What's wrong with my AFR dosing setup?

[ReefingIsMyTherapy]

I've been manually dosing AFR for a few weeks and finally found the right amount that keeps my alkalinity stable. I decided then to start dosing with my GHL doser. However, the tubing is clogging at the end of the dosing line. It seems that the air is crystallazing AFR causing the clog.

I placed the dosing line in my return pump chamber. The dosing line is about 4~5 inches above the water. My theory is that the air is causing the tiny drops of AFR left at the end of the dosing line to solidify/crystallize. Would it be OK to submerge the dosing line in the water? I think this is the only way to prevent the crystallization, but I'm concerned about causing a siphon :/

How are you guys dosing AFR? I want to believe that I'm not the only one with this problem. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[jphilip813]

I've been manually dosing AFR for a few weeks and finally found the right amount that keeps my alkalinity stable. I decided then to start dosing with my GHL doser. However, the tubing is clogging at the end of the dosing line. It seems that the air is crystallazing AFR causing the clog.

I placed the dosing line in my return pump chamber. The dosing line is about 4~5 inches above the water. My theory is that the air is causing the tiny drops of AFR left at the end of the dosing line to solidify/crystallize. Would it be OK to submerge the dosing line in the water? I think this is the only way to prevent the crystallization, but I'm concerned about causing a siphon :/

How are you guys dosing AFR? I want to believe that I'm not the only one with this problem. Thanks in advance for the help!

Hey, I also go through the same issue. I make it a habit to literally check my lines weekly because there is crystallization at the tips of the dosing tubes when I use AFR. I have my line covered, but it still gets air/crystalization

 

[ReefingIsMyTherapy]

Hey, I also go through the same issue. I make it a habit to literally check my lines weekly because there is crystallization at the tips of the dosing tubes when I use AFR. I have my line covered, but it still gets air/crystalization

So, are you saying that even with the dosing line covered by water, you still get the crystallization? Mine clogged just two days after I started using my doser

 

[ReefingDreams]

Very strange. Im using the powder that I just add RODI to and don't have this issue. Out of curiosity, when did you purxhase this batch and in what form (pre-mix, etc)?

 

[ReefingIsMyTherapy]

Very strange. Im using the powder that I just add RODI to and don't have this issue. Out of curiosity, when did you purxhase this batch and in what form (pre-mix, etc)?

I'm using the pre-mix. I was planning on switching to the powder after fine tuning my dosing, but this issue is giving me second thoughts and even considering using a completely different product. I can't dose manually every day :/

 

[Richardsonic]

I had the same issue and hooked up a longer line. The end of the line is now submerged and no longer clogs. Seems fine to me.

 

[ReefingIsMyTherapy]

I had the same issue and hooked up a longer line. The end of the line is now submerged and no longer clogs. Seems fine to me.

Glad to hear there's someone out there doing this I'll give it a try and see if that helps.

 

[jrill]

I keep the dosing line under water because it used to clog. Going on a year now and it has never clogged while under.

 

[jphilip813]

I keep the dosing line under water because it used to clog. Going on a year now and it has never clogged while under.

I am going to try this method. I was more worried about a siphoned to be honest...but I will try this method

 

[jrill]

I am going to try this method. I was more worried about a siphoned to be honest...but I will try this method

If you have a quality dosing pump back siphon is nearly impossible.

 

[OldReliable]

Glad to hear there's someone out there doing this I'll give it a try and see if that helps.

I just have the end of my dosing tube about an inch above the water level in my sump. Every time I turn off the return pump to feed, the level rises, rinsing off the tube end. Never had a clog going on 2 years now.

 

[Hooz]

How frequent is your dose? I've been using AFR for over a year, dosing line is not in the water, tube end is cut at an angle... never a clog.

But I broke up my dose in to 6 parts, one every 4 hours.

 

[Reef.]

If your ATO tube is next to your dosing tube you could use a ‘Y’ connector, the water from the ATO will keep your dosing tubing clear.

 

[ReefingIsMyTherapy]

How frequent is your dose? I've been using AFR for over a year, dosing line is not in the water, tube end is cut at an angle... never a clog.

But I broke up my dose in to 6 parts, one every 4 hours.

Hey @Hooz I dose just once a day, but have been considering splitting up the dose to multiple smaller dose during the day. I'm not sure if there's an actual benefit, but might solve the clogging problem. So far, I put the dosing line in the water and that solved the problem

 

[ReefingIsMyTherapy]

If your ATO tube is next to your dosing tube you could use a ‘Y’ connector, the water from the ATO will keep your dosing tubing clear.

Interesting solution!

 

[ReefingIsMyTherapy]

I just have the end of my dosing tube about an inch above the water level in my sump. Every time I turn off the return pump to feed, the level rises, rinsing off the tube end. Never had a clog going on 2 years now.

Pretty clever! I don't turn my return pump to feed, but I can see how this could certainly help

 

[nvcheeko]

If your ATO tube is next to your dosing tube you could use a ‘Y’ connector, the water from the ATO will keep your dosing tubing clear.

I have my ATO pretty much pointed at the Dosing head and seems to be going well so far

 

[Hooz]

Hey @Hooz I dose just once a day, but have been considering splitting up the dose to multiple smaller dose during the day. I'm not sure if there's an actual benefit, but might solve the clogging problem. So far, I put the dosing line in the water and that solved the problem

IMO, even though you CAN dose once a day, I feel like there is a boost to stability if you dose multiple times per day. I tested it myself by doing alk tests multiple times through the day and my results were enough to get me to change from a single dose to multiples.

The formate in AFR needs to be processed by bacteria in the tank before it shows up as alkalinity. But, bacteria never sleeps and they are constantly working, so spreading it out over the day (and night) minimizes any peaks or dips in the alkalinity.

Plus, with doses going every few hours, it doesn't give your line time to dry and clog. And, I mean, if you're already automating your dosing with a pump, why not?!