needle valves vs peristalsis pumps

[Harpo]

Tech is great but when possible, I like to utilize the KISS (Keep it simple stupid) principal. Less stuff to break down and cause havoc. Pumps need to be maintained and can breakdown at the worst moment. Why not use needle valves? I recognize that some dosing needs to be very precise, and a needle valve may not be accurate enough.

Thanks

David

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Following

 

[Formulator]

You absolutely can. Similar to an IV drip line which I have seen people use. The limitations are that it is continuous and may be slightly less precise. Some people like to dose set amounts at certain times of the day to account for varied alk consumption day to night for example. Also the consequences of a failure can be severe in any gravity powered system - i.e. if the valve gets bumped open or leaks, nothing to stop the entire volume of the reservoir from dumping into the tank.

 

[Harpo]

I was planning on using my return pump and a manifold to run this.