IV pump?

[labatt]

Im not sure if I should post this here or the DIY section but can someone tell me what I should look for in an IV pump to set up a constant water change? I don't know much about them (really almost nothing) I just know that I think I want one that with dual heads and that will push like 150ml/hr. I would like one that would just keep going w/out having it shut off after x amount is dosed. If anyone knows any models that would be good or anything at all about these I would really appreciate some help.

I was going to buy this but I cant seem to find anything out about that particular model and dont know if it would get the job done.

Edit= some real bad typos

 

[snulma1]

As someone with massive amounts of experience with IV pumps let me try and give you some advice from experience....

That pump you are looking at on e-bay is a good pump....for IV use. For aquarium use its gonna be a pain. If you get air in the line, it will stop and alarm, as all good IV pumps do. Plus im not sure as to the internal components of this pump. because the tubing doesn't run thru the pump, only from the stock solution, to the pump, then another tubing connects to the pump and out to the patient/tank.

Also, no IV pump made for patient use will have a continuous non stop function. This is to prevent air emboli from entering the patients blood stream and causing death. Most pumps will allow approx 1000-1500ml before having to be reset.

Sorry if this is not the news you were looking for, but just and FYI so you don't get hosed on a purchase.

 

[labatt]

Well, not what I wanted to hear but what I needed to hear TYVM for the input. I guess its time to look for some other cheap way out. Again thank you.

 

[DarG]

If I understand, you are looking for a pump that will continually draw water out of the tank while it puts fresh saltwater into the tank. Thats what I'm getting from "constant water change".

If so, see if you can find a laboratory type peristaltic pump. These wont have any alarms or infusion limits or drip detectors.
They generally are a motorized box that has provision for multiple tubes and pumps them all at the same rate. Rate will be adjustable. The less expensive ones wont have much if any fancy bells and whistels like led readouts and keypad control. Generally just a knob that adjust flow rate.
Check ebay. I got an old Brinkmann for 25 bucks. Will do 6 tubing sets at the same time at the same rate. Controloled by a manual knob. Has tension adjustement for variances in tubing and is built like a friggin tank. If I understand you, this will work perfectly for what you are trying to do. I would say it is adjustable from 10ml - 300 ml per hour. It doesnt have dual heads. Instead it uses a single large roller that will pump 6 tubing sets at the same time. If you need the same amount of water going in as you will be removing, this will be perfect.

 

[old salty]

I repair medical equipment at a hospital. Do not purchase that pump on ebay; Abbott Laboratories will not sell you any parts or tubing systems unless you have proper authorization. More of a headache than it's worth!! Not to mention, it's huge, outdated, and (as stated above) will not run continuously. For you, it's a $50 paperweight.

There are plenty of peristaltic pumps out there for aquarium use and tubing is MUCH cheaper and easier to come by.

This one is for 3 dosing pumps, but you can get one or two as well.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...OD&Product_Code=AM-70110&Category_Code=Dosers

 

[labatt]

Very nice indeed, Ive seem those but I'm looking for a cheaper way to do it. Ive been looking on ebay for a peristaltic pump but havent really found much. I did find these and have emailed the company about getting one. Looks it would be real nice for what Im trying to do. What do you guys think? They look like they should be rather affordable and the flow rates would be perfect on the smallest one with the smallest motor. .1oz/min is a bit over a gallon every 24hours.

 

[old salty]

I have an Aquamedic dosing pump that I use for topoffs. It was about $80 or so.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...OD&Product_Code=AM-70100&Category_Code=Dosers