New to dosing pumps, advice needed.

[luther1200]

Hi, I am currently dosing my 2 part manually as well as my mag. This is on my 65g mixed reef. I am looking to automate the process a little. B ut I don't kno9w the first thing about dosing pumps, and don't want to get a reactor right now. I drip kalk so i am O.K. with that. I just want to dose my Ca/Alk/Mag.

If I get 3 pumps would I also need a controller or do they have timers built in? Any good recomendations? I am also looking to upgrade within the year so I would like whatever I get to be able to handle a larger tank(at least until I start getting a lot of growth, hopefully). I am looking to do a 120g at least maybe up to 180g. I am moving at the end of the year so what space I have available will detemine the tank size.

Thanks.

 

[mixer911]

there are a few options

you can get timers and use the bulk reef supply Dosing Pumps. These can also be used with a number of controllers out there.

Or a LiterMeter-III with built in controller.

 

[luther1200]

For the price of the Letermeter III, and 2 of its pumps. I could just get a Ca reactor. Would that make more sense?

 

[mixer911]

depends on your CA / alk needs, a reactor is good for high demand systems. While dosing is for lower demand systems. With the system upgrade in the mix I woul say yes a reactor would probabbly be better.

 

[qfrisco]

The only thing I would add is potentially having to deal with the finnicky nature of Ca reactors. I don't have one, and only dose 2-part on my mostly SPS 90g. It seems there are some folks who just love Ca reactors and have them pretty much running on autopilot, but then there are others that have to spend a lot of time tweaking them to get them right.

I have a fellow reef club member that switched to a Ca reactor for his 210g and eventually switched back to 2-part because he found the reactor to be a pain to deal with. His tank is gorgeous and is filled with beautiful SPS.

So I'd say one potential advantage to doing 2-part with dosing pumps over a reactor is the simplicity of the setup. With a reactor, you will need a CO2 tank, pH monitor, solenoid, etc. With the 2-part you just need dosing pumps on timers.

I use 2 of the Drew's Dosing Pumps that Bulk Reef Supply sells. They've been working great so far. I have them hooked up to my AquaController 3, and with it, I'm able to split up the dosing of my alkalinity component at night after the lights go off to try and minimize the pH drop.

 

[surge19us]

I use 2 of the Drew's Dosing Pumps that Bulk Reef Supply sells. They've been working great so far. I have them hooked up to my AquaController 3, and with it, I'm able to split up the dosing of my alkalinity component at night after the lights go off to try and minimize the pH drop.

+1 I do the same but with an AC Jr. on my 120.

 

[LooseHip]

Here is another option, if they ever get them in stock again that is. It is a standalone pump and does not require a controller.

http://www.cherrycorals.com/equipment/product.php?productid=840&cat=35&page=1

 

[ReefRockerLive]

I recommend checking out the ghl stand alone doser from Progressive reef. They sell it for less than U.S. retail.