Dosing pumps- best uses maybe?

[Murderface]

I just picked up a dosing pump and am looking to use it. Other than a constant beer drip , Im having a hard time deciding what to use it for. I.E. top-off, buffer, calcium, ess. elements and so on. I guess it depends eh? Your input would be great! Thanks

 

[racer69]

I use a dosing pump for my 2-part calcium/alkalinity. I run it steady and dose about 300ml per day.

 

[Murderface]

I would assume that depending on the tank size , the amount dosed will vary. Do you find that the levels fluctuate less, making for a more stable environment? Im curious because i am trying to figure out what tank to put it on. I was thinking maybe on my 25 because withh evap it tends to change a little faster. WDYT

 

[racer69]

Yes, your amount would vary depending on coral demand and tank size. If you are using a dosing pump and have the drip rate dialed in, there is almost no fluctuation. Your seahorse tank would not use much ca/alk so I would put it on your 75. Now this is if you are wanting to dose ca/alk.

 

[Murderface]

Your right. Puting the drip on the horses could lead to a bad situation also. Dont want to kill 'em. So the 75 it is. As far as the ca/alk, is this 2 separate containers that your going back n forth from or is it a mixture? Curious because everything says dont mix the 2.(on the back of the bottles)

 

[freddie40]

If you only have one try dripping kalk opposite of your lights. This will add equal amount of CA/ALK and help to maintain your PH. I have been doing this successfully for years with my pump.

Here's how I do it. I bought a ceramic crock and stand to hold a 5 gallon water bottle. I hooked up some tubing (reduced to 1/4") to the pump. I mix 5 gallons of water with 5 tablespoons of Mrs Wages pickling lime (bought at King Stupids) and 8 oz of vinegar. This mixture gives me a higher dose of CA/ALK per gallon and keeps the PH high. I then drip a little over a gallon every night opposite the lights. Works great. Every Fri I balance the tank with Dow Flake/Baking Soda.

Dave

 

[Caleb Kruse]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10764629#post10764629 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Murderface
Curious because everything says dont mix the 2.(on the back of the bottles)

One time I wondered the same thing so I mixed the two. It will just make calcium carbonate, fram that CO3 in part one thats supposed to raise your alk, and the Ca in part two to raise calcium.

 

[Rocmtnreef]

My vote is do a Kalk dose, it will top the tank and maintain your Ca levels. Keep your mixture consistant shake/stir once in a while depending on where your doser is pulling from. twopartsolution . com has bulk Ca and Alk mix for sale. Check is out!