GHL doser pump as ATO pump

[this is me]

Any issue with using the doser pump as an ATO pump?
I know the doser pump is built for small amount of liquid dispensing. My doser pump using as ATO is running every 10-15mins for less than 30seconds. this is gonna cause a premature wear'n tear?

 

[ReefRockerLive]

IMO, considering a replacement dosing pump will run about $100, it's better off being used as a dosing pump. You'll end up needing a replacement sooner from all that usage. You could just use a dedicated pump such as an Aqualifter. HTH

 

[this is me]

I've been running my Tunze Osmolator for almost ten years now. It runs great!
When I got my 4 doser from GHL, I used up only 3 pumps for dosing. I thought it would be nice to use the extra doser pump and free up a socket in the powerbar for adding extra light in the future. But judging from what the pump was built for, I'm a little concern about the pump in my application.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

better solution by far, get yourself a 110v water solenoid I think BRS sell them, put this in line with your RO unit and plug the solenoid into the controlled power strip, when the level sensor calls for water it turns on the solenoid. This is how I have mine set up, no pump always on hand RO for top up, perfect solution and little equipment needed.

 

[MSHUR]

better solution by far, get yourself a 110v water solenoid I think BRS sell them, put this in line with your RO unit and plug the solenoid into the controlled power strip, when the level sensor calls for water it turns on the solenoid. This is how I have mine set up, no pump always on hand RO for top up, perfect solution and little equipment needed.

+1. i have the same set up. I have power outet on the timer and i do ATO 3 times a day.. works wonder

 

[AQD_ottawa]

why not just have the solenoid programmed to auto top off 1, the level sensor will then call for water whenever it needs it, mine goes on and off all day, interesting to hear how much evaporation actually takes place!

For safety I have the maximum on time set to 30 seconds so if the level sensor sticks on the solenoid will always shut off after 30 seconds itrrelevant of sensor state.

 

[MSHUR]

I dunno i set it up this way long time ago, why change it if works
in my future tank i wanna set up auto w/c as well, i will need extra doser

 

[this is me]

Thanks guys.
Setting up a solenoid is not a solution at this point with my current set up although it's something I will do in the future.
I'll just have to see how heavy duty this doser is.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Just keep in line with GHL useage guidelines, and that is not on for more than 15 minutes in any set period.

No doser is really designed for ATO, their main purpose is supplementation, the cheaper option to avoid premature motor wear would be to use a small cheap water pump like the Hydor pico

 

[MSHUR]

Michael,
Out of the subject, how often motor needs to be replaced or calibrated?

mike

 

[AQD_ottawa]

calibration should only be when you have replaced the peri tube or changed your set up and motor replacement when they wear out.

 

[MSHUR]

thank you

 

[this is me]

How do you calibrate the motor. Is adjusting the speed of the pump(ml/min) to get the amount you set the same? Or is this something we have to send out for?