Is DOS Needed to automatically Dose Based on Trident Results

[Hair Algae Wizard]

Folks,

Do you need the DOS pumps to automatically dose 2 or 3 Part based on the results Trident provides? Can I use a GHL doser? The reviews on the DOS pumps seem to suggest they are loud, and that has me worried. Ideally, I'd love to automatically have something dosing the appropriate amount of CA, ALK, MG based on what Trident is reporting, and a threshold I would set, such as ALK at 8.2-8.5 dKH, etc....

What is the best way to accomplish this?

 

[SuncrestReef]

Trident Controlled Dosing tightly integrates with the DOS for very accurate dosing without any complex programming. It keeps my alkalinity within a 0.10dKH daily swing.

If you want to integrate the Trident with other dosing pumps, you’ll need to have a series of If Alk > x statements for incremental adjustments that just don’t seem very practical to maintain.

As for the DOS being loud, that’s only when it’s running at full speed to do larger water changes. The DOS operates at speeds ranging from 7 ml/min to 250 ml/min. Most 2-part or other supplemental dosing is delivered at the slowest rates, and is nearly silent. When you run the DOS at 250 ml/min for auto water changes, it’s really loud. But you’d never need to dose alkalinity or calcium at that rate.

I hope this clears up any confusion. I wouldn’t choose any other dosing pump to integrate with the Trident than the DOS because it just works so well.

See my detailed thread on my hands-on Trident experience for more details: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/trident-hands-on.596716/

 

[Hair Algae Wizard]

Trident Controlled Dosing tightly integrates with the DOS for very accurate dosing without any complex programming. It keeps my alkalinity within a 0.10dKH daily swing.

If you want to integrate the Trident with other dosing pumps, you’ll need to have a series of If Alk > x statements for incremental adjustments that just don’t seem very practical to maintain.

As for the DOS being loud, that’s only when it’s running at full speed to do larger water changes. The DOS operates at speeds ranging from 7 ml/min to 250 ml/min. Most 2-part or other supplemental dosing is delivered at the slowest rates, and is nearly silent. When you run the DOS at 250 ml/min for auto water changes, it’s really loud. But you’d never need to dose alkalinity or calcium at that rate.

I hope this clears up any confusion. I wouldn’t choose any other dosing pump to integrate with the Trident than the DOS because it just works so well.

See my detailed thread on my hands-on Trident experience for more details: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/trident-hands-on.596716/

Thank you, this reply is incredibly helpful. I assume I would need a second DOS to incorporate MG? Also, I've read the Neptune containers are junk. If so, any advice on what to buy? I plan to use AquaForest 1+2+3+

 

[SuncrestReef]

Thank you, this reply is incredibly helpful. I assume I would need a second DOS to incorporate MG? Also, I've read the Neptune containers are junk. If so, any advice on what to buy? I plan to use AquaForest 1+2+3+

If you intend to dose alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium, then you would need two DOS units. You'd end up with a 4th pump you could use for another purpose.

The DDR canisters look nice, but I've had repeated problems with failed optical sensors requiring repair 3 times. Personally I wouldn't buy the DDR again. I'd recommend something like this Simplicity triple dosing container with 3 float switches connected to a breakout box: https://www.aquacave.com/simplicity-dosing-container-3-x-2-liter.html

Alternatively you could use the DIY optical sensor cable kit to allow the DOS to report the liquid volume on your dashborad like the DDR does: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEPTUNE-AP...690018?hash=item5205447222:g:DW0AAOSw9V1ae1f2

 

[Hair Algae Wizard]

Thank you @SuncrestReef

 

[User1]

Another DIY option that can look very nice is using the Voss glass bottles. I actually have Neptunes's containers but currently using the Voss bottles. Simple and easy.