What pumps are you using to dose your 2part?

[nivram]

I saw a DIY using aqua lifter pumps, small valves and a electric timer on another site. Before I go out and do this I would like to know what others are using to automate their 2 part dosing.

I'm looking to spend at most about $50/pump.

 

[gilmour01]

alot of people use those drews dosing pumps, but they run about $90 a piece i believe.

 

[firsttime]

I tried aqualifter pump but it is not consisitent and it will do the job and then you might have to compensate externally after some days. I would say since dosing is one of the key tasks to be done, It always good to invest in a decent doser. A good doser would be litermeter but they are expensive hence I opted for drews doser. So far it has been doing the job effectively. I have used it for two weeks now and I am happy.

 

[gparr]

I use a measuring cup and just pour it into strong flow each morning before the lights come on. Measuring cups are cheap and don't require maintenance. Unless you're dosing a lot and/or, for some reason, need to dose throughout the day, I don't see why you'd want to invest in dosing pumps.
Gary

 

[roshi719]

I dose my 250 gal total system manually as well and ave had awesome growth in the last year. I think the key if you dose manually is to be consistent about it. Can't beat the cost of the equipment though. Like $1.50 for a good measuring cup!!

 

[da6d2003]

I've used aqualifters in the past and it's no good. Drews pumps are what I use now and they're just fine. No complaints.

 

[nivram]

I am dosing manually and consistency is the issue. Sometimes I have to travel for work and sometimes I get home much later than normal. Sometimes I forget to dose for a day or two. And this causes my Alk and ph to fluctuate.

I'll look into the BRS doser. Any issues priming with this pump. Someone in my club suggested I look into a couple ebay IV pumps. But all the ones I've seen are more expensive or huge in size.

 

[da6d2003]

I've got a couple of enteral pumps for cheap if ya wanna go that route. One is a kangaroo and I don't remember the name of the other.

 

[DaveMorris]

I use the BRS dosing pumps for two part and for vodka. They work excellent. I control them with my RKE.

 

[Sikryd]

Aquamedic here, but it isn't hooked up yet

 

[RBursek]

For may Kalk which is my MU water I use a Toms Aqua Lifter pump $14.00 at MD, one last about a year and I flush them out with vinigar,every 3 months and can send them back to Toms for a new diaphram for 5.00 plus shipping, have it on a timer, 3min every 2hrs, Mg, Ca, and Alk, is just a dump a few days as my mood is, but when I test about every 2 weeks and all is fine, I know my tank, and my shrooms tel me everyting, check out my pics, I am sure and have seen perfect tanks, but how much time and money to spend!!!!????

 

[Reef Pets]

The drip dosers work well also, and they are cheap. But, I can understand wanting to use pumps. Having an automated tank is awesome when the times come that you dont have time to mess with it.

 

[inactive]

I find that if you incorporate the 2 part with your morning coffee routine its easier to stay on top of that... but I can't lie, I'm going to get pumps sooner or later.

 

[702reefer]

i use drews dosers for my alk and calcium. 45 mins 3x's a day.

 

[Russellaqua]

It's hard to inexpensively dose a tank. I invested in a calcium reactor, but that, the pH monitor, and CO2 tank will set you back hundreds. I also had an auto-topoff on the tank so really all I had to do was feed it. I loved it.

 

[joecoastie]

I used to manually dose my two part, but began traveling which caused fluctuations. I tried the aqualifter and was very frustrated with it. I ended up getting the litermeter III and couldn't be happier. I use two 2-gallon jugs that are mixed with top-off water and the two part. This lasts me about a month. My 34 gallon Solana has two 1-pint top-off bottles that I put kalk in one and mag in the other for additional top-off. I refill these every couple of days. I know you are looking to save money, but for the convenience and consistency, I recommend a litermeter or similar product. God luck!
Joe

 

[nivram]

For those that use their Reef Keeper to control the pumps. Are you just using it as a timer? And are you able to dose a set amount through out the day? I will probably end up with the Brs pumps. Or save up for one of the other units. I'm still in the research phase.

Thanks for all the input. Oh and I wish I could wake up and have morning coffee. But that's time I rather sleep in