Dosing pumps: $65 vs $300

[bmackcw]

Hi all - I want to start dosing Ca/Mg/Kh. Nice chemical package on BRS for $55. But I'd like to get a dosing pump.

I want to get that Jebao off Amazon for $65 (of course). But all the other pumps seem to go between $250 and $600.

I've been in the hobby a few years, so I get spending more to do it right - but what makes these pumps so much "better"?

Oh, I do run an Apex, and would consider the DOS, but again, is it worth it?

Thanks in advance...

 

[EnderG60]

BSR has dosing pumps that are under $100 and they are pretty good. I use 3 of the 1.1 ml/min ones to dose my 3 part. All 3 were purchased used and still working perfectly after 3 years.

 

[Reel North]

Google the jebao doser and include "failure" in the search. One guy just lost his whole tank because it failed it the on position.

Now is not the time to skimp.

 

[Bpb]

The more expensive ones use more robust motors (some even using brushless stepper motors) that have a much longer lifespan, run more consistently and reliably. Also use more reliable and better designed software and relay components. Just every feasible aspect of the product is better from design down to the materials used. You get what you pay for. Will EVERY jebao doser fail on you? Probably not, but go ahead and start a running log and total up the number of marine magic and jebao dosing pump failures, vs those you find from the Neptune dos, vertex libra, or the ghl dosing pump. I think you'll find your answers pretty quick


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[bmackcw]

Google the jebao doser and include "failure" in the search. One guy just lost his whole tank because it failed it the on position.

Now is not the time to skimp.

About an hour after posting this, I basically slapped myself. Yeah, I'll put my $10k established system in more reliable hands.

I'm going to mix/dose "mechanically" and save up the few hundred for a good pump.

 

[Bent]

Check out the ice cap dosers. About 80 bucks and they are linkable.

 

[ReefRockerLive]

Check out the GHL Doser 2. It's super reliable, quiet, and easy to use. It offers the option to monitor your temperature, run your ATO and AWC functions, monitor and control over the cloud, and access settings through the app.

 

[thewbell]

If you are considering individual pumps the Drew's doser pumps BRS sells can be had from APT Instruments for under $70 each without a case. I currently have one and put it in a project enclosure for my vinegar dosing but left room to add more if needed. The part number is SP100FO and the 3mm tubing fits RO line and air line.

 

[Potatohead]

There are places in this hobby you can skimp, a dosing pump(s) is absolutely, NOT one of them.

 

[fishguy306]

I know you've gotten several people saying don't get the jebao, I'm going to agree with that. I had one for my planted tank to dose ferts. It was unreliable in several ways. It didn't dose consistent amounts, programming it was a nightmare that was very limited on what it could do. Next time I need one I'll be spending the extra money.

 

[enthejungle]

Check out the GHL Doser 2. It's super reliable, quiet, and easy to use. It offers the option to monitor your temperature, run your ATO and AWC functions, monitor and control over the cloud, and access settings through the app.

Is the module required for the temp monitoring? Don't see anything regarding temp mentioned under the dosers description.

I'm not ready for a controller yet but from what I've read a lot of people prefer GHL to the apex. Guess time will tell how the Vertex turns out.

 

[Capt_Dan]

The BRS dosers are great, near bullet proof and dont break the bank. Ive used mine for a year now, and bought them used, and they show no signs of giving up.

 

[ali1]

Walk away from jebao. Chinese taking advantage of the americans-imatation products, no warranty, no customer service, no email or phone number.

Bought 3 rw-15 for my 300g build. Im back to the tunze while jebao collecting dust on the shelf.

I also use brs 1.1ml for my dosing needs

 

[LQT]

Since you run an Apex, I say go for the BRS dosers. I find them extremely precise as they dose so slowly. You can use the reeftronics site's dosing calculator to program your outlet to run your doser exactly to your specs.

 

[ReefCowboy]

I've ran the Jebao. Have gotten the 2x DOS for the next build, since although the Jebao are good for the money, my 4 head unit failed within one year just like most of the stuff Ive owned from that company.

If you have a big system with some good money in corals, would invest in better dosers to avoid problems.
Heres the whacked out screen of the jebao doser the day I noticed my alk was not being dosed for about a week....I was mad, but then you realize you do it to yourself when you go cheap.

 

[ReefRockerLive]

Is the module required for the temp monitoring? Don't see anything regarding temp mentioned under the dosers description.

I'm not ready for a controller yet but from what I've read a lot of people prefer GHL to the apex. Guess time will tell how the Vertex turns out.

No module is required because all standalone version Doser 2 include the temperature port. You only need the GHL digital temperature probe and you can start monitoring your temp.

 

[minus9]

I went from BRS dosers to the GHL Doser 2 and the difference is night and day. It's precise and easy to program once it's set up, via a PC. You control it through the cloud and it will let you know when you're getting low on each pump. I bought mine during a labor day sale and saved $50 or $60.
I agree with others, this is not the piece of equipment to go cheap on. If you have a large system, then the BRS dosers will work fine, but for my 22g full of sps, precision is the key.
Just my two pennies.

 

[slief]

I you want a GREAT doser with a proven track record of reliability and accuracy, get yourself a GHL Doser 2 or the new GHL Doser 2.1. You will not find a better, more accurate, more reliable standalone doser at any cost. Most people that buy cheap dosers end up replacing them sooner rather than later and there are many that have lost their tanks as the result of their cheap dosers. When I look at what we have invested in our tanks and live stock, to me, Dosers are one of the areas that are critical and not worth cutting corners. Especially due to the nature of adding chemicals to our tanks.

 

[minus9]

^^^^^^^^^ Couldn't agree more!

 

[FirstContact]

I was thinking of the stand alone Kamoer dosing pump this Black Friday. It's a 3 head version for $300. Seems like it would be reliable and not as expensive as Vertex or GHL. I didn't like the GHL because using it is dependent upon connecting it to a PC.