Understanding Dosing ????

[Peppie]

I am wanting to dose my tank with Alk, Calc, and Mag.
I have looked into this type of application

Bubble Magus Dosing Pump - Bulk Reef Supply

What I am looking for is Pro's and Con's for this type of dosing method.
Does any body have a link on how to use this type of system to dose an aquarium?

Thanks

Peppie

 

[Katchupoy]

Peppie, Im sure this is not the answer to your question but I have been dosing my system for a year now since my tank crashed. So far so good. Once you have dialed the dosage in, you just keep on refilling the bottles.

Make sure, when starting, to dose ALK first. Keep it dialed in, since this is more critical of the three chemicals. Be careful not to overdose them. So start slow. If you have to test your water every day to know how much your tank consumption is, so much the better.

Then once dialed in, then start dosing the CA.

Btw, I have a DIY aqualifter type dosers. Using BRS Alk and CA.

Hope this helps.

 

[Chichas01]

I used this article to set up my dosing
An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
I use recipe #2 for my tank using baking soda and Preston Driveway heat.

For pumps, I use these and they're $49 today! Reg price is $79
BRS 2 Part Doser

Basically pick either CA or ALK and get that where you want it. The other will balance out.

 

[Peppie]

Peppie, Im sure this is not the answer to your question but I have been dosing my system for a year now since my tank crashed. So far so good. Once you have dialed the dosage in, you just keep on refilling the bottles.

Make sure, when starting, to dose ALK first. Keep it dialed in, since this is more critical of the three chemicals. Be careful not to overdose them. So start slow. If you have to test your water every day to know how much your tank consumption is, so much the better.

Then once dialed in, then start dosing the CA.

Btw, I have a DIY aqualifter type dosers. Using BRS Alk and CA.

Hope this helps.

All info on this subject is a +
Thanks

 

[Peppie]

I used this article to set up my dosing
An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
I use recipe #2 for my tank using baking soda and Preston Driveway heat.

For pumps, I use these and they're $49 today! Reg price is $79
BRS 2 Part Doser

Basically pick either CA or ALK and get that where you want it. The other will balance out.

I have been dosing manually with the BRS two part Alk & Calc. I know my Mag is off also and need to get that on line.
The problem with manual is sometimes I forget. I feel I need to get rid of the human error part.
I am ordering three of the BRS pumps tomorrow. That is a good price. And cheaper than the 3 unit pump.
Will I need to buy 3 separate timers to run the pumps?

 

[nata]

I just ordered a second magus pump for my second tank because I like the first one so much..it is really easy to program and I dose every hour..24/7..i would get that one...

 

[senji]

why not just get a calcium reactor. they make small ones then just dose magnesium with a baristollic pump? this is the approach im thinking of for my 34g sps and 20g frag im building.

 

[NC2WA]

Dave,

is the dosing pump for the new tank you are building?

 

[Peppie]

Dave,

is the dosing pump for the new tank you are building?

They will be put to use on my 90 AIO right away. Then when the large tank is up I will use them there as well

 

[Peppie]

why not just get a calcium reactor. they make small ones then just dose magnesium with a baristollic pump? this is the approach im thinking of for my 34g sps and 20g frag im building.

I feel I can get the same results for more than 1/2 the cost of a calc reactor set, using the dosing pumps. Plus there is no sump with this 90 AIO, Logistics would be an issue with the reactor

 

[Chichas01]

Was thinking about this the other day and thought I should add this link. It will help in correcting levels based on your current readings:
Chemistry And The Aquarium: Solving Calcium And Alkalinity Problems — Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

 

[Ichthys]

Peppie, so how do you like your BRS dosing pumps? I am looking at getting something for the new build so i dont have to manually dose everyday. So far these are the options I am looking at
1) Bubble Magus BM-T01 3 head for 299
2) Bulk Reef Supply Dosing Pumps. These go for 79 each, and i think you need to add a timer or controller
3) Toms aqualifters. These are cheap, not sure what the downside is to them....
4) Marine Magic and Marine Color, both these are 3 head dosers similar in design to the Bubble Magus one but they are only 149. They are on Ebay and seem to have good feedback,,, am currently leaning this way..

I would appreciate any experience or feedback anyone has with these or other methods. There are of course the high end 3 head dosers like Vertex and Fauna, but I cant see the advantage of a 450 dollar dosing pump.

 

[Peppie]

Danny,
The reason I went with the BRS doesing pumps was the price. They were on sale at the time I purchased. Yes you have to buy a timer to run each pump. That added $20 to the cost of each unit. It was still cheaper that way.
I am pleased with how they work. Easy to set up. They move 1 ml per min. so the math was a breeze.
If I had to do it again, I would.

It has helped stabilize my tank param. I didnt always remember to does by hand.

 

[senji]

swc also makes a doser 3 doseing pumps in 1 fully adjustable only 200$ check it out. the link below

Pumps and Accessories - SWC Skimmer

 

[TJL]

Thanks Senji, liked it and ordered it. Have been looking for past few months for just this thing and for a decent price to boot. Cheers, Todd

 

[1guydude]

I will back up swc products as I have a 150skimmer. Some won't. Look at as many reviews on dosing pumps :/ as u can peppie like on MD.
-d

 

[Peppie]

I will back up swc products as I have a 150skimmer. Some won't. Look at as many reviews on dosing pumps :/ as u can peppie like on MD.
-d

I already have my pumps. Been running for a couple of months.
Danny is the person in the market.
The SWC, 3 pump unit looks like the best deal. Price wise.
Thanks for the link Nick.

 

[1guydude]

Off topic but do u notice a diffrence between ur pump dosing and ur manual doage? Also how often did u dose and how much? U saw a diffrence when u forgot to dose? Obviously u want it to add as it gets eaten.
Ur gonna have 3 diff dose pumps on 3 diff timers pep? These dose units r one pump?
Sry everyone if I'm the only spacetranaut!

-d

 

[senji]

i just came across it yesterday as i was looking at swc skimmer parts.

 

[TJL]

Cool, now I need to find the best source/deal for bulk dosing elements and then just 3 months to get it all figured out before Salmon Fishing season demands my attention.