Best way to dose...LMIII or Controller w/ dosing pumps?

PaintGuru · 07/08/2008, 05:18 AM

I own neither at this point, but I would like to make an informed and intelligent purchase. What do people feel would be the smarter way to go for dosing 2-part into my 90 gal tank? I've heard good things about the Litermeter III, but after looking at the cost, I figured I could also dose by getting a controller (say the RKE) and setup some dosing pumps to be run by that. Obviously I would need to do some measuring to see how long the pumps need to run to dose the amount I want. I'm sure others have gone through this decision process, but what would you suggest for dosing? I'd love to have controller/monitoring options as well, but if that method would stink when it came to dosing, then I would likely shy away from the controller method.

PSam · 07/08/2008, 08:49 AM

I use LM3 separately from my Aquacontroller 3.

xtm · 07/08/2008, 12:42 PM

It's great that you're doing a research before potentially wasting money on inferior products!..... If I were to buy another doser, I would buy the LM3. Just too much hassle with my current unit, which is the AquaMedic. Also, unless DA has fixed some of the issues with RK2, I wouldn't rely on the controller for dosing- be it via peristaltic pump, Aqualifter, etc. There is a known issue with most controllers in regards to some channels failing to turn off due to the very small load. the last thing you want is an overdose due to a channel failing to turn off.

xtm

PaintGuru · 07/08/2008, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by xtm
the last thing you want is an overdose due to a channel failing to turn off.

xtm

Very true. Sounds like the LM3 is worth its price on its own. Thanks for your thoughts everyone.

twon8 · 07/08/2008, 01:27 PM

i wish i had bought the lm3 first, instead of the multitude of other inferior products ive gone through

aaron7405 · 07/08/2008, 01:52 PM

Other option will be a used Cole Parmer perilstatic pump (controlable and very relaible), I think on ebay can get a good one on good price. My 2 cents

cmm1970 · 07/08/2008, 02:54 PM

I retrofitted my tank with a LMIII after years of fiddling with different calcium reactors. I love my LMIII and have had it in service for 9months. The pump units are easy to disassemble and rebuild and the controller is easy to program. Yes, it is pricey compared to other configurations, but darn it, the product works. I have come to appreciate that more than anything else.

Mike

burton14e7 · 07/08/2008, 03:01 PM

Also Grotech if you havn't checked out that dosing pump. I see a lot of the Balling method users using it.

07/08/2008, 05:18 AM	#1
PaintGuru Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 859	Best way to dose...LMIII or Controller w/ dosing pumps? I own neither at this point, but I would like to make an informed and intelligent purchase. What do people feel would be the smarter way to go for dosing 2-part into my 90 gal tank? I've heard good things about the Litermeter III, but after looking at the cost, I figured I could also dose by getting a controller (say the RKE) and setup some dosing pumps to be run by that. Obviously I would need to do some measuring to see how long the pumps need to run to dose the amount I want. I'm sure others have gone through this decision process, but what would you suggest for dosing? I'd love to have controller/monitoring options as well, but if that method would stink when it came to dosing, then I would likely shy away from the controller method.

07/08/2008, 08:49 AM	#2
PSam Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 3,036	I use LM3 separately from my Aquacontroller 3. __________________ ..no vemos las cosas como son las vemos como somos nosotros...

07/08/2008, 12:42 PM	#3
xtm Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Panorama City, CA Posts: 4,703	It's great that you're doing a research before potentially wasting money on inferior products!..... If I were to buy another doser, I would buy the LM3. Just too much hassle with my current unit, which is the AquaMedic. Also, unless DA has fixed some of the issues with RK2, I wouldn't rely on the controller for dosing- be it via peristaltic pump, Aqualifter, etc. There is a known issue with most controllers in regards to some channels failing to turn off due to the very small load. the last thing you want is an overdose due to a channel failing to turn off. xtm __________________ Function before fashion Current Tank Info: 120g SPS Tank (48x24x24)

07/08/2008, 01:27 PM	#5
twon8 Formally registered membe Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: slightly sw of richmond, va Posts: 5,920	i wish i had bought the lm3 first, instead of the multitude of other inferior products ive gone through __________________ Anthony Richmond Reef Club "and as things fell apart, nobody paid much attention." Not building a wall but making a brick Current Tank Info: 300g DD display, 60g frag tank

07/08/2008, 01:52 PM	#6
aaron7405 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tucson & Hermosillo Mexico Posts: 780	Other option will be a used Cole Parmer perilstatic pump (controlable and very relaible), I think on ebay can get a good one on good price. My 2 cents __________________ I would like to find this book "Wife & Marine Aquarium: simple guide how to get each other along" Current Tank Info: In process SPS dominant Solana XL67

07/08/2008, 02:54 PM	#7
cmm1970 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 426	I retrofitted my tank with a LMIII after years of fiddling with different calcium reactors. I love my LMIII and have had it in service for 9months. The pump units are easy to disassemble and rebuild and the controller is easy to program. Yes, it is pricey compared to other configurations, but darn it, the product works. I have come to appreciate that more than anything else. Mike

07/08/2008, 03:01 PM	#8
burton14e7 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Keller, Tx Posts: 2,009	Also Grotech if you havn't checked out that dosing pump. I see a lot of the Balling method users using it. __________________ Go Lakers! Current Tank Info: Currently awaiting relapse.