GHL doser - output tube clogging with sodium bicarb

[rwsunrx]

I'm using a GHL dosing pump for Fauna Marin Balling Lite. Overall, this works very well. But the output tubing for my sodium bicarbonate solution gets clogged frequently near the output end where it meets the saltwater in my sump. I've tried placing the output end of the tube above the water line and below. It works better when dispensing below the water line, but still gets clogged after about a week. I'm using the flexible silicone airline tubing, but still getting clogged.

Does anyone have any solution or suggestions to minimize this problem? I really love using my GHL doser, but this is a real pain.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

You would get this with any doser its the mineral thats being dosed rather than the doser causing the clog.

I personally use silicon tubing also and as a maintenance regime flush the tube bi monthly and weekly clean of ALK build up off the end of the tube weekly.

The flexible tube is the best as you can run it between your finger when flushing and break out the build up.

Another way is to have your ATO flush over the tube.

All part of the maintenance regime to be honest.

 

[rwsunrx]

Thanks Aqua_Digital, I didn't not mean to suggest this problem was in any way caused by my GHL doser. I just posted it in this forum because I though other GHL users have probably seen this problem and may know some clever solution that I had missed.

It's certainly not that big of a maintenance issue and it's still a lot better than manual dosing.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Hiya

I know, sorry bad wording on my part.

My ALK builds up like a frosty morning once a week, I am dosing 60ml a day in a 60 gallon system due to high SPS count, also I find FM ALK is highly saturated, thats not a bad thing but you get a lot of build up from it. There is always a trade off.

I now use Ocean fresh as we distribute it, the balling recipe is the same as Randy's so different concentration. Ocean fresh also comes pre sized to your container size so there is no pre measuring, each batch will always have the same density.

 

[shaggss]

I place a small piece of ridged tubing at the end cut at an angle. this seems to help me and I have not had to clean the end for a few weeks now.

HTHs

 

[Sohal Tang Tim]

silicone tubing

silicone tubing

Mine is clogging too...

Where can I get the silicone tubing that you mention?

It will not throw the calibration off? or performance etc?

Thanks much

Tim

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Any good LFS it may be called Neoprene also

Calibration should be done with the lines connected so it is calibrated as a system

 

[brettinteriors]

I use BRS sodium carbonate and the only time I get a clog is when the output tube us above water. You could add vinegar to your carb/bicarb to help it run better. (Joke)

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[dcantrall100]

What size tube are you guys using on the output and input of the doser?

 

[rwsunrx]

I use 1/4" PEX tubing for the input and 1/4" flexible airline tubing for the output. Never have any trouble with clogging on the input size. About once per month I have to examine / clear the end of the output tube and using the flexible airline ( versus PEX or standard airline) seems to make this task easier.

 

[diverdan814]

It is something one has to watch. I simply check the tubes during the weekly water change. Once a month or so, I squeeze the silicone tubing and it loosens the buildup. I also allow the tipoff line flush over the tubing.
Of all the tasks in this hobby, it is a minor one, considering the benefits of measured, uninterrupted dosing.