Less than $50 for AutoDosing? Oh YEA!

[scbrooks87]

Also, for those who are even as electronically challenged as I am (when it comes to DIY projects) you can use twist-on wire nuts to connect the wires together if you're not comfortable trying to solder.

They can be found at Home Depot online under this number 203708200.

Basically, the pump has 2 wires coming from it, and the power supply has two wires. The two wires on the power supply are just connected together by a rubber "sheath" and end at the part that plugs into an electronic device.

What you'd do is cut off the end that you'd plug into the electronic device, then using a razor or sharp knife slice the rubber sheath down the center between the two wires, separating them, then using wire strippers you can strip about an inch or so of the sheath off, exposing the wire inside.

Once done, you'd either use the wire nuts, or solder to connect one wire from the power supply to one wire from the pump, then do the same with the remaining wire on each.

I am assuming that the enclosure you buy from Radio Shack has to be modified a bit, seems a hole was made in it for the pump head to stick out of, and the wiring was all fitted inside of it, close up the enclosure, and done.

If you need more details about a specific part of that, I'm sure people can describe in further detail from there.

Hope that helps! And if I was wrong on any part, let me know so I can edit the post.

-Scott

[mach_six]

Originally Posted by DaTrueDave

Ah, is there another thread where this is discussed? I see only one pic here and just can't grasp what is going on at all.

If it's too hard then you can try using this method using Tom's Aqua Lifter pumps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVAyUlcD9EE

Same concept.

[m00se]

I assume you would need 2 of these if you were to want to dose micros as well as macros, right?

[Optix]

autodosing is definitely the way to go

I find that I just do water changes and feed my fish

next tank I set up will definitely have another one of these hooked up...and Ill plan it out the RIGHT was this time around

[kwheeler91]

Is the 1A power supply enough to run two of the pumps parallel if you were dosing micro and macros?

[Optix]

nope

1A in = 1A out (Kirchoff)

...you would need a 12V-2A power supply

[IWANNAGOFAST]

Originally Posted by mach_six

If it's too hard then you can try using this method using Tom's Aqua Lifter pumps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVAyUlcD9EE

Same concept.

I've experimented with tom's aqua lifters, they don't work that well because the pressure changes depending on how much liquid is in your bottles. I noticed that as the level dropped, it would dose less and less. peristaltic pumps don't have any issues with this.

[kwheeler91]

Be sure to update on how well these hold up. I see that some people knock the plastic pumps claiming the wear out relatively fast.

Thanks for this I will have to give it a try, I dont live where my tank is and its a 15min drive to get there. Something cheap and simple like this would be perfect.

[Optix]

the only part that should wear out quickly would be the tubing

...and that would be true for this cheap pump or for the heavy duty parts they take out of dishwashers and washing machines

Im sure I will one day have to replace the tubing...but havent tried to source it yet.
I figure if Ill have to buy in say a 5' or 10' increment...I would buy it 1 time and be set for years

[Sethjohnson30]

Awesome thread I'm gonna have to build 8 of these! This will save me like an hour a day.

[csf]

Keep an eye on [Ebay Link Removed] I found an old pharmacia P3 peristaltic pump (3 channels) that had a cracked plexi cover (still functional) for $50 shipped.

It's worked perfectly for 5+ years. Had to buy better quality silicon tubing than normal airline tubing, but also available on [Ebay Link Removed]

[mistergreen]

..........

[Darkblade48]

Originally Posted by mistergreen

I just found a peristaltic for $25.

http://aquatictechtank.net/viewtopic...7ec75e2adc1939

While more expensive than the ones on eBay, I am tempted since the current draw is less.

The technical details lists the maximum rate (100 mL/minute), but I wonder what the minimum is...

[mistergreen]

Originally Posted by Darkblade48

While more expensive than the ones on eBay, I am tempted since the current draw is less.

The technical details lists the maximum rate (100 mL/minute), but I wonder what the minimum is...

You can control it with pmw. I'd imagine it could be 0 - 100ml/minute.

Next project to control with the arduino.

[hbosman]

Here's another one available on Ebay:

400367643085