Doser For Auto Wc's

EricTMah · Nov 15, 2017

Hey everyone

Just curious to see if anyone on this forum has used a doser as a auto wc system before?

My thought is with the price of the jebao dp4 being around $100 cad. That it might be an inexpensive wc system.

Figured there's four heads on the unit. If I used 2 heads to pump water out and the other two to pump water back in. It should work in theory.

Figured I'd designate certain times to perform the wc's. Set me apex to shut off my ato for that specific hour. Then have the two pumps remove 200mls each, total of 400mls. Then the other 2 heads pump the same amount back in. Figured do this 5 times a day which equals 2000mls/day and 14000mls/week. Works out to just over half gallon a day and about 4 gals per week.

What do all of you think?

S8

Nonuser · Nov 15, 2017

Its a really cool idea. But would the 4 gallons a week really make a difference?

shamous113 · Nov 15, 2017

@Nighthawk26 was using the apex dos for auto water changes. I have his apex but haven't set up the dos yet. https://www.neptunesystems.com/getstarted/dos-2/dos-awc/

Nighthawk26 · Nov 15, 2017

shamous113 said:
@Nighthawk26 was using the apex dos for auto water changes. I have his apex but haven't set up the dos yet. https://www.neptunesystems.com/getstarted/dos-2/dos-awc/

Mine changed about 3G a day.

Just make sure the pumps can take that run time. Also no need to turn off the ato really if you are adding and removing same time. It would balance out.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

TORX · Nov 15, 2017

It is being done, but not with that type of motor. I highly recommend a doser that uses stepper motors such as the Apex DOS or GHL doser. Not sure off hand if the new Kamoer is a stepper. Standard motors will burn out quickly and can be unreliable. You will have to monitor things closely to be sure the correct amount is being exchanged.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

Neopimp · Nov 15, 2017

I also have some reservations about the run time vs life of those motors.
I woudl also think that maintianing two paisl of fresh salt water would be a good idea. one being pumped down the other on deck mixed ready to go when the first one goes empty.

Cliff · Nov 15, 2017

I am using my dos right now I am changing 3 gallons a day. It works quite well but when the stepper motors goes into hyperdrive it is quite loud

EricTMah · Nov 15, 2017

Thx everyone.

I was concerned about reliability of the dp4 running so much as well.

I had originally tried to look for this pump. But can't seem to find it in Canada.

I had looked at the Dos. But a bit expensive for a wc system imo

S8

Nonuser · Nov 15, 2017

Sorry if im not getting this. but couldnt you buy two ATO type pumps and once the first one drains a certain amount of tank water then have the other pump click on and pump the same amount back into the sump?

teebone110 · Nov 15, 2017

the litermeter is a good option, a little pricey tho.
I have been using it for a few years- worth every penny, then some.

The best thing I have ever bought for my tank- highly recommended

EricTMah · Nov 15, 2017

Nonuser said:
Sorry if im not getting this. but couldnt you buy two ATO type pumps and once the first one drains a certain amount of tank water then have the other pump click on and pump the same amount back into the sump?

You could. But then you're relying on a mechanical float switch to maintain levels. Not the most reliable option.

I've looked at optical sensors as well. But from what I've found. They need to have the sump drilled for proper installation.

Also I am unsure if these optical sensors will work with the apex break out box.

Like this one
Optical Infrared Water Liquid Level Sensor High Sensibility, Working with Liquid Level Controller Come with 1.8 Meters (6 Feet) Cable https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00Z9NUJWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KlgdