2 dosers. If you need more than 2, thats ~$700.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Any doser you buy will need servicing this is correct, 3 months is a max based on high useage but 6 months cleaning and annual replacement for any doser peri tube is recommended. The APEX is absolutely no different and if "any" manufacturer told anyone they did not need replacing I will be very concerned with that advise.

Rollers NEVER need replacing there is no service part for them or price as you literally cant buy them

If a doser loses prime its near impossible due to the design for it to be the pump itself, (im talking German and or other quality units, GHL etc, not cheap chinese units like BM etc where tolerances are very poor) all dosers use rollers which squeeze the pipe in either two or 3 locations, prime loss is always an issue with air seal of the pipe from the dosing container to the dosing unit itself.

These are important things to remember for anyone investing in a doser, service is key dosers are mechanical and will need intervention, this is 100% normal.

The screen with the old doser went through a limited batch run where the pins would lift from the doser board, this was rectified in 2013. The new doser has no screen - no problem

The new GHL doser 2 uses German built high grade stepper motors not small brush driven DC motors you find in older style units and in other manufacturer units also. Having said that the older GHL doser used German motors and were pretty bullet proof.

Hope that helps more so when looking for new dosers and the requirement for servicing, this is important for any doser someone buys.