Investment in Apex DOS System - worth it ?

cobraz · Jan 22, 2016

I just want to know if investing in a 2 part dosing system - is worth the investment of $ 500.00 verses other alternatives that will allow 4 part dosing.. what is everyone's thought here.

The cost $ 300 for the DOS and $ 200 for the liquid housing. vs GHL and others....Bubble etc.

BetURWrasse · Jan 22, 2016

I run two of the Dõs on my system. I would say I like the control thru apex and that they do there job. I can hear them when they kick on, wouldn't say they are loud I can just hear them.

fragit · Jan 22, 2016

I would check out Bulk Reefs pumps, I don't have any personal experience with any dosing pumps as I used to manually dose, when my tank was set up. But if you go to youtube on BRS they have a good video about there dosing pumps, and they are way more affordable. If your going 2 part you can get a whole set up for less than the apex pumps alone. Add a couple timers and your good to go. That's my plan anyway.

cobraz · Jan 22, 2016

fragit said:
I would check out Bulk Reefs pumps, I don't have any personal experience with any dosing pumps as I used to manually dose, when my tank was set up. But if you go to youtube on BRS they have a good video about there dosing pumps, and they are way more affordable. If your going 2 part you can get a whole set up for less than the apex pumps alone. Add a couple timers and your good to go. That's my plan anyway.

I have an Apex - and want to go with a system - Timers and other piece meal - can fail and then you can wipe out your tank.
I am just trying by experience to see what others view - that use Bubble Mags or other brands.. but thank you for your thoughts.

IronVulture · Jan 22, 2016

The dōs uses higher quality stepper motors and larger diameter more durable hose which are super easy to switch out when needed. Imo it is worth the extra money for the quality you get. As far as the ddr I really like that it communicates to your apex real time levels so you know when you need to refill it. Sure you don't need it to run the dōs but it is nice.

-Logzor · Jan 22, 2016

I think it depends a lot on if you want to have APEX integrated, I can definitely see advantages to that, a one-stop shop for control. However that has risks, if something happens to the APEX then your dosing systems screw up.

I don't have an APEX but I do run dosing pumps. I dose equal parts alk and calcium then a small amount of magnesium each day.

I've been very happy with my litermeter pumps, they've been running for 8 years. They are extremely well built and you can buy them used here on the forums for a great price. A new system with three litermeter pumps will cost you around $450. These are time-tested and very reliable, even the used one. They even have a 5 year warranty. Do the DOS pumps have a 5 year warranty?

Two sets of the DOS pumps will cost $600 but you get four pumps, not sure what you'd use the 4th one for.

dbl · Jan 22, 2016

Not sure if this will help or add more confusion, but I actually had the GHL doser before the Apex. I've decided to stay with the GHL because I find it's rock solid and have no issues. Besides, as I said, I already had it. But if something does happen to it, I would likely switch to the DOS so it too can be controlled via the Apex. You've already made a large investment in the Apex, might as well utilize it to its fullest potential.

revhtree · Jan 22, 2016

Ok here is my 2 cents! Take it from someone who could never get the other dosing pumps set up just right. The DOS system is one of the best things I have ever added to my tank. No special programming needed. Fusion uses simple programming and terms to set up the amount of additives you want to dispense and when. I haven't gotten the liquid containers as of yet but I want to soon.

This is screenshots from my phone.

revhtree · Jan 22, 2016

Oh and I have mine in my stand and can't hear it at all.

Jimbo662 · Jan 22, 2016

+1 what revhtree said. I'm in the process of dialing in my alk and cal and it takes 2 seconds to make adjustments in fusion.

Jimbo662 · Jan 22, 2016

BRS has it $50 off right now!

CarolinaReefs · Jan 22, 2016

I am running and Apex system but I didn't drop the dough on the DOS. I am using the Jebao DP4. 4 Channel doser. I have been using it for almost a year now without any issue. I am dosing 2 part plus magnesium. You may want to consider needing to dose more than 2 additives or more in the future. I'm sure the DOS is easier to program but the Jebao is easy enough. Plus you could buy 3 jebao for the cost of 1 DOS. If I had to do it again, I would still go with the Jebao.

shred5 · Jan 22, 2016

I actually talked with someone who had both GHL Doser 2 and DOS. He liked the GHL better.
I bought a GHL but have not installed it yet.
I might buy a DOS also because I want to use the GHL for dosing. But I am setting up a water change system that does so much water a day and I do not need a 3 or four head system for that.

shred5 · Jan 22, 2016

IronVulture said:
The dōs uses higher quality stepper motors and larger diameter more durable hose which are super easy to switch out when needed. Imo it is worth the extra money for the quality you get. As far as the ddr I really like that it communicates to your apex real time levels so you know when you need to refill it. Sure you don't need it to run the dōs but it is nice.

So does the GHL unit he asked about, both use stepper motors..

cobraz · Jan 22, 2016

Thanks everyone...
Rev why is there 2 entries 25ml and another 5ml later ?
If the intent is to does 30ml thru the day - why the 2 separate doses ?

cobraz · Jan 31, 2016

Went out and got one...
Rev said - not sure why some people said they were loud.
Can't hear it in the cabinet at all... it's awesome.
Instructions could be better...

RAD01 · Jan 31, 2016

i have a dos in my system (first dosing pump I ever have) and it works flawlessly with my apex Im glad i got them, you can't go wrong with them. I don't have the dosing containers I personally wouldn't pay that much for containers but the pumps are definitely worth the price.