[Megalops]

I plan on using the EI method of dosing, and I'm leaning towards using a peristaltic pump on a timer for automation.

My question is: How many peristaltic pumps do I need?

I'm not sure if the macro nutrients can be mixed together, or if the trace elements can be mixed in too.

 

[Betowess]

Short answer: two. I believe most use one for Macros and another for trace. On the premise one doesn't want to mix trace irons with PO4.

 

[Megalops]

Short answer: two. I believe most use one for Macros and another for trace. On the premise one doesn't want to mix trace irons with PO4.

Thank you very much.

 

[retoid]

megalops, what type of peristaltic pump were you thinking of using?

Something like this?
http://www.desertcoralaquatics.com/dosing/top-off-pumps/aqua-medic-reefdoser-twin/prod_231.html?PHPSESSID=575c93049bee846fc53b7efe157b4d28

 

[Megalops]

megalops, what type of peristaltic pump were you thinking of using?

Something like this?
http://www.desertcoralaquatics.com/dosing/top-off-pumps/aqua-medic-reefdoser-twin/prod_231.html?PHPSESSID=575c93049bee846fc53b7efe157b4d28

Yep. That's the one I'll probably get. I could save a few bucks by getting a couple of these: http://www.aptinstruments.com/pdf/SP100FOPS.pdf and a couple of timers, but I like the Aquamedic reefdoser because it is plug and play.

 

[retoid]

What does that APT unit cost?

 

[Betowess]

Somebody on the forum was saying the APT unit has better quality components than the AM. But at this point, its flat out hearsay. I could say who was saying it, but I'm not going there.

 

[Megalops]

What does that APT unit cost?

http://www.aptinstruments.com/Merch...e=AI&Product_Code=SP100FO&Category_Code=SP100

They're $62 each plus a plug, wiring, and a timer that can be set by minutes. I'm not sure how much shipping would cost, but I'd imagine after buying 2 of each component, the total cost wouldn't be much less than the $200 price tag (shipping included) of the aquamedic unit.

 

[Megalops]

Somebody on the forum was saying the APT unit has better quality components than the AM. But at this point, its flat out hearsay. I could say who was saying it, but I'm not going there.

I'll do a little investigating on this before I make a purchase. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[retoid]

I would read up more on this to. Actually I am interested in setting up an automated dosing feature aswell. I am going to read up more on timers and peristaltic pumps.

 

[Wasserpest]

To be able to evaluate peristaltic pumps a bit better, I purchased two of the APT units. They are both supplying concentrated micros to my tanks, one running 1min/day, the other 10min/day.

Can't say anything long term yet, just had them for a couple of weeks. I wish APT would include a bit of spare hose with them.

I noticed that there is a small amount of back siphoning (almost unnoticeable), therefore it might be advantageous to place the fertilizer bottle at about water level.

The APT pumps have 4 rollers, while the AM pumps only have 2 rollers. IIRC someone reported a bigger back-siphoning problem with the AM pumps, which prompted me to go with APT over AM in the first place.

The other thing is that you can customize your APT pumps, they have 3 different speeds and different (diameter and kind) tubing.

 

[Wasserpest]

http://www.aptinstruments.com/Merch...e=AI&Product_Code=SP100FO&Category_Code=SP100

They're $62 each plus a plug, wiring, and a timer that can be set by minutes. I'm not sure how much shipping would cost, but I'd imagine after buying 2 of each component, the total cost wouldn't be much less than the $200 price tag (shipping included) of the aquamedic unit.

Shipping was very reasonable, I paid (I think) $132 for two pumps, incl. the Norprene hose upgrade.

Took them forever to send them pumps though, like a month. :icon_roll

 

[oblongshrimp]

lol why not just dump some dry chemicals in when you feed your fish?

 

[Gatekeeper]

I use an air pump and pressurize a bottle and force the fert solution in. Cost me 16 bucks. Then bought a 1 minute digital timer for 15 bucks at lowes. Done deal. Works great.

But back on your issue with back siphoning Wasserpest. Can you put a check valve inline??

 

[mrbman7]

lol why not just dump some dry chemicals in when you feed your fish?

Because it's fun to over-technify things.

But seriously, it's nice to be able to mix up a batch for a month of dosing and not have to worry about it.

 

[SuRje1976]

I would go with the APT pumps over the AM ones as well. The back-siphoning issue that Wassepest describes is more pronounced on the AM pumps. I've been using the APT pumps for some time now and they are amazingly accurate. You can get them cased if you don't like the "OEM" look.

 

[fishymatty]

how about somebody posting some pics and a detailed explanation on how to set up an automatic dosing rig.
I was looking at the one posted by SuRje1976 "journal of a mad scientist" in the photo album and I can't even comprehend what I'm looking at.

 

[Wasserpest]

There's a sticky somewhere... wait, here: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/equipment/46367-overview-autodosing-methods.html

Click on the various links to the methods that interest you, and if you have questions about a specific one, just post them in that specific discussion.

 

[SuRje1976]

fishmatty - check out the thread I've got on the fert setup if you'd like. It's independent from the tank thread (link in my signature) Please feel free to PM me with any questions, or better yet, just post them to the thread.

 

[fishymatty]

Thanks. Some of it was a bit above my head for now but I will keep it in mind for the future.
Do you use only RO water in your tanks? If so is that because you add trace daily so that makes up for the lack of elements and minerals in the water?