http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:48:14 +0000 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:30:06 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.03 360 www.utahreefs.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=64032 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/1by1.gif http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/ http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520860&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520860 Author: laynframe
Subject: 64032
Posted: April 29 2013 at 6:30am

I actually get better sps growth with dosing two part versus a calcium reactor. I think with a reactor you can't get the higher alk, 9 to 10, and keep your cal at 450 plus at the same time. But I can with dosing. The bubble mangus us a nice doser.]]> Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:30:06 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520860&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520860 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520800&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520800 Author: Mark Peterson
Subject: 64032
Posted: April 28 2013 at 4:54pm

Yes, as far as I know, they work on a timed duration only.

Sorry folks, as I looked at it again, I can see how "fancy gadget" could be taken negatively. No malice was intended.

Of all the ways a reef tank can be done, automation with a controller is a nice way to go. If I'm not mistaken, an Aquacontroller Jr can be set up to turn off a Calcium Reactor if pH gets too low and can also be used to control individualdosing pumps so there may be no need for the $250 unit you have been looking at. If less than a minute of pump run time is needed, you could get individual pumps that have smaller hose diameter or dilute the dosing solution with an appropriate amount of RO water.

Aloha,
Mark



Edited by Mark Peterson - April 28 2013 at 5:01pm]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:54:52 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520800&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520800 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520790&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520790 Author: improdigal
Subject: 64032
Posted: April 28 2013 at 1:53pm

Be nice everyone...this was about dosing pumps, not controllers, except that I wondered if they can control your dosing pumps based on water sensor readings or if the dosing pumps are just automated by time only, which means you still have to test manually until your dosing is dialed in]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:53:04 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520790&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520790 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520785&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520785 Author: Ryanscott
Subject: 64032
Posted: April 28 2013 at 1:06pm

I have a completely decked out apex. I have the salinity probe , the module to switch my mp40s modes every hour, and the advanced leak detection . Of course it also has all the lab grade Ph and orp. The leak detection is peace of mind . If it gets hit with water it shuts off my ozone and return pump then shoots a text and an email to me along with the audible alarm at the controller. The temperature ,Ph, orp, and the salinity is just something you have to monitor. Having it all on one screen or right on my phone where ever I am is awesome. Saying that a controller is a fancy gadget you don't need is ridiculous.

You can tell when some one does not v have a controller. Controlled tanks are on a complete different level.]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:06:53 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520785&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520785 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520783&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520783 Author: ReefOn
Subject: 64032
Posted: April 28 2013 at 12:39pm

Back to marks comment, I have sold nearly 100 controllers, the only time I EVER see someone get rid of their controller is when they are getting out of the hobby. Most in fact say that if they were to go back and start again, they would buy a controller first (some even say before buying a tank). Mark pointed out temp as his number 1. That's exactly what a controller can and will monitor and control. They control your lights, pH and even have leak detectors now.

Add up what you spend on timers, temp control and power strips and you almost pay for an apex jr.

Put in the fact that you can setup dosing pumps to add Cal and Alk up to the second to pin point the need of your corals, and they are a no brainer for the serious aquarist.

There are still people who try to skimp on what in reality is a LUXORY, and trust me I understand and live on a budget. My advice is put an Apex in your fish budget. Life gets busy and it's nice to know your lights and temp will be monitored, lets you enjoy the free time to play with the tank in other ways.]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:39:53 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520783&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520783 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520779&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520779 Author: Ryanscott
Subject: 64032
Posted: April 28 2013 at 11:35am

If you're dosing with dosing.pump daily it keeps it consistent and you only add so much a day. Dosing it manually you will see peaks and troughs where you need to add large amounts back in. I think dosing pumps are awesome. You don't have to worry about the possibility of your reactor leaking and your Ph dropping to acidic levels. With everything I have in my tank I wouldn't even take the chance.]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:35:44 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520779&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520779 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520772&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520772 Author: Ann_A
Subject: 64032
Posted: April 28 2013 at 9:49am

This is a good thread about calcium dosing methods...
http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=61352&KW=Calcium+reactor&PID=500517&title=brs-2-part-dosers-vs-ca-reactors#500517]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:49:14 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520772&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520772 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520768&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520768 Author: Ann_A
Subject: 64032
Posted: April 28 2013 at 9:43am

So sorry to hear about all of that!

Anyways back to the topic at hand...I run a calcium reactor and have to say I love it. I never have to worry about refilling two part reservoirs as you would with dosing pumps, nor do I worry about my calcium, alkalinity, and rarely magnesium. I used two part for a long time but I just couldn't keep up with my corals and clams (I stuffed 4 BIG clams in my tank), granted I was doing it manually without dosers. But I did the math and according to the BRS calculator on their website I'd be using ~600ml calcium and 160ml alkalinity if I were using two part. For magnesium I'd be up to ~250ml of magnesium weekly. By using a calcium reactor with CaribSea ARM media I get my levels to stay consistently at 450ppm calcium, 9.6dKH, and 1350ppm magnesium. I also think regular water changes are still important and therefore what salt you use should also be factored in. I use instant ocean reef crystals which is generally a little higher in calcium than most other salts. This works well for my system since my clams (well only 1 now) suck calcium down very quickly.

My point is that I love my calcium reactor and definitely recommend running one if your system requires large amounts of calcium and alkalinity. Dosing pumps work well two but I don't like that you have to refill the two part every so often.]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:43:22 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520768&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520768 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520763&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520763 Author: Mark Peterson
Subject: 64032
Posted: April 28 2013 at 8:16am

Of course.  Sorry about that.
If you want to avoid that in future to have everything survive and not see a terrible nutrient cycle, check out and follow the procedures in the "moving tank/LR/LS" threads in the Reefkeeping Tips below.

Aloha,
Mark
]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:16:14 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520763&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520763 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520728&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520728 Author: improdigal
Subject: 64032
Posted: April 27 2013 at 7:24pm

Mark Peterson wrote: improdigal wrote: ...cause the move threw everything off... What happened?

Oh the substrate just stirred up to make mud soup and I couldn't see to place my rocks for a couple days and during that time 90% of my corals died, followed by losing a couple fish...crash]]> Sat, 27 Apr 2013 19:24:07 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64032&PID=520728&title=automatic-dosing-systems#520728