Dosing pumps

[summer6]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15416031#post15416031 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
Just to show how you can set up a dosing station:

This was done using the BRS dosers (3 roller model) and Woods electronic timers. Since I started dosing, my Alk has been a constant 8.3 dKH, give or take 0.1 dKH! Each of the dosers runs 8 minutes every three hours - or eight times a day. Starting times are staggered by one hour so that no two dosers ever run together. Dosage is 128mL per day. Total system volume is 330gals.

GlassReef - That's a really nice and neat set-up. I recently set-up (finally after a couple of years dosing manually) 2 BRS dosing pumps for Ca and Alk, and would like a larger jug than my current 1 gal size.
Would you mind telling me where you bought the dosing jugs? They look like 2.5 gal (which I"m currently hunting for on the internet) and in order for me to buy 2 i need to pay an extra 25.00 premium since it's not a bulk order. Thanks.

 

[GlassReef]

Got 'em at BRS.

 

[summer6]

^^^Thanks, I'll take a more thorough look on the BRS site as I couldn't find it the first time around.

 

[reefrubble]

GlassReef, What do you think would be the best metering pump to feed my calcium reactor ?

Ted

 

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15429601#post15429601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefrubble
... What do you think would be the best metering pump to feed my calcium reactor ?

First, I'd ask why do you prefer a metering pump. Have you had problems with a "normal" small pump and a needle valve?

 

[IUnknown]

More options similar to what BRS sells, I use them with a RKL for 2-part and top off dosing,
aptinstruments.com
top off dosing pump for 20 gallon
SP200FO 1/8"ID tubing (3.0mm) @ 30 RPM Norprene tubing = 15 mL/min
$82
500 mL/15 mL/min= around 30 min/4 so 8 min four times a day.

 

[reefrubble]

"First, I'd ask why do you prefer a metering pump. Have you had problems with a "normal" small pump and a needle valve? "
Tom , the feed for my calcium reactor , is .25 inch tubing . The tubing is attached to a .25 inch quick connect ball valve , that is tied into my main return line . I have another .25 inch quick connect ball valve on the effluent line , just before the sump .

For some reason the effluent flow does not stay constant. I think I would get a more constant flow , with some type of a metering pump .

 

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15431451#post15431451 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefrubble
[BTom , the feed for my calcium reactor , is .25 inch tubing . The tubing is attached to a .25 inch quick connect ball valve , that is tied into my main return line . I have another .25 inch quick connect ball valve on the effluent line , just before the sump .

For some reason the effluent flow does not stay constant. I think I would get a more constant flow , with some type of a metering pump . [/B]

Hey, Ted. In order to keep the effluent constant, use a non-pressure pump that delivers a flow that exceeds your desired effluent flow under all conditions. Add a quality needle valve and adjust until you've set it the way you want.

 

[reefrubble]

Tom , I have an Eheim 1250 I can use . Do you think that would be ok to use ? Ted

 

[liver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15428449#post15428449 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GlassReef
Got 'em at BRS.

GlassReef, where did you get the rest of the setup, the caps and the fittings? Is that rigid tubing? I have had a lot of trouble with my drew's dosers and using flexible airline tubing since air seems to get in where it connects to the dosing pumps despite the zip ties.

 

[GlassReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15510271#post15510271 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by liver
... where did you get the rest of the setup, the caps and the fittings? Is that rigid tubing? I have had a lot of trouble with my drew's dosers and using flexible airline tubing since air seems to get in where it connects to the dosing pumps despite the zip ties.

The fittings are Jaco connectors. You don't really need them, I just had them laying around. The caps are the stock caps that came with the jugs (from BRS). I just drilled a hole to fit the Jaco connector. The tubing is not the flexible stuff that came with the pumps - it's 1/4" PEX/RO/Icemaker tubing. It fits perfectly over the little tube connectors that come with the pumps. I've never had any problems with air, using them. The 90deg elbows are just John Guest fittings.

Hope that helped.

 

[tanked3333]

Those jugs are 2for1 this month..Just bought them ..
this is at BRS

 

[James77]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15414718#post15414718 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CGRANT
i ditched my dosing pump and got a good ca reactor and i have to say it was one of the best investments i have ever done, lets face it dosing's a pain

Dosing manually is a pain, yes. Dosing using peristaltic pumps is just as easy and reliable as a calcium reactor. I have not touched my setup, except timing adjudtments on my controller, for close to 2 months.

Mixing is the only PITA. I mix 5 gallon jugs at a time, takes me 15 minutes tops to mix all parts, and that lasts me several months.