DIY Dosing pump

Bear Claw · Jun 17, 2024

I am looking for a cost-effective method of dosing calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity. My parameters have started dropping so I realized it is about time to start dosing. I am looking for a solution optimally under $100-150 that will keep my parameters good. Any ideas?

Which brand of the dosing chemical should I use? I was thinking Red Sea but I am not sure.

Also, to get to the parameters where I can begin dosing should I just dump the dosing chemical in during about a week until it gets to where I am happy with?

Here are my current parameters:
Alk - 8.6 dKH
Mag - 1120 ppm
Cal - 496 ppm

Pistondog · Jun 17, 2024

Bear Claw said:
I am looking for a cost-effective method of dosing calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity. My parameters have started dropping so I realized it is about time to start dosing. I am looking for a solution optimally under $100-150 that will keep my parameters good. Any ideas?

Which brand of the dosing chemical should I use? I was thinking Red Sea but I am not sure.

Also, to get to the parameters where I can begin dosing should I just dump the dosing chemical in during about a week until it gets to where I am happy with?

Here are my current parameters:
Alk - 8.6 dKH
Mag - 1120 ppm
Cal - 496 ppm

I started with b-ionic which is 2 parts, starting equally, so many milliliters per 100 liters. Dose manually to start at the zame time each day. Test alk after a few days and adjust dose to the trend, not target.
Decide what your target parameters are and target those with corrective doses of either the 2 part or baking soda for alk.

Bear Claw · Jun 17, 2024

Pistondog said:
I started with b-ionic which is 2 parts, starting equally, so many milliliters per 100 liters. Dose manually to start at the zame time each day. Test alk after a few days and adjust dose to the trend, not target.
Decide what your target parameters are and target those with corrective doses of either the 2 part or baking soda for alk.

what does the b-ionic dose for? And whatever is left out in that, what should I use for that?

cuzzoo3345 · Jun 17, 2024

Look into Tropic Marin All for Reef. I’m gonna have to start dosing also and that’s what I’m using when it arrives this week. It’s for calcium , alkalinity and has other trace elements and it’s all in one

Pistondog · Jun 17, 2024

Bear Claw said:
what does the b-ionic dose for? And whatever is left out in that, what should I use for that?

2 Gallon Package - ESV B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System

Each ESV B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System has two components - Alkalinity and Calcium. When used in equal parts, easily maintain calcium and alkalinity levels with no mixing of powders, disruption of ionic balace or addition of organic chemicals. Formulated to provide all the proper ratios to...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Has calcium and alk and trace elements so nothing else at this point

FUNGI · Jun 17, 2024

spend $40 or so for a used Jebao DC dosing system......Offerup.....$50.00 shipped

Bear Claw · Jun 18, 2024

Pistondog said:
2 Gallon Package - ESV B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System

Each ESV B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System has two components - Alkalinity and Calcium. When used in equal parts, easily maintain calcium and alkalinity levels with no mixing of powders, disruption of ionic balace or addition of organic chemicals. Formulated to provide all the proper ratios to...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Has calcium and alk and trace elements so nothing else at this point

what about magnesium?

Bear Claw · Jun 18, 2024

I was thinking of doing either Tropic Marin or ESV but I am stuck between the two right now.

Pistondog · Jun 18, 2024

Bear Claw said:
what about magnesium?

It is included along with trace elements.

Uncle99 · Jun 18, 2024

Bear Claw said:
I am looking for a cost-effective method of dosing calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity. My parameters have started dropping so I realized it is about time to start dosing. I am looking for a solution optimally under $100-150 that will keep my parameters good. Any ideas?

Which brand of the dosing chemical should I use? I was thinking Red Sea but I am not sure.

Also, to get to the parameters where I can begin dosing should I just dump the dosing chemical in during about a week until it gets to where I am happy with?

Here are my current parameters:
Alk - 8.6 dKH
Mag - 1120 ppm
Cal - 496 ppm