Problems with DIY 2-part doser

[Reeferhead]

Currently I'm running a DIY 2-part doser consisting of separate Aqualifter pumps hooked up to my Aquacontroller. I basically have the controller kick on the pumps for 1 minute intervals a few time each night.

Here's is the problem, I regulate the flow to a small drip in each line with a airline size gate valve. However, after a week or so the precipitate builds up on the ALK line a causes the flow to slow. This makes it impossible to keep the flow rate the same on both an CAL and the ALK lines. Thus, my Calcium an Alkalinity levels become unbalanced.

I'm considering doing one of two things;

#1 Replace the Aqualifters with actual dosing pumps

#2 Switch to a Calcium Reactor, if I do this I need to find (or build)a system that will fit in a 17"x12"x17" area.

Any suggestions?

[Donw]

Throw the valves away and shorten the timing intervals.

Don

[Reeferhead]

can't the controller only does whole minutes

[Reeferhead]

wait a sec.. maybe I can, I've never tried.

[Blazer88]

The AC will only do minutes (I was in the same situation). I switched out my aqualifters because I couldn't get a consistent dose each night because they would back siphon. I ended up building a DIY 2-part doser with peristaltic pumps. The p-pumps don't back siphon, dose the each same each night, and are much easier to control since I can only get full minute resolution. Much cheaper than getting a calcium reactor.

[Donw]

Originally posted by Blazer88
The AC will only do minutes (I was in the same situation). I switched out my aqualifters because I couldn't get a consistent dose each night because they would back siphon. I ended up building a DIY 2-part doser with peristaltic pumps. The p-pumps don't back siphon, dose the each same each night, and are much easier to control since I can only get full minute resolution. Much cheaper than getting a calcium reactor.

They need to fix that, there is no reason that it should'nt do 1 second intervals with that sort of controller. Heck for that matter with the triacs it should be able to go down to 1/60 of a second. Maybe someday.

Don

[H20ENG]

a few times each night

How about just dosing once then? Or using longer or smaller tubing?

[Reeferhead]

Dosing a full unregulated minute once a night would still be way too much. I think I would have the same clogging issues with smaller tubing. Longer tubing may work.

Anyone know where I could find decent peristaltic pumps for under $50 a piece?

[Donw]

Originally posted by Reeferhead
Dosing a full unregulated minute once a night would still be way too much. I think I would have the same clogging issues with smaller tubing. Longer tubing may work.

Anyone know where I could find decent peristaltic pumps for under $50 a piece?

Decent peri pumps are about $80 but they are not the greatest. A check valve close to the pump and shorter dosing times will make a aqualifter just as accurate. I can dose 1 drop a day or 1 drop and hour with my aqualifters you just need the right timer.

Don

[Bruce513]

Originally posted by Donw
... you just need the right timer.

Don

What do you use for a timer?

[Mac Inger]

Yes,..what timer is that ?

I use the same setup, but i have my aqualifters on HD digital timers...they too though wont go below one minute. I use IV line hose and the pinch rollers that come with those. No clogging yet.

[Reeferhead]

Where can a find IV line and pinch rollers? and how long will they last?

[pangea]

have you seen/tried something like this-

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=596907

[funman1]

This is by far the best price I have found for pinch rollers with motors.
You just need the 3 RPM 115 VAC 0.8 tubing and Norprene should be just fine.
ONLY $64.00
and $70.00 if you have them add a plug on it for you so it can connect right to your DC8 or equivalent.

http://www.aptinstruments.com/Mercha...ory_Code=SP100

[Donw]

Originally posted by funman1
This is by far the best price I have found for pinch rollers with motors.
You just need the 3 RPM 115 VAC 0.8 tubing and Norprene should be just fine.
ONLY $64.00
and $70.00 if you have them add a plug on it for you so it can connect right to your DC8 or equivalent.

http://www.aptinstruments.com/Mercha...ory_Code=SP100

That is a peristaltic pump. I think what he was refering to is a pinch roller tube clamp used on IV's. They can be had at us plastics.

Don

[Reeferhead]

Thanks all,

I just ordered a couple pinch valves from usplastics. Figured I'd try the cheap fix first. I'll let you know how it goes.

Later,