Another dirt cheap gravity doser

akitareefer · Sep 9, 2013

SeymourDuncan said:
These devices are actually better than regular dosing pumps
ONLY
if you have a frag tank with fluctuating needs. Example: Sell half your corals and you won't have a need for the same amounts of calcium!

Gauge a full tank as a full syringe, subtract or add as you sell, buy, or simply as your corals grow.

For a regular tank this is just an alternative to dosing pumps. Displays generally don't have fluctuating needs so once you calculate your average dose it is just a matter of remembering to fill it as needed.

Well said.

That's exactly why I don't have dosing pumps, I'd be adjusting them too often for the frag tanks. I would like to spend the boat load and buy a triple doser for my new display but hand dosing has been such a simple daily task I'm not sure if its worth it. I might be using the feeding bags forever

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SeymourDuncan · Sep 9, 2013

I would use a dosing pump for iodine and other things that evaporate very quickly if i had the extra cash. Right now its a capful a day until the dollar store restocks their syringes :)

ReefMadScientist · Apr 3, 2014

I am having a problem with my syringe gravity doser DIY.

10ml syringe > 1/4" air line > sprinkler adjusting drip head

The problem is that there is not enough air in the line (during very slow drips) to get 1-2ml to push through. I have tried widening the syringe outlet but still nothing. The only time it works is if I adjust the drip head all the way open but then its a rapid drip. I've tried crimping the line but it will just stop flowing after the crimp.

SeymourDuncan · Apr 3, 2014

Is the plunger in the syringe? That will most likely be what is wrong. If you put your finger over your straw in your soda and lift, the liquid stays in the straw. Sounds like what is happening

Daniel@R2R · Apr 3, 2014

Awesome concept!! I'll be using this soon.

gcgangsta187 · Apr 4, 2014

What is the best mathematical formula to figure out how many drops you need per hour to get the required amount? I lose about 1 kh every other day and I use Reef Builder powder

Jason

Longnose Hawkfish · Apr 6, 2014

Do you think this will often overdose? Seems effective just don't want to overdose anything.

SantaMonica · Apr 7, 2014

An IV for your reef :)

SeymourDuncan · Apr 8, 2014

gcgangsta187 said:
What is the best mathematical formula to figure out how many drops you need per hour to get the required amount? I lose about 1 kh every other day and I use Reef Builder powder

Jason

I pulled the directions from their website, just in case you did not have them handy:

BEGINNER: Use 3 g (half a level teaspoon*) per 150 L (40 gallons) twice a week. Dissolve in at least 250 mL (1 cup) of freshwater. Check alkalinity every 2 weeks and adjust amount or frequency accordingly.

ADVANCED: Check alkalinity, then follow addition regimen above until alkalinity is adjusted to 4â€“5 meq/L. Each 3 g/150 L will raise alkalinity by about 0.25 meq/L. Quantity or frequency can be adjusted, but do not exceed 12 g/150 L per day. Thereafter, use as required to maintain alkalinity.

EXPERT: After determining the alkalinity consumption rate, set up a continuous drip system. Use the following formula to determine how much to add to your top-off water: m=0.08va (m=grams to add to top off water, v=volume of tank in liters, a=amount to raise alkalinity in meq/L). For example, if you want to raise your alkalinity by 1 meq/L in a 200 liter tank, then you would add 0.08x200x1=16 g into the top-off water. [For reference: 1 gallon*=3.8 liters, 6 g=1 teaspoon*]. Notes: Use MultiTest:â„¢ Marine pH & Alkalinity to measure total alkalinity.HINTS: Use MultiTest:â„¢ Marine pH & Alkalinity to measure total alkalinity.

If anyone who is better at math can simplify this that would be great.