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

Myka · #1 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 · #2 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 · #3 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 · #4 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

banditpowdercoat · #5 11-20-2009, 03:26 PM

So, Dosing with a doser is pretty much set and forget? Once you figure out how much your tank needs, set doser at that and periodically check levels???
I've only been adding Ca/Mg with water changes so far, but am starting to get some SPS so I guess I should be monitoring it more closely? I HATE doing them damn tests tho, so does the wife.

Looking for less labour intesive way??

Delphinus · #6 11-20-2009, 04:28 PM

Alas you can't get away from doing tests. They suck, but prudence dictates you stay on top of your levels because you don't want to find out on the cusp of a tank crash (or just after) that a param has been drifting off for weeks.

So, testing sucks, but I suggest you do it anyhow at least once a week.

Other than that, yes, dosers and reactors are generally set-and-forget once you've dialed them in to your tanks consumption rates.

Tom R · #7 11-20-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus

I suggest you do it anyhow at least once a week.

Other than that, yes, dosers and reactors are generally set-and-forget once you've dialed them in to your tanks consumption rates.

I still test every 7 to 14 days.

Tom R

Tom R · #8 11-20-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason McK

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

Ditto

This system is the cheapest, easiest and most stable system I have used in all my years of Reef Keeping.

My Cal is steady at 420 and my Alk is steady 8.00.

I also dose Mag however it only requires a single dosing once a week to keep my tanks at 1350.

Tom R

kien · #9 11-20-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom R

Ditto

This system is the cheapest, easiest and most stable system I have used in all my years of Reef Keeping.

My Cal is steady at 420 and my Alk is steady 8.00.

I also dose Mag however it only requires a single dosing once a week to keep my tanks at 1350.

Tom R

ditto ditto.. exact same setup here. 3 pump profilux but only using 2 for alk and calc. Mag done manually once in a blue moon. I think the doser is probably one of my best tank investments I've made. Since dialing it in (Alk 8, Calc 420, Mag 1400), I have not had to touch the doser other than to refill the solution bottles. The stability comes in its ability to dose very little at a time and its precision.

Delphinus · #10 11-20-2009, 04:47 PM

I have no doubt that it's the one of the more stable and easy to use products but isn't it still .. um... several hundred dollars ?!

I don't see how that qualifies as "cheapest" sorry. MY method is just as stable, maybe not as easy to use, and cost me well under $100. I'm not saying you wasted your money, I just find it hard to accept that this is the "cheapest" solution.

TeeHeeHee