Calrx - X1 pro wifi or DOS

[Biff0rz]

I have an apex and two DOS - one I'll use for awc. I also bought an X1 pro wifi, I'm wondering if it'll be better for dosing the effluent from my calcium reactor vs the dos - I ask because with the Apex I could control remotely. But it seems like the x1 may have finer control and longer pump life. Anyone have experience or thoughts on either?

 

[Reefelite]

Neither is good for a calcium reactor since they are not constant duty pumps. You will need a pump like the Kamoer FX-STP, Ecotech Versa or Masterflex pump. You can also just hook up a small Maxi-jet or Sicce Pump but of course you lose the ability to better control the effluent.

 

[Biff0rz]

Neither is good for a calcium reactor since they are not constant duty pumps. You will need a pump like the Kamoer FX-STP, Ecotech Versa or Masterflex pump. You can also just hook up a small Maxi-jet or Sicce Pump but of course you lose the ability to better control the effluent.

OK thanks, that helps a lot. I suppose I could return one dos(I have 2) and the x1 then get the FX-STP. I saw some masterflex on ebay but they were $

 

[Reefelite]

I’ve ran calcium reactors with Masterflex’s and currently I run a Versa. Masterflex is more reliable but there is a learning curve setting up and there are easier options now. Also, they are noisy and take a lot of space. I’ve heard good things about the Kamoer but have no experience with it. Good luck!

 

[YankeeTankee]

A friend of mine got a Masterflex in good condition, 500 bucks and he thought that was a pretty good deal. There's a good thread on RC about which models are best.

 

[Biff0rz]

Thanks all! Returned the DOS and X1, ordered an FX-STP. The masterflex seems a bit overly complex and just a little less maintenance. The FX-STP has a little bit but manageable.

 

[Water Dog]

There is a reason for the big price difference. The Masterflex and Watson Marlow pumps are industrial duty pumps meant for commercial and research lab applications. With the Pharmed BPT internal tubing changes every 6 months, they will run consistently and maintence free for a very long time. While there have been innovations in the last several years with the introduction of the FX-STP and Versa, at the end of the day, these are still hobby grade pumps. The jury is still out on their long term reliability.

 

[Biff0rz]

There is a reason for the big price difference. The Masterflex and Watson Marlow pumps are industrial duty pumps meant for commercial and research lab applications. With the Pharmed BPT internal tubing changes every 6 months, they will run consistently and maintence free for a very long time. While there have been innovations in the last several years with the introduction of the FX-STP and Versa, at the end of the day, these are still hobby grade pumps. The jury is still out on their long term reliability.

Yep. After some reading the FX-STP needs about yearly maintenance on the tubes and sometimes the head. That's really not a big deal.