Dosers....

[dbl]

Been using the GHL pump (prior version, not the new "2") for a few months and have had no issues thus far. Found them easy to calibrate and set up. But then again, it's only been a few months, so take it for it's worth.

I determined usage as Lilbuddha described above - got parameters where I wanted, determined consumption over a period of days, did the math, and set dosing to match the needs. Took a few weeks to dial in but it's been rock solid since.

 

[YodaHart]

I used the Jebao DP-4 for 6 months with no issues. It's tedious to program initially but is easy to tweak after it is setup.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I'm currently using the Apex DOS system and love it!

 

[jason2459]

BRS 1.1ml/m is my old reliable and has been dosing vinegar since 2010. From what I understand they are probably not exactly 1.1ml/m so should be tested to see and adjust timing from there. Which then you just need a timer of some time. I used to use a digital aquatics reefkeeper and now a Neptune Apex to turn the outlet it's plugged into on and off.

Spectra pure stand alone pump or leter meter III are awesome pumps that are quiet and can pump a lot quickly. The litermeter III has a built in controller that you can use to also calibrate how much it actually doses and then tell it much you want to dose in a day. Used the litermeter III for automatic water change and the stand alone pump plugged into my Apex and timed to pump limewater for 1 second every minute of the day for the past couple years.

Recently I've switched from the litermeter III to an Apex DOS for the automatic water change. I love how much easier it is to calibrate and the interface in the Apex/fusion dashboard. The programming of the amount and timing is very easy though the fusion interface. It is not quiet though.

 

[fishfarmer]

Apex Dos, works very well

 

[Aaron4890]

I've been using a abbot plum XL3 medical infusion pump. I picked it up on eBay for $28 bucks. It is extremely accurate and I get no Alk. swings because it constantly drips throughout the day. I've been using it over a year so far with no problems.

 

[BlennyKravitz]

Bubble Magus triple for a year. Pump 2 failed while on vacation last week which triggered an audible alarm. My Housesitter freaked and texted me in Japan at 3AM.

Was able to determine the replaceable $25 module wasn't working for some reason so I was able to walk him through turning off that pump (calcium carbonate mix) and manual dose for a couple days until I returned.

Can't really be upset it failed because they have a finite life. The alarm did its job and I came home to my calcium a bit low (380 vs 420 usual) but polyps were open and everyone was happy.

Once you figure out your tank load you just need to increase output after a bit to compensate for growth.

 

[Klwheat]

Really? I've been hearing the exact opposite on this thing. Such problems such as back siphoning and inaccurate dosing throughout the day, then making up for it all at once at the end. There is quite a few threads on the neptune forum about this thing.

I've been using my DOS with the DOS dual reservoir for 6 months now. I love it. Very easy to set and adjust. Also love that the apex will message me when it's time to refill my containers.

 

[enthejungle]

I've been using the GHL doser 2.1 for a few weeks now and couldn't be happier or comprehend how I was manually dosing. The precision is unreal! Time will tell but I did a lot of research before I pulled the trigger.

 

[maroun.c]

Used a bubble magus for around 4 yrs and only needed to change tubing once and one motor replaced. Accuracy was ok at a 5-10 percent accuracy for different heads but they were constant so this was not a big deal. Few months back head one got stuck on the On pisition and dumped around 3.5 G of Ca shooting my Ca from 380 to 550. Luckily had no losses. Disconnected thatbhead and the two other heads worked for few weeks till i got my Apex Dos. Dos was a nice addition At 100% accuracy even while calibrating it. Love the fact that i can change my dosing based on wifes testing when im on travel.

 

[AndrewJ]

I use the GHL 2.1 doser and I am very pleased with it. It was easy to calibrate. GHL also has an add on magnetic mixer(s) available at a reasonable price which through the doser program one can set the speed, duration, and start time of the mixers for each pump head. It will also tell you amount of fluid used based on your inputting the initial total volume of that fluid. It has a reverse mode, which I find invaluable, but others may not need.
Finally, and the biggest plus for me, is that the USA customer service has been extremely helpful when I had an issue.

 

[goodk]

I have a jebco 4 channel. Dozed what is the recomendation ml dozage for a. 90Gal. Tank I have 10 saltwater fish and 5 corrals

 

[CTNiner]

Bubble Magus for just over a year. 2 heads have failed. 2 pumps dose the same, one doses 50% more. It may be better at larger volumes. Also have a Drew's doser from BRS. Much more accurate as it runs slow, but no control is the big downside.

 

[choss]

BRS 1.1ml/m is my old reliable and has been dosing vinegar since 2010. From what I understand they are probably not exactly 1.1ml/m so should be tested to see and adjust timing from there. Which then you just need a timer of some time. I used to use a digital aquatics reefkeeper and now a Neptune Apex to turn the outlet it's plugged into on and off.

Spectra pure stand alone pump or leter meter III are awesome pumps that are quiet and can pump a lot quickly. The litermeter III has a built in controller that you can use to also calibrate how much it actually doses and then tell it much you want to dose in a day. Used the litermeter III for automatic water change and the stand alone pump plugged into my Apex and timed to pump limewater for 1 second every minute of the day for the past couple years.

Recently I've switched from the litermeter III to an Apex DOS for the automatic water change. I love how much easier it is to calibrate and the interface in the Apex/fusion dashboard. The programming of the amount and timing is very easy though the fusion interface. It is not quiet though.

Jason,

I am in the process of determining the best solution for my automatic water change. I may or may not add an APEX to start. I was looking at the LM3 pump and slave as I've read a few threads where people used these super reliable pumps for the same application. I have debated whether a Neptune DOS may be a better solution but my salt refill tank is a level below my display tank, in the basement. I wasn't sure if the DOS pumps would be able to pull the water up from that level. Do you have any experience with this or is your refill tank next to the display? Any downside to running the LM3 off the APEX (except for the additional $100 bucks for the slave pump?)

I'd love to get your throughts on this as I'm finalizing my purchase in the next wekor two.

Chris

 

[EAsalty]

Love my DOS! I also use BRS doser for no pox (can't use with DDR) and dose MG manually so the two heads works fine for my ALK and CA needs.

 

[jason2459]

Jason,

I am in the process of determining the best solution for my automatic water change. I may or may not add an APEX to start. I was looking at the LM3 pump and slave as I've read a few threads where people used these super reliable pumps for the same application. I have debated whether a Neptune DOS may be a better solution but my salt refill tank is a level below my display tank, in the basement. I wasn't sure if the DOS pumps would be able to pull the water up from that level. Do you have any experience with this or is your refill tank next to the display? Any downside to running the LM3 off the APEX (except for the additional $100 bucks for the slave pump?)

I'd love to get your throughts on this as I'm finalizing my purchase in the next wekor two.

Chris

I like both and each has its positive and negatives. The LM3 is much quiter. The DOS easier to calibrate and more flexible in its dosing programming.

I would get the DOS and put it in the basement. You can get a long aquabus cable or extension.

 

[choss]

I like both and each has its positive and negatives. The LM3 is much quieter. The DOS easier to calibrate and more flexible in its dosing programming.

I would get the DOS and put it in the basement. You can get a long aquabus cable or extension.

So you think the DOS can handle the head pressure to delivery up the 15-20 ft? I was thinking the same thing s far as placing it in the basement with a long cable. Thanks for your help on this. The noise wouldn't bother me since the pump would be in a utility room. Final question for you is the accuracy of both options. How often did you need to calibrate each and any thoughts on longevity?

 

[Nathan Belz]

I have the DOS which was an early edition. The new heads are better and since changing to new heads a yearbook or so ago it works perfectly. I love being able to add ML very easy.

I also have 4 bRS 1.1s that are very easy to use on the apex. And add a second/subtract a second as needed. I would recommend these if you are using an apex and have room and want to be cheap. There is a website that auto calculates the Oscilation feature for you based on MLs u want to dose.

 

[jason2459]

The LM3 definitely has a good track record for longevity. I don't know about the DOS. Both should be fine for that height. I think the accuracy of both are fine with the DOS being easier to calibrate.

 

[Arcticreefer]

Just set up a Aqua medic reefdoser evo 4 and am quite happy with it, the remote control is a brilliant feature for such a cheap unit, makes it easy to adjust doses and easy to fit in tight spaces.