Running all dosing through single line?

cubicfish · Aug 8, 2023

I'm considering setting up a dosing system in the basement underneath my aquarium. I currently have my ATO setup downstairs with 1/4" PTFE tubing running through the wall pulling from a kalkwasser bucket. The setup has a second 1/4" line, not currently in use. The idea is to use that line to run all other dosing. Initially that would be calcium, alkalinity and RO water, with maybe phyto and amino acids added later. There would be a peristaltic pump for each connected to the main line with a check valve. After each chemical addition, I would flush with RO water. The hope is the water flush would keep the line clean. Is this a bad idea?

vetteguy53081 · Aug 8, 2023

cubicfish said:
I'm considering setting up a dosing system in the basement underneath my aquarium. I currently have my ATO setup downstairs with 1/4" PTFE tubing running through the wall pulling from a kalkwasser bucket. The setup has a second 1/4" line, not currently in use. The idea is to use that line to run all other dosing. Initially that would be calcium, alkalinity and RO water, with maybe phyto and amino acids added later. There would be a peristaltic pump for each connected to the main line with a check valve. After each chemical addition, I would flush with RO water. The hope is the water flush would keep the line clean. Is this a bad idea?

With the amount of precipitation and needs for certain m/l quantities, I would be highly reluctant due to possible contamination despite flushing with ro water

thatmanMIKEson · Aug 8, 2023

agree asking for trouble one day, if not day one.. I would use dedicated lines, most people do for that reason given above, but experimentation is part of the fun in this hobby so I can't say don't do it!! give it a go, please show and tell!!

All_talk · Aug 9, 2023

I dose my All-for-Reef into my ATO line, but its pure RODI. My kalk is dosed with a separate line. I agree with the others, the fear of interactions and precipitant would keep me from trying multiple supplements through a single line.

I have considered the idea of a dosing loop. Picture a small high flow line, say 1/2" that comes off the return pump (or dedicated pump) with dosing lines teed into it. The loop line would return to the display (or sump). if you stager the dosing times there should be no intermixing of concentrated supplements. You could also have this line route through a feeding station in a small refrigerator for liquid/frozen foods.

cubicfish · Aug 9, 2023

My hunch is that the line itself would have stayed precipitation free as long as RODI water was pushed through after each dose but i can see where all the dosing lines come together problems arising. Perhaps Ill keep the alk and ca in aquarium stand and start this experiment with just phyto, aminos, and RODI sharing a line. I'll share the results if I get it up and running. Thanks for the input.