Dosing Pumps - Suggestions

zromano · Jan 19, 2020

Hey all, moving to the Triton method as I basically have everything required to do this method (include triton focused sump) except for chaeto and dosing pumps.

I'm currently using an Apex controller on my system and want to get your thoughts on dosing pumps. For this method I'll need a minimum of three pumps and in reality would prefer 4. Is this something that I just need to bite the bullet on and buy 2 DOS units for the Apex or are there more cost effective options that will ensure accuracy? I travel a decent amount so dosing by hand in the short term sadly isn't an option.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Mastiffsrule · Jan 22, 2020

Hi,

I use x1 but does not sound like a fit for your application. There should be someone tonight dosing with apex controller

Tastee · Jan 23, 2020

I use 2 DOS units to dose Aquaforest 3 part, similar to the Triton method. I use the 4th head for NoPoX. The DOS are expensive but my experience has been very positive - 100% reliable. The peristaltic pump means you can accurately dose very small quantities and the DOS makes it easy to spread this over as long as period, and at whatever time(s) of the day you want. So for me they are worth the extra expense.

reefwiser · Jan 23, 2020

I don’t think the DOS is cost effective for dosing 3 part. But Apex went with the large pump instead of making a smaller system.
for 3 part you will not be dosing massive amounts that the DOS pumps are made for.

vangvace · Jan 23, 2020

I would recommend a GHL Standalone 2.1 doser as a cost effective alternative to the pair of DOS. It would give you the accuracy you are looking for, app control as you travel, and ability to monitor remaining fluids in the container. That said, there is something to be said for staying with a familiar platform and staying with Neptune.

TheHarold · Jan 23, 2020

Apex DOS works great, for volumes big and small. Integration with fusion is perfect, and in the future you could get a trident for automatic dosing.

Amado · Jan 23, 2020

I use a dos and I only dose esv kalk and esv calsium I get everything I need in two containers. I don’t dose magnesium I can maintain it with just water changes.
If you do 2 part then the dos is all you need.

AdamNC · Jan 23, 2020

You want cost effective? 2 or 3 BRS 1.1ml dosing pumps controlled by your apex. Cheap, easy and I’ve been using that setup for about 6 years with no issues on an SPS/LPS tank. If your not into writing your own code the just use this website to do it for you.

Apex Dosing Program Generator

Makes it easy to program your Apex for dosing of calcium and alkalinity supplements

www.reeftronics.net

Dal-Reef · Jan 27, 2020

vangvace said:
I would recommend a GHL Standalone 2.1 doser as a cost effective alternative to the pair of DOS. It would give you the accuracy you are looking for, app control as you travel, and ability to monitor remaining fluids in the container. That said, there is something to be said for staying with a familiar platform and staying with Neptune.

I got one on the way and will be here this week.. Hope its what I am looking for. Any suggestion for easy setup?

vangvace · Jan 27, 2020

Dal-Reef said:
I got one on the way and will be here this week.. Hope its what I am looking for. Any suggestion for easy setup?

Hope it works well for you. Check out this video for initial wifi setup. It makes it super easy

Here is GHL's playlist of videos for Doser settings to use as you need. Otherwise, the community will gladly help if you have questions.

Dal-Reef · Jan 28, 2020

vangvace said:
Hope it works well for you. Check out this video for initial wifi setup. It makes it super easy

Here is GHL's playlist of videos for Doser settings to use as you need. Otherwise, the community will gladly help if you have questions.

Thank you. I have been looking over them the last couple of days. I plan to run hardware CAT5 to the doser and router so will not be using the WIFI setup.

LC8Sumi · Jan 28, 2020

Edited: sorry I’m stupid

Dal-Reef · Jan 28, 2020

LC8Sumi said:
Good luck with that)) (it is wifi only)

then why is there a LAN connection on the back?

LC8Sumi · Jan 28, 2020

Dal-Reef said:
then why is there a LAN connection on the back?

Sorry, I’m stupid.

Dal-Reef · Jan 28, 2020

LC8Sumi said:
Sorry, I’m stupid.

No you are NOT stupid it was a real question. Hope I did not come across wrong. I mean there is a LAN connection on the back but heck still might have to use WIFI. You know anything about setting up using LAN connection. Not much information on how to use the LAN connection. I am lucky since my router is not far away. I got my APEX running on LAN connection and not WIFI and then use the cloud service app to configure the APEX APP. I was hopping to do the same with the GHL not mess with WIFI dropping and what not. Your thoughts

LC8Sumi · Jan 28, 2020

Dal-Reef said:
No you are NOT stupid it was a real question. Hope I did not come across wrong. I mean there is a LAN connection on the back but heck still might have to use WIFI. You know anything about setting up using LAN connection. Not much information on how to use the LAN connection. I am lucky since my router is not far away. I got my APEX running on LAN connection and not WIFI and then use the cloud service app to configure the APEX APP. I was hopping to do the same with the GHL not mess with WIFI dropping and what not. Your thoughts

Thanks, that’s very kind of You! (really!)
I have a profilux 4 that is (sadly) wifi only, and assumed that the doser is also that way. But I’ve looked at their page and it does have an ethernet connection, so you’re good to go

Dal-Reef · Jan 28, 2020

LC8Sumi said:
Thanks, that’s very kind of You! (really!)
I have a profilux 4 that is (sadly) wifi only, and assumed that the doser is also that way. But I’ve looked at their page and it does have an ethernet connection, so you’re good to go

Good deal I was hopping that was the case. I work in IT and know how flaky WIFI connections can be. My GHL doser will be in a cabinet so that screws with WIFI connections. I wonder if when connecting the Proflux 4 to the doser would you still need WIFI for Profux 4 if the doser is connected by LAN

LC8Sumi · Jan 28, 2020

Dal-Reef said:
Good deal I was hopping that was the case. I work in IT and know how flaky WIFI connections can be. My GHL doser will be in a cabinet so that screws with WIFI connections. I wonder if when connecting the Proflux 4 to the doser would you still need WIFI for Profux 4 if the doser is connected by LAN

That's a great question, and I have no clue

Because both are "head/master" units, so not sure what happens when someone connects them.

Dal-Reef · Jan 28, 2020

LC8Sumi said:
That's a great question, and I have no clue Because both are "head/master" units, so not sure what happens when someone connects them.

Thanks for all the replays.. Doser should be here Thursday

vangvace · Jan 28, 2020

Dal-Reef said:
Good deal I was hopping that was the case. I work in IT and know how flaky WIFI connections can be. My GHL doser will be in a cabinet so that screws with WIFI connections. I wonder if when connecting the Proflux 4 to the doser would you still need WIFI for Profux 4 if the doser is connected by LAN

I believe when you hook the doser to the P4 it becomes a slave unit and the extra functions are disabled (temp probe, lan port, etc). Maybe that will change with a later firmware update?