This decision is harder than any I've ever made regarding my kids.

flananuts · 03/21/2016, 03:30 PM

I need a dosing pump system, not just one pump, most likely 3 or 4 heads.

Challenges: I work on Mac and iPhone and setting up parallel or VMWare likely isn't going to happen. I travel a ton and cannot ask my SWMBO to be responsible for a dosing regiment. I'm fortunate she didn't throw the full stop on my reefer 170, thanks to involving my three children on the system.

Goals: My water params on organically are too good, 0 nitrate, 0 phosphate which I'm working on improving. My bio load is low but will be increasing next month. My nem's, LPS, and soft corals are all showing growth and I'm dey skimming successfully now.

Trace elements are where my desire for a dosing system and not having to to weekly water changes. Like I said I travel a lot and spend weekends with the family at the beach.

I've looked at Vertex(like the programming interface), kamoera(sp?), Kore 5th, GHL Profilux, Jeabo, and even DIY, and my head hurts. I've only been laboring over this because the idea of being away for a few days and having the dosing pump dose too much of any one thing killing my reef is unacceptable. Under dosing I can work with.

For folks who are dosing Red Sea, Aquaforest, zeolite, triton etc, what have you found to be the most reliable system for dosing?

Thanks in advance.

GSMclowns · 03/21/2016, 04:26 PM

Get an Apex and a few BRS (BulkReefSupply) dosing pumps.
You can use the Apex to control the pumps and can control everything on your phone. BRS dosing pumps are quite reliable as well. I have one for like 4 or 5 years without any problems.

slief · 03/21/2016, 05:08 PM

If you don't have an Apex, I would suggest the Litermeter III. It's easy to program, it's calibratable and supports up to 3 heads. It's extremely accurate and damn near bullet proof. If you have an Apex, the Dos is a no brainier and is about the best dosing pump you can get in terms of control and function and Fusion makes programming your dosing simple and intuitive. It also uses bullet proof industrial grade motors that should last a lifetime. Personally I would avoid those cheap dosing pumps. They aren't all that accurate and they don't last long under continual use. Don't get me wrong, they are OK for small dosing application but no 2 pumps will flow the same amounts and you can't calibrate them which for dosing applications is kind of important in my opinion.

Bent · 03/21/2016, 05:17 PM

I bought an icecap pump off eBay for 90 bucks and it's nice. Programs easily and they are chainable.

90x4 is 360 bucks so it might be more economical to get a good 4 head unit or something else.

sixpackgarage · 03/21/2016, 05:19 PM

I use Neptune DOS with Apex (obviously). Dosing is at my fingertips always. Unfortunately you won't have any idea what your water levels are besides pH and temperature with any system you go with. On that note, I've never made any dosing adjustments remotely for the reason stated. Based on my testing though, I could easily let it run for 2-3 weeks without touching any setting. I do keep an eye on pH to make sure it's never over 8.3, but that's it.

Vinny Kreyling · 03/21/2016, 05:29 PM

I'm with Scott on this one --
I have run a Litremeter for many many years for top off.
Never missed a beat, programmable from minute amounts up to a gallons a day.
You can add 2 pumps for other dosing if needed.

flananuts · 03/21/2016, 05:41 PM

Thanks. Apex is out of the question right now as all my lights, power heads, and return are ecotech and I control them with ecosmartlive. Litremeter sounds like a good option. I do wish some of the newer systems were more Mac friendly, but I'll take more reliable over web or app programming bling.

Mark426 · 03/21/2016, 05:57 PM

1st: Relax. Dosing is not that big of a deal. You dont need to worry. Hundreds of us have been doing it without a hitch (mostly) for years. So..like I said...relax.

2: Everyone please read what he wrote...he has a Red Sea Reefer 170. It has a built-in ATO that came as part of the system. So..thats taken care of. For dosing ALK/CA a Litermeter III is too big for his system. As I understand it a Litermeter III has a minimum daily dose of 50ml. That's a HUGE amount for a smaller tank. So...flananuts, a couple of the ones you mentioned that are standalone systems like the Kore, GHL Profilux, Jeabo, Bubble Magus, etc. will work just fine. Once you get them adjusted you wont need to access it remotely, even if your gone for quite some time. So remote accessibility is not needed or recommended since you cant tell what your ALK/CA levels are while you're away. The Neptune DOS is also a fine unit but requires an Apex Controller for the most part. For your tank I would recommend one of the stand alone dosers unless you already have an Apex then the DOS is a nice fit. It is big though if space is limited.

I have 2 tanks, one with a GHL and the other small tank has a Bubble Magus. Both have worked flawlessly for years. I replace the heads every year or so for a nominal amount.

