Versa doser alternatives

[JoJosReef]

I've found that the versa, which uses airline tubing (1/4" outer diameter, ~4.2mm inner diameter) is capable of dispensing small volumes of more viscous liquids like liquid food (mysis, large pods, ROE, etc).

One problem: 4-head Versa = $900. I'm just gonna go ahead and say it: this is stupid ridiculous.

Are there any alternative pumps that can accomplish more or less the same thing for... less than the cost if a tank?

Note, I've looked into various 4mm ID Kamoer units, but they seem to be very high flow, pumping 1-2mL per second, which is too fast for food. Will need to be slow or controlled flow.

Any ideas?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Simplicity. Not sure it meets all your criteria but check it out.

 

[JoJosReef]

Simplicity. Not sure it meets all your criteria but check it out.

I have a Simplicity 4-head, but it only runs 2mm ID tubing (I checked with their engineering), so definitely will clog. Great product, though!

 

[BryanM]

I have a Simplicity 4-head, but it only runs 2mm ID tubing (I checked with their engineering), so definitely will clog. Great product, though!

There's videos using Neptune's DOS units for food, so maybe that would work... I've never done this so I do not know.

 

[pooootiqe]

BRS 1.1 ml/min, takes 1/4 OD airline tubing.

 

[JoJosReef]

There's videos using Neptune's DOS units for food, so maybe that would work... I've never done this so I do not know.

I believe those run 3.2mm ID, ehich is certainly better than 2mm, but I was aiming for about 4mm for fewer clogs. Sometimes can find DOS on the marketplace though, so thatyan option for the pods and ROE!

 

[JoJosReef]

BRS 1.1 ml/min, takes 1/4 OD airline tubing.

I think this might be an option, but I would need at least 2 (better 3 or 4) with individual timers that work at the seconds level. I tbink this would be the game plan if all else fails!

 

[pooootiqe]

Yeah I can’t think of more compact solutions without getting into DIYing. A few used BRS 1.1 on a Kasa strip is probably the most economical option (the form factor would only be slightly larger than Versas, though?)

If you wanna venture into DIYs, these pump heads are pretty good: https://www.ebay.com/itm/185730601287?_skw=marlow+peristaltic+pump&itmmeta=01JRDYXBWW7B5W5FEG63N2RQQ8&hash=item2b3e681147:g:aWwAAOSwnXFjWxcj&itmprp=enc:AQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1eVDHhU3xg+ACIFYeKGtJ8nWlYXckHoXN/3A1gUiD3nP2oGSTLXfpjCZxpEVgH7CZAiV7QZvJYCaGDcIyTYuH26ojVIqEL+lIqmaT9IzjZfxSEuQ3CpUDOg7cyQzoGOBAR4m+oUacldRq3VABwqc6G3hgwnqKiLY7B52DHSgqlTOI2ngaBAyQXu5bYhjyW7XPz1rcdOUJkTnJhZXNwlRjsfUOmLYk30OSOP0GGNCuRo/SAgwnlY2pFSQ8oUPgxOcvA=|tkp:Bk9SR8q-9b7DZQ

You would likely need to replace the tubing with some 4x7mm silicone tubing from Amazon, but they are sturdy and runs at ~20ml/min per head.

Btw, are you dosing NYOS foods? Are they refrigerated?

 

[JoJosReef]

Yeah I can’t think of more compact solutions without getting into DIYing. A few used BRS 1.1 on a Kasa strip is probably the most economical option (the form factor would only be slightly larger than Versas, though?)

If you wanna venture into DIYs, these pump heads are pretty good: https://www.ebay.com/itm/185730601287?_skw=marlow+peristaltic+pump&itmmeta=01JRDYXBWW7B5W5FEG63N2RQQ8&hash=item2b3e681147:g:aWwAAOSwnXFjWxcj&itmprp=enc:AQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1eVDHhU3xg+ACIFYeKGtJ8nWlYXckHoXN/3A1gUiD3nP2oGSTLXfpjCZxpEVgH7CZAiV7QZvJYCaGDcIyTYuH26ojVIqEL+lIqmaT9IzjZfxSEuQ3CpUDOg7cyQzoGOBAR4m+oUacldRq3VABwqc6G3hgwnqKiLY7B52DHSgqlTOI2ngaBAyQXu5bYhjyW7XPz1rcdOUJkTnJhZXNwlRjsfUOmLYk30OSOP0GGNCuRo/SAgwnlY2pFSQ8oUPgxOcvA=|tkp:Bk9SR8q-9b7DZQ

You would likely need to replace the tubing with some 4x7mm silicone tubing from Amazon, but they are sturdy and runs at ~20ml/min per head.

Btw, are you dosing NYOS foods? Are they refrigerated?

This is why I love this forum. Lots of great ideas. I just began looking into DIY options, but seems like a steep learning curve. Worth checking out though

I've been using Reef Nutrition foods for years now. Just got Nyos Goldpods last week and will see how the fish like it.

 

[pooootiqe]

This is why I love this forum. Lots of great ideas. I just began looking into DIY options, but seems like a steep learning curve. Worth checking out though

I've been using Reef Nutrition foods for years now. Just got Nyos Goldpods last week and will see how the fish like it.

I have a bit of experience with them on a DIY auto water change system. Lmk if you decide to go with that route and I can offer some ideas.

 

[exnisstech]

I think this might be an option, but I would need at least 2 (better 3 or 4) with individual timers that work at the seconds level. I tbink this would be the game plan if all else fails!

I used these timers on brs pumps. The on and off time can be set by the second. I had one in use for over two years and it worked great.