Anyone automate 2-part dosing?

[jcusmarine]

....and if yes - how?

Thanks!

 

[mockery]

Somewhere on

 

[basscyn]

Yep...there are some nice 2 part dosing systems out there that operate with little air pumps and timers. Should'nt be too hard to find.

 

[jcusmarine]

BASSCYN;400107 wrote: Yep...there are some nice 2 part dosing systems out there that operate with little air pumps and timers. Should'nt be too hard to find.

I found several. The main purpose of tis thread was to see what is being used successfully.

I am hesitant to spend $$ without researching some more. Right now, I am considering the following:

1 - Drew's dosing pumps from Bulk Reef Supply. Would need two pumps plus two digital timers - not cheap, but looks like a worthy option.

2 - B-Ionic Doser with 1/2 gal. reservoirs - pretty expensive for what it is...could possibly DIY this method.

3 - Aquamedic Reef Dosing Twin w/Timer - expensive.

4 - LiteR Meter III - too expensive.

With that said, I am looking for a reliable DIY, or other equipment not listed above. Drew's dosing pumps may be the best way to go.....

 

[jonboyb]

After time the alk component of 2-part seems to seperate for me (tried Brightwell and 2 Little Fishes with the same results) and requires shaking prior to dosing. This would concern me a little with automated dosing.

 

[bobz]

jcusmarine;400148 wrote:
1 - Drew's dosing pumps from Bulk Reef Supply. Would need two pumps plus two digital timers - not cheap, but looks like a worthy option.

..

I am using two Drew's pumps hooked to my RKE. It works great. I keep the gallon jugs of two part filled and forget about it. My levels have been consistently higher and less swings then prior when I would some times forget or was out of town. Definitely a costly solution, and two cheaper timers would work just as well. My RKE allows me to alarm on pH value so if for some reason it starts to go too high I can turn off the pumps. Works well for me. I'm using it on the 210 system which has about 350 gallons of water.
Hope that was helpful!
Bob

 

[tdwyatt]

keep in mind that when using 2 part additives based on CaCl2 and NaHCO3 for each mole of calcium carbonate you deposit in the tank, you are adding a mole of sodium and 2 moles of chloride... I wonder where all that resulting salinity-increasing salt goes, not to mention the effect of the extra chloride anion?

 

[jcusmarine]

bobz;400164 wrote: I am using two Drew's pumps hooked to my RKE. It works great. I keep the gallon jugs of two part filled and forget about it. My levels have been consistently higher and less swings then prior when I would some times forget or was out of town. Definitely a costly solution, and two cheaper timers would work just as well. My RKE allows me to alarm on pH value so if for some reason it starts to go too high I can turn off the pumps. Works well for me. I'm using it on the 210 system which has about 350 gallons of water.
Hope that was helpful!
Bob

Sounds like a plan. Thank you.

 

[dkelly]

I dose 2 Part with 2 Drew's Dosers driven by an ACIII controller. Also have a Kalk reactor with stirrer run by the ACIII. All monitored with pH probe connnected to ACIII.

 

[simon_kruger]

tdwyatt;400176 wrote: keep in mind that when using 2 part additives based on CaCl2 and NaHCO3 for each mole of calcium carbonate you deposit in the tank, you are adding a mole of sodium and 2 moles of chloride... I wonder where all that resulting salinity-increasing salt goes, not to mention the effect of the extra chloride anion?

Hi Tom,

Excellent comments.

Sodium can be just diluted down with water changes. Make a weak solution.

Wouldnt the Chloride evently just gas off as chlorine though?

I've wondered the same for years. I'd like to know your opinion.