Continuous feeding NPS filter feeders

[uhuru]

Buckeye Field Supply is having a sale on peristaltic pumps right now:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1833330

[GreshamH]

Look like they used APT for their OEM peri's like BRS used for a while (and still does on some models)...

http://www.aptinstruments.com/Mercha...ory_Code=SP100

[Aquabacs]

Forgot to add this to the thread Mike.

My refrigerated Auto-feeding System consists of:
Avanti 1.7 cu. ft refrigerator
Bubble Magnus BM-T01 dosing pump


The refrigerated auto feeding system design was inspired by the system used by Steve Weast.


Mike

[flying_dutchman]

Could a mod make this a sticky? I keep loosing the thread...

[GreshamH]

Why not subscribe to it? That's what I do with any I want to save that way the forum is not cluttered with a bunch of stickies

[flying_dutchman]

I'm subscribed to 133 threads...
And also this thread is great for someone who is looking into getting NPS

[GreshamH]

Ah so now your changing your argument to include that of newbies, touche

If you want a sticky, posting on a thread is not the way to make it happen given how many thousands of posts are done in just a few hours on RC. PM a MOD

[Aquabacs]

Should be on its way

[tanglovers]

Originally Posted by Aquabacs

Forgot to add this to the thread Mike.

My refrigerated Auto-feeding System consists of:
Avanti 1.7 cu. ft refrigerator
Bubble Magnus BM-T01 dosing pump


The refrigerated auto feeding system design was inspired by the system used by Steve Weast.


Mike

How long have you been running this system Mike? I assume going with something like thise would eliminate the need for a syringe pump(s). Do you feel this combined with a geo kalk reactor would be a nice setup for pretty much any NPS (as far as feeding regiment)?

[uhuru]

I stopped using a kalk reactor when I stopped doing daily water changes Just too much work to keep up long term. I've been using a similar concept but much smaller container:



Much easier to clean, easier to keep the food concentrated. Worked pretty good when the weather was cold, doesn't work well at all now that its 90-100F and humid every freakin day.

DFason (Dave) has been working on a chilled version:

[Aquabacs]

My refrigerated feeding set up has been running since the beginning of June. Before this was all done manually. Yes, this eliminates the need for syringe pumps. You would not need the geo reactor, you can set up an magnetic stirrer in the refrigerator and a add a mixed food cyliner/flask. This refrigerator has enough room to add a 4th tee to it if needed. That I might do in the future if I upgrade the dosing unit to GHL one and run it off my Profilux.

Mike

[tanglovers]

Thanks for the info!

Is that your return line that runs through the refrigerator with the tee's that the dosing pump feeds into?

I really like this setup, I could easily modify our new setup to accomodate something like this.

[Aquabacs]

I dont have it directly connected to my return line right now but you can do that. It is on a seperate pump and feeds right before the return pump. My return line on my tank goes through my chiller then into my tank.

Mike

[jmoney]

does the cold not damage the pump equipment?

[Terryz_]

Hey guys, I just did improvise with my Aquamedic Denitrator that have been sitting around for months into a continuous drip system... Just ran it yesterday, seems to work well.. But need to control the drip rate...

[Fishfreak218]

If you wanted to be cheap about it, couldn't you set-up some sort of container with a small powerhead and a dosing pump (instead of dropping $200 on a kalk reactor). It wouldnt be automated since you'd have to manually fill it with tank water every day and then add the food, but it would be a lot cheaper. Wouldn't this work out?

[uhuru]

See my post #110 above that's pretty much what I started doing. I can tell you that the best thing is to get a refrigerator and plumb it the way Steve Weast, Aquabacs, Slapshot and I are now doing. Not everyone is going to be able to do that though. The next best option IMO is like what you said, using a very small container and something to keep it cold. DFason is working on that but he's really busy with other projects so time of completion is unknown. I think that would be the most practical for people though because you can just fit it under your stand and there's no complicated plumbing involved.

[uhuru]

BTW if anyone is thinking of using a fridge, I have a big piece of advice. Get the same one that Aquabacs did so you can safely drill through the sides (most thermoelectric fridges are safe to drill but not all can hold the temp well), OR if you get a fridge with a compressor and refrigerant, don't be an idiot like me and just start drilling. Cut out ONLY the plastic lining on the inside, and use a blunt tool to scoop out the insulation, being careful to avoid any wires and more importantly any of the refrigerant lines. You might be able to fix the wires but if you poke a hole in the refrigerant line that's a whole other issue. Once you get through the insulation all the way to the outer covering you can get out the drill. It's not going to look as pretty but at least you won't destroy a fridge.

[Aquabacs]

Brand is Avanti and with the holes drilled, without it being sealed around the pvc pipes, holds well at 38. Just use caution drilling through the sides. The right side does have a wire going through it, running parallel with the door contact switch. If you drill above or below line you will be fine

Mike

[GreshamH]

Originally Posted by uhuru

See my post #110 above that's pretty much what I started doing. I can tell you that the best thing is to get a refrigerator and plumb it the way Steve Weast, Aquabacs, Slapshot and I are now doing. Not everyone is going to be able to do that though. The next best option IMO is like what you said, using a very small container and something to keep it cold. DFason is working on that but he's really busy with other projects so time of completion is unknown. I think that would be the most practical for people though because you can just fit it under your stand and there's no complicated plumbing involved.

keeping most feeds cold in saltwater will most likely lead to degradation of the product. I for one do not recommend this approach at all.

[uhuru]

I was using chilled RO/DI water (I still use RO/DI water for the fridge method for defrosting the frozen foods).

[GreshamH]

IMO saltwater would be better if the feeds are marine sourced.

[Fishfreak218]

Originally Posted by GreshamH

IMO saltwater would be better if the feeds are marine sourced.

wait im confused. First you said not to chill foods in saltwater (as it would lead to the degradation of the product), and then after uhuru said he was using chilled RODI water you said he should use saltwater?
can you explain further? Im trying to learn as much as possible about feeding NPS corals before I acquire any
thanks so much

[GreshamH]

Originally Posted by Fishfreak218

wait im confused. First you said not to chill foods in saltwater (as it would lead to the degradation of the product), and then after uhuru said he was using chilled RODI water you said he should use saltwater?
can you explain further? Im trying to learn as much as possible about feeding NPS corals before I acquire any
thanks so much

IMO

*IF* one feels the need to use the chilled water method, and is planning on using a marine based animal, using saltwater is better then freshwater. I don't recommend using the method.

[Fishfreak218]

Oh okay, so you recommend feeding only foods that can be stored at room temperature, as chilling marine foods can cause nutritional degradation?
What method do you use/recommend to feed Gresham?