The only one I would not recommend is the Jeabo...they are el' cheapo knockoffs. Heck..I dont recommend Jeabo anything!

Have fun making your decision. Remember its not rocket science.

petperk · 03/21/2016, 06:56 PM

Get a Jebao DP-4. Price is much lower than the other one.

slief · 03/21/2016, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark426

1st: Relax. Dosing is not that big of a deal. You dont need to worry. Hundreds of us have been doing it without a hitch (mostly) for years. So..like I said...relax.

2: Everyone please read what he wrote...he has a Red Sea Reefer 170. It has a built-in ATO that came as part of the system. So..thats taken care of. For dosing ALK/CA a Litermeter III is too big for his system. As I understand it a Litermeter III has a minimum daily dose of 50ml. That's a HUGE amount for a smaller tank. So...flananuts, a couple of the ones you mentioned that are standalone systems like the Kore, GHL Profilux, Jeabo, Bubble Magus, etc. will work just fine. Once you get them adjusted you wont need to access it remotely, even if your gone for quite some time. So remote accessibility is not needed or recommended since you cant tell what your ALK/CA levels are while you're away. The Neptune DOS is also a fine unit but requires an Apex Controller for the most part. For your tank I would recommend one of the stand alone dosers unless you already have an Apex then the DOS is a nice fit. It is big though if space is limited.

I have 2 tanks, one with a GHL and the other small tank has a Bubble Magus. Both have worked flawlessly for years. I replace the heads every year or so for a nominal amount.

The only one I would not recommend is the Jeabo...they are el' cheapo knockoffs. Heck..I dont recommend Jeabo anything!

Have fun making your decision. Remember its not rocket science.

You are correct about the LM III having a minimum daily dose rate of 50ml. With a typical 2 part or 2 part solution, that wouldn't be an issue as he can cut the dilution solution/water ratio by half or even more. I still like the LM III for his application as those pumps are absolutely terrific and Spectrapure has been around for a long long time and supports their products 1000% without dependency on 3rd parties. They are nothing short of a pleasure to deal with and their products are rock solid and will last longer than most hobbyists do in this hobby.

The GHL is another great doser as you noted. I agree with that and also agree with the comment about the Jebao.. You and I are certainly on the same page there.

James77 · 03/21/2016, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petperk

Get a Jebao DP-4. Price is much lower than the other one.

Price isn't everything. How anyone could trust their tank to that, all for the sake of one or two hundred bucks is beyond me.

Member No. 1 · 03/22/2016, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James77

Price isn't everything. How anyone could trust their tank to that, all for the sake of one or two hundred bucks is beyond me.

+1 on this
And +2 on the Litermeter

flananuts · 03/22/2016, 05:36 AM

Appreciate all the sage advice. My ATO is no longer on the tank, lost of mods and my returns from the Display holds cheato with a 100watt 6200k led flood on a timer. I was going to purchase do-4 and then I when I came to the forum that's where the downward spiral began. All I kept reading just continued to provide horror stories.

The only other hitch in these which is partly my issue is I work on Mac and I happen to prefer programming over browser or app instead of on the pump. I will be installing it in the cabinet above the sump and use the space available inside for my containers.

I really appreciate all your input.

Bent · 03/22/2016, 06:10 AM

The icecap will dose less than 50 daily. Right now mines doing 25 a day.

d2mini · 03/22/2016, 06:12 AM

GHL Doser 2 has a cloud setup and works with iOS once it's connected to your home network.
And you can also connect to it with your Mac, just set up bootcamp and windows. It's easy to setup. Parallels sucks. Or spend $100-150 and get a little windows netbook/tablet.

Use the Litermeter III for the water changes. Super easy to use and good quality.

flananuts · 03/22/2016, 07:38 AM

d2mini thanks, I've been leaning toward GHL as my choice. Appreciate the insight.

d2mini · 03/22/2016, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flananuts

d2mini thanks, I've been leaning toward GHL as my choice. Appreciate the insight.

Actually, mine is on the big brown truck as we speak.

I too was doing research on the different dosers for my new build and couldn't find anything negative on the GHL. It gets rave reviews.
I've run their controller and I ran their old doser a few years ago. Top notch equipment. Sometimes a little patience is needed to setup as there is not a big user base here in the states and instructions are lacking, but once up and running all GHL equipment is as solid as can be.

dkeller_nc · 03/22/2016, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flananuts

Thanks. Apex is out of the question right now as all my lights, power heads, and return are ecotech and I control them with ecosmartlive.

I'll simply suggest that this is an incorrect conclusion, especially because you're frequently away. The main purpose for an Apex isn't control - it's safety. Just the inherent control of heaters (and the associated text or e-mail alarm) may well save you thousands of dollars, and more importantly, save you from explaining why all of your kid's favorite fish are dead.

With Apex fusion, it doesn't matter whether you use an iphone, an imac, an android device or a windows computer, because it is utterly web-browser driven.

At the very least, I would think you'd want the Apex's capability for integrating a web-cam so that you can see the tank while you're away, and walk a tank-sitter through an emergency situation if it arises.

Food for thought.

-=DieselDave=- · 03/22/2016, 09:03 AM

I have been running Ghl 2 for a few months and have been very happy with it. I'm a Mac guy also, I primarily use my IPhone to adjust the scheduled dose amount when the demand changes.

flananuts · 03/22/2016, 10:57 AM

Good point on the Apex, will have to think about that. I have protection on my ATO should my solenoid valve or float fail. I can control and monitor my ecotech system via the app, and I have a pan tilt zoom camera for my first floor with microphone and speaker I can control with an app if I had to guide someone through. I have independent backup batteries on my vortech's that will run for 10-15 hours. The only thing I really don't have protection would be a heater malfunction, which would be such a kick in the privates if that failed. I did buy a high quality submersible heater that has been working flawlessly for the last three months.

03/21/2016, 03:30 PM	#1
flananuts Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 159	This decision is harder than any I've ever made regarding my kids. I need a dosing pump system, not just one pump, most likely 3 or 4 heads. Challenges: I work on Mac and iPhone and setting up parallel or VMWare likely isn't going to happen. I travel a ton and cannot ask my SWMBO to be responsible for a dosing regiment. I'm fortunate she didn't throw the full stop on my reefer 170, thanks to involving my three children on the system. Goals: My water params on organically are too good, 0 nitrate, 0 phosphate which I'm working on improving. My bio load is low but will be increasing next month. My nem's, LPS, and soft corals are all showing growth and I'm dey skimming successfully now. Trace elements are where my desire for a dosing system and not having to to weekly water changes. Like I said I travel a lot and spend weekends with the family at the beach. I've looked at Vertex(like the programming interface), kamoera(sp?), Kore 5th, GHL Profilux, Jeabo, and even DIY, and my head hurts. I've only been laboring over this because the idea of being away for a few days and having the dosing pump dose too much of any one thing killing my reef is unacceptable. Under dosing I can work with. For folks who are dosing Red Sea, Aquaforest, zeolite, triton etc, what have you found to be the most reliable system for dosing? Thanks in advance.

03/21/2016, 04:26 PM	#2
GSMclowns A Reef Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 364	Get an Apex and a few BRS (BulkReefSupply) dosing pumps. You can use the Apex to control the pumps and can control everything on your phone. BRS dosing pumps are quite reliable as well. I have one for like 4 or 5 years without any problems. __________________ Bao ================================= ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. >((((º>

03/21/2016, 05:08 PM	#3
slief RC Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 14,173	If you don't have an Apex, I would suggest the Litermeter III. It's easy to program, it's calibratable and supports up to 3 heads. It's extremely accurate and damn near bullet proof. If you have an Apex, the Dos is a no brainier and is about the best dosing pump you can get in terms of control and function and Fusion makes programming your dosing simple and intuitive. It also uses bullet proof industrial grade motors that should last a lifetime. Personally I would avoid those cheap dosing pumps. They aren't all that accurate and they don't last long under continual use. Don't get me wrong, they are OK for small dosing application but no 2 pumps will flow the same amounts and you can't calibrate them which for dosing applications is kind of important in my opinion. __________________ Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476

03/21/2016, 05:17 PM	#4
Bent I got nothin' Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The anals Posts: 6,420	I bought an icecap pump off eBay for 90 bucks and it's nice. Programs easily and they are chainable. 90x4 is 360 bucks so it might be more economical to get a good 4 head unit or something else. __________________ Quitters never lose. [QUOTE=CStrickland]Who gets mad at a starfish?[/QUOTE] Current Tank Info: 75g DT, 30G refugium, 10g chaeto tank, 50g stock tank basement sump

03/21/2016, 05:19 PM	#5
sixpackgarage reef mechanic Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 819	I use Neptune DOS with Apex (obviously). Dosing is at my fingertips always. Unfortunately you won't have any idea what your water levels are besides pH and temperature with any system you go with. On that note, I've never made any dosing adjustments remotely for the reason stated. Based on my testing though, I could easily let it run for 2-3 weeks without touching any setting. I do keep an eye on pH to make sure it's never over 8.3, but that's it. __________________ my build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2512689 my fuge thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2523500 Current Tank Info: DSA NEO 65G reef powered by Kessil

03/21/2016, 05:29 PM	#6
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	I'm with Scott on this one -- I have run a Litremeter for many many years for top off. Never missed a beat, programmable from minute amounts up to a gallons a day. You can add 2 pumps for other dosing if needed. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

03/21/2016, 05:41 PM	#7
flananuts Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 159	Thanks. Apex is out of the question right now as all my lights, power heads, and return are ecotech and I control them with ecosmartlive. Litremeter sounds like a good option. I do wish some of the newer systems were more Mac friendly, but I'll take more reliable over web or app programming bling.

03/21/2016, 05:57 PM	#8
Mark426 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,479	1st: Relax. Dosing is not that big of a deal. You dont need to worry. Hundreds of us have been doing it without a hitch (mostly) for years. So..like I said...relax. 2: Everyone please read what he wrote...he has a Red Sea Reefer 170. It has a built-in ATO that came as part of the system. So..thats taken care of. For dosing ALK/CA a Litermeter III is too big for his system. As I understand it a Litermeter III has a minimum daily dose of 50ml. That's a HUGE amount for a smaller tank. So...flananuts, a couple of the ones you mentioned that are standalone systems like the Kore, GHL Profilux, Jeabo, Bubble Magus, etc. will work just fine. Once you get them adjusted you wont need to access it remotely, even if your gone for quite some time. So remote accessibility is not needed or recommended since you cant tell what your ALK/CA levels are while you're away. The Neptune DOS is also a fine unit but requires an Apex Controller for the most part. For your tank I would recommend one of the stand alone dosers unless you already have an Apex then the DOS is a nice fit. It is big though if space is limited. I have 2 tanks, one with a GHL and the other small tank has a Bubble Magus. Both have worked flawlessly for years. I replace the heads every year or so for a nominal amount. The only one I would not recommend is the Jeabo...they are el' cheapo knockoffs. Heck..I dont recommend Jeabo anything! Have fun making your decision. Remember its not rocket science. Last edited by Mark426; 03/21/2016 at 06:10 PM.

03/21/2016, 06:56 PM	#9
petperk Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 12	Get a Jebao DP-4. Price is much lower than the other one.

03/22/2016, 05:36 AM	#13
flananuts Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 159	This decision is harder than any I've ever made regarding my kids. Appreciate all the sage advice. My ATO is no longer on the tank, lost of mods and my returns from the Display holds cheato with a 100watt 6200k led flood on a timer. I was going to purchase do-4 and then I when I came to the forum that's where the downward spiral began. All I kept reading just continued to provide horror stories. The only other hitch in these which is partly my issue is I work on Mac and I happen to prefer programming over browser or app instead of on the pump. I will be installing it in the cabinet above the sump and use the space available inside for my containers. I really appreciate all your input.

03/22/2016, 06:10 AM	#14
Bent I got nothin' Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The anals Posts: 6,420	The icecap will dose less than 50 daily. Right now mines doing 25 a day. __________________ Quitters never lose. [QUOTE=CStrickland]Who gets mad at a starfish?[/QUOTE] Current Tank Info: 75g DT, 30G refugium, 10g chaeto tank, 50g stock tank basement sump

03/22/2016, 06:12 AM	#15
d2mini Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 10,344	GHL Doser 2 has a cloud setup and works with iOS once it's connected to your home network. And you can also connect to it with your Mac, just set up bootcamp and windows. It's easy to setup. Parallels sucks. Or spend $100-150 and get a little windows netbook/tablet. Use the Litermeter III for the water changes. Super easy to use and good quality. __________________ -dennis Elos Diamond 120xl \| Elos Stand \| Radion G4 Pros \| GHL Profilux Controller \| LifeReef Skimmer \| LifeReef Sump Photos taken with a Nikon D750 or Leica M.

03/22/2016, 07:38 AM	#16
flananuts Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 159	d2mini thanks, I've been leaning toward GHL as my choice. Appreciate the insight.

03/22/2016, 09:03 AM	#19
-=DieselDave=- King of the brown sticks Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Lake Stevens Posts: 335	I have been running Ghl 2 for a few months and have been very happy with it. I'm a Mac guy also, I primarily use my IPhone to adjust the scheduled dose amount when the demand changes. __________________ Thank you, David Current Tank Info: Elos System 100, Bubble King Mini160,.

03/22/2016, 10:57 AM	#20
flananuts Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 159	Good point on the Apex, will have to think about that. I have protection on my ATO should my solenoid valve or float fail. I can control and monitor my ecotech system via the app, and I have a pan tilt zoom camera for my first floor with microphone and speaker I can control with an app if I had to guide someone through. I have independent backup batteries on my vortech's that will run for 10-15 hours. The only thing I really don't have protection would be a heater malfunction, which would be such a kick in the privates if that failed. I did buy a high quality submersible heater that has been working flawlessly for the last three months.