Mixing station ATO/Water exchange question

[DesertReefer51]

I'm sure these questions have been asked and I have been researching previous threads but not quite finding an answer.

I am still in the building/set up stages of my XL525 and trying to set up a system that will require as little maintenance as possible. I have built a mixing station to flank my tank consisting of two 20g reservoirs, 1 for RODI and 1 for SW. My intentions are to have an ATO dump into the sump. I can utilize gravity as part of the hard plumbing in the station as I added a 1/2" PVC outlet that I can adapt to a 1/4" line. The purpose of this was so I did not have drill additional holes in the reservoir tanks. This is the same for the SW reservoir from the reservoir to the sump, I have a 1/2" PVC outlet I can use, but this location is lower than the sump but the pressure from the 20g should provide enough pressure to push the water the necessary short distance. I know I will still need to adapt a float switch from the RODI into the FW reservoir so I will need to drill at least one hole into the reservoir but I would like to limit the number of protrusions.

My question is about ATO systems such as the Tunze and Neptune ATK. There mixed reviews on both and unfortunately, I do not have any local experience to rely upon. I planned on going with an APEX as automation is important and my experience with integrating different systems generally leads to additional problems. My initial plan was to utilize DoS pumps for the ATO and AWC so I can more accurately monitor the evaporation and refill and the levels of chemicals for precise water changes. When I worked at a LFS 20 years ago, the owner was obsessive about data recording and precise adjustments based on accurate data. He successfully maintained a store and dozens of customer tanks between 100 -2000 gallons so his method is proven.

I wanted to get advice from those who have utilized DoS pumps in this configuration for any possible problems and how they solved them. Distance is not a problem as the mixing station is flanking the tank, water supply to the RODI system is on the adjacent wall, and the RODI system sits in the same cabinet as the reservoirs. My main concerns are redundancy regarding overflows and ultralow water levels. I never rely on anyone system with any endeavor and maintaining sensors is not a chore for me so cleaning any optical sensor or scheduled maintenance to a float switch is minimal work for me. Preparation is the difference between success and compromise.

The Neptune ATK has a submersible pump but I did not initially intend on dropping a pump inside of the RODI or SW reservoirs. How would anyone suggest I utilize the 1/2" PVC outlet I currently have to attach to the DoS pumps for ATO and SW exchange? Could I just utilize the pressure of the reservoir water to push to the pump then them DoS pump would monitor and push the remaining 2'? I am unfamiliar with the DoS pumps and their limitations or capabilities. I have a couple photos of the unfinished mixing station but the layout should help with my questions.

I appreciate any help and advise.

 

[Snoopy 67]

DOS pumps along with most other dosing pumps are peristaltic pumps.
The new Ecotech Versa is also. I just read Dos pumps don't last too long so who knows.
I run a Litremeter for evaporation, almost bullet proof, repairable & made in USA but not cheap.
They can control 2 extra pumps if needed.

 

[DesertReefer51]

DOS pumps along with most other dosing pumps are peristaltic pumps.
The new Ecotech Versa is also. I just read Dos pumps don't last too long so who knows.
I run a Litremeter for evaporation, almost bullet proof, repairable & made in USA but not cheap.
They can control 2 extra pumps if needed.

Thanks for the info. I've heard that about the peristaltic pumps. The replacement heads are $20-$30. I'm curious the life span people are getting out of these pumps before a head change is required. And how many hours the pumps were running?

Do you have a link to litremeter? I searched and found a drilling company, not sure if that was correct and which unit you are utilizing.

Thanks again

 

[Snoopy 67]

Litremeter is a Spectrapure product.

 

[Tastee]

I use DOS for dosing, been running two of them for 2 years now. Dosing 34 ml/day 24x7 at the moment (was less initially). No issues so far. Obviously low volumes in my case. I’m about to setup 4 more - 2 for a new tank and 2 for AWCs, so will see how that goes.

I haven’t done it myself but you don’t have to replace the entire head unit. You can just replace the tubing used by the pumps. From everything I have read that is the first thing that fails. You can probably change it a few times before having to change the heads themselves when the rollers go. Frequency will depend on the volume you are pumping I expect, age to a lesser degree (as long as you use good quality silicone tubing).

 

[DesertReefer51]

Litremeter is a Spectrapure product.

Snoopy67,

Found the product. This system comes with only one pump built into the controller? I see the controller can control up to 3 pumps. It seems a little expensive, $300 for primary pump & controller then $150-$175 for additional pumps. Not commenting reliability but the cost seems a bit high in comparison to comparable systems. Thanks though for the option, I'm still comparing and deciding.

 

[Snoopy 67]

I did say 'not cheap".
You can always add on later.

 

[DesertReefer51]

Does anyone use a gravity feed from their RODI reservoir to a DoS pump? Has anyone done this and had any problems with the water feed into the pump? My concern is the pressure from the gravity feed may not be enough to feed a pump. I believe a 20g tank 4' off the ground should be sufficient but I'm not familiar with the requirements of the ATO pumps available.

Thanks all,

 

[Rick.45cal]

I change 3.2 gallons a day using a DOS for automatic water changes on my tank, and the heads last me over a year.

 

[DesertReefer51]

I change 3.2 gallons a day using a DOS for automatic water changes on my tank, and the heads last me over a year.

Thanks Rick,
I'm not brand specific but I want to keep integration as stable as possible. If the DoS pumps work well for ATO & AWC's and last then that's the route I will prob go.

 

[Rick.45cal]

Thanks Rick,
I'm not brand specific but I want to keep integration as stable as possible. If the DoS pumps work well for ATO & AWC's and last then that's the route I will prob go.

My AWC setup has been a real blessing and the DOS has never missed a beat!