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Automated Dosing

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by hajas, Jan 25, 2013.

  1. Jan 25, 2013 #1
    hajas Iowa City

    hajas

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    I am thinking about making the leap to automated dosing for my tank. Anyone have any advice as far as recommended equipment or setups? Any advice as far as what to do/not to do? I am thinking about dosing for Mg, Alk and Calcium. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Jan 25, 2013 #2
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    Do you have a controller? Its not necessary, but it makes everything a whole lot easier.
    I used BRS dosing pumps controlled by my apex. Started with the amounts listed on BRS. Split the dosing evenly over 24hours and alternated alk and cal every hour. Check parameters daily, and then tweak in the amounts.
     
  3. Jan 25, 2013 #3
    hajas Iowa City

    hajas

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    I have an Apex as well. Have you had good luck with the BRS dosing pumps?
     
  4. Jan 26, 2013 #4
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    I only had them running about a year, but no problems in that time. I switched to a calcium reactor, so I took them off line when I did that.
     
  5. Jan 26, 2013 #5
    hajas Iowa City

    hajas

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    How do you dose alk after you took the dosing pumps offline? Can you dose more than cal with the reactor? What made you switch? Sorry for all the questions, but I appreciate the help.
     
  6. Jan 26, 2013 #6
    Roman Cedar Rapids, IA

    Roman Experienced Reefkeeper

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    A calcium reactor uses an aragonite media which is broken down with c02 which simulates the natural breakdown of elements of the ocean in simple terms to release some of the elements that we dose.someone like Andy could give you a more technical view.
     
  7. Jan 26, 2013 #7
    Roman Cedar Rapids, IA

    Roman Experienced Reefkeeper

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    I have a Koralin 1502 reactor and I love it. Real simple, set it and forget it. No dosing!!!!!
     
  8. Jan 26, 2013 #8
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    A calcium reactor is a bad name. As Roman said it provides Alk and Calcium in proportional amounts.
     
  9. Jan 26, 2013 #9
    Roman Cedar Rapids, IA

    Roman Experienced Reefkeeper

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    It also provides magnesium with some of the medias.
     
  10. Jan 26, 2013 #10
    hajas Iowa City

    hajas

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    Sounds like the calcium reactor is the way to go. Anything I need to know as I shop for a calcium reactor? Thanks again for the help.
     
  11. Jan 27, 2013 #11
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

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    Don't skimp on regulators and needle valves. Being able to precisely control the release of CO2 is the key to a trouble free calcium reactor. I got the CarbonDoser Electronic CO2 regulator from aquariumplants.com and I love it. So simple and easy to adjust and a breeze to get the reactor dialed in.
     
  12. Jan 28, 2013 #12
    hajas Iowa City

    hajas

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    So if I am reading things correctly, I essentially need the calcium reactor (w/ pump), CO2 regulator and a tank of CO2, correct? Is there anything else I need? Thanks.
     
  13. Jan 28, 2013 #13
    Lee

    Lee Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Media for the reactor, a bubble counter to measure the amount of CO2 being delivered per minute, & a Ph monitor/controller (your apex) to turn on/off the CO2.
     
  14. Jan 28, 2013 #14
    hajas Iowa City

    hajas

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    What media are you guys using? I'd like to include Mg as well, so any advice is appreciated.
     

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