For those not using a dosing pump, but otherwise automated dosing thingamajig...

Delphinus · #1 11-19-2009, 09:16 PM

I don't know how serious you are with that but to be honest I quite like that idea!!! We can call it the BrettNDoug (pronounced "brettendug") method. Then, down the road when the calcium demands rise to to the point where more automation is preferred, you hire a student to pump the jugs on an hourly basis.

JDigital · #2 11-19-2009, 09:23 PM

This must be one of the longest thread titles in Canreef history...

lastlight · #3 11-19-2009, 09:25 PM

LMAO! I think the cup looks a touch ghetto but I actually might do something like that haha.

Skimmerking · #4 11-19-2009, 10:13 PM

Hi Mindy I use the good old Kalk Reactor to supplment my Demand for CAL and ALK. I have it running with the Topp off too its tee'd from the RO/DI . the dripper runs 24/7 on a drip rate of 1 drip every 2 -3 sec's and it is keeping my levels perfect.

Myka · #5 11-20-2009, 02:26 AM

Thanks guys!

I'm trying to stay away from a doser for now - the whole purpose of this thread.

I want to put a doser on the tank, but there are other upgrades that are required before that. Like an ATO. I need one of those badly.

I have considered a Kalk reactor, but it is not much cheaper than a doser anyway. I think I will probably just stick to manual dosing, but I should get my butt in gear and figure out daily dosing. Sigh...

Delphinus · #6 11-20-2009, 02:28 AM

Well there ya go. 3 head peri-style doser pump, Ca, Alk and topup. First two on timers or the pump controller if you have one like that, and the last one on a float switch. Done and done. Hey, I'm just looking out for you here.

PS. Or a 4 head, Ca, Alk, Mg, and topup.

fishytime · #7 11-20-2009, 01:19 PM

The drip method is actually not my idea.....lets give credit where credit is due....I borrowed that idea from the sps master hiseff....Greg. He was dosing the 180 like that and the big tank for a while before he got his profilux....

We made a ghetto setup at the store...we used a couple small powerheads timed to come on for 1 minute and the flow rate is dialed in with a small inline ball valve.....we used a 10g tank for a holding tank divided in two by a baffle, Ca on one side DKH on the other....we still manually dose Mg.

Jason McK · #8 11-20-2009, 02:12 PM

I use the Profilux 3 pump doser. I'm only using 2 pumps for CA and Alk. Works really well. Havn;t had an issue at all with it.

J

JPotter · #9 11-21-2009, 12:10 AM

Peristaltic i/v pumps are nice to have...I don't know the cost of the aquarium ones .. but I think one could achieve the same very inexpensively by using a bag such as i/v fluids are packaged in to hold whatever it is you want above the height of drip entry and adjusting the rate by the drip set..most are either 10 or 60 drops/ml. Easy and very inexpensive.I/v fluid bags (you may still be able to get bottles somewhere) come in many sizes..500ml to 20 liters or more. I have used the manual i/v flow controllers to adjust air line flow and it worked well.

Marlin65 · #10 11-21-2009, 01:33 AM

I have a two part dozer but have not needed it so far so it is not hooked up right now. I am having a problem keeping my alk up and have been adding that to my top off water. It raises my PH too much though running at 8.5 and my alk is at 7.6 Can I go higher on my PH than that or am I doing something wrong?
My Ca and Mag are not a problem I just add a bit per week. I have a Ca reactor as well but not hooked up. I use baked arm and hammer.
Don't want to high jack this thread just wondering?