Compare Spectrapure LiterMeter III and Aqua Medic?

[Lightsluvr]

Looking for a device that can do auto top-off plus dose the reef tank.

I have been looking at reviews of the Spectrapure LiterMeter III which would involve purchasing the optional water exchange module and a remote pump module (total of three pumps) - cost around $650 (!)

and:

The Aqua Medic Sp3000 Niveaumat top off system plus the Aqua Medic Reefdoser 3 - a total of four pumps for approximate cost of $445.

Has anyone used these products? What is your experience?

Thanks for sharing...

LL

[Fishbulb2]

I have an aqua medic reef doser twin. It works fine for me. I like it.

[Lightsluvr]

Thanks for the reply...What additives do you dose with your Aqua medic? Any problems with the dosage set-up?

I am also looking at the Aqua Medic top off which uses the same pump...

Anybody else?

[fasteddie68]

I happen to have a LiteMeterIII and an AquaMedic ReefDoserTwin. I have found them both to be very reliable units. I currently use the LMIII to dose kalk and the AquaMedic to dose (seperately) C-Balance. If I had to do it over again, I'd go with just the AquaMedic. I like the way it doses chemical. It's a slower drip rate than the LMIII. The LMIII basically pumps at full blast and you regulate the dose by the length of time the unit runs. Again, both units have performed very well for me, but if I had to pick just one I'd go with the AquaMedic.

[villious]

I've used an Aquamedic for about 8 months to do top off for my tank. I just ordered a Litermeter to replace it.

The Aquamedic has a BAD problem with creating a siphon and filling up my sump to overflowing if I don't keep an eye on it. From what I understand, this is due to only having two rollers to pull the water, and sometimes the rollers stop in such a way that it leaves the waterway open. This has happened a LOT with mine.

Just my experience......

[PSam]

The initial cost of LMIII is pricey, but worth it in the long run. Workhorse. Solid unit. Great support from Spectrapure.

[kinktao]

I don't own either, but I've been doing a lot of research.

Litermeter III: Contains three rollers and from the reviews holds it's siphon a lot better. However, it can only dose a minimum of 50ml/day which is not practical for small tanks, since most will dose only 10-20ml of 2 part.

Aquamedic: Contains two rollers and I've heard a lot of complaints about it not holding it's siphon. I don't know the minimum.

Another option is going to APTINSTRUMENTS
They sell peristaltic dosing pumps that you can just put on a timer to regulate how much you want to dose. They sell models that have 4 rollers, 3 rollers, 2 rollers and what not. Their pumps have greater versatility since they can use different size norprene tubing or silicone or whatever you want. They seem to be the company that supplies laboratory grade dosing pumps. AND THEY ARE A LOT LOT CHEAPER. I've only met a few people that own these so I really don't know how they fair.

[burton14e7]

Just to throw it in there. Any thoughts on the Grotech. I've been discussing the Balling Method with a fellow reefer and thats what he uses. I actually want a 4 channel, ca, alk, mg, and auto top off. I might end up going with the profilux since it can do all this and then I can automate more in the future.

[hyperfocal]

Originally posted by kinktao
Litermeter III: Contains three rollers and from the reviews holds it's siphon a lot better. However, it can only dose a minimum of 50ml/day which is not practical for small tanks, since most will dose only 10-20ml of 2 part.

One could just dilute the 2-part with RO/DI and dose 50ml/day of the weaker solutions.

[kinktao]

True you can dilute the solutions into larger bottles but the problem is I like to keep everything hidden under my stand, and a 30 gallon barely has room for stuff once you throw in the sump and equipment.

[xtm]

I have and STILL using my Aquamedic Reefdoser Twin. Does it work? Sure. Will I buy another one? Nope. It's not a bad unit, but it has design flaws that annoys me:

#1 is the loud CLACK! everytime it starts to dose. If you have the tank in your living room, you will be hearing loud clacks every 5 mins or so.. this is the locking pin that prevents the rollers from rolling counter clockwise.

#2 when there's a power failure, it WILL NOT turn ON automatically. Instead you have to manually press two buttons to get it going again. While it doesn't lose the settings, it is a true pain in the butt to keep doing this everytime you have a power fluctuation.

#3 I've had problems with the pinch roller losing contacts which in turn loses siphon. I fixed it though..

#4. One time the locking pin failed and the pump started spinning backwards. This created a back-pressure between the roll pins and the check valve and the airline tubing eventually got loose - dumping a load of kalk in the sump.

My opinion...... It sucks.

Sorry I have no experience with the LM3..

[MJAnderson]

Originally posted by villious
The Aquamedic has a BAD problem with creating a siphon and filling up my sump to overflowing if I don't keep an eye on it. From what I understand, this is due to only having two rollers to pull the water, and sometimes the rollers stop in such a way that it leaves the waterway open. This has happened a LOT with mine.

Just my experience......

Same experience here.

Might want to look at "Drew's Doser" from TwoPartSolution.com. has 4 rollers and is quiet.

[MiddletonMark]

I've had my Aquamedic dual-doser for most of a year.
Haven't had any serious issues dosing DIY 2-part.

For top-up, I've had my Tunze Osmolator for 4 years, would never consider a different ATO. Totally reliable, only thing I've ever had to do was replace the feed pump [$10-ish].

IMO, I wouldn't tie top-up and dosing into one unit - just seems like that's a LOT of cash in one device. Also, for the add-ons to make the LM3 a sweet top-up, IMO you can buy as good a product for cheaper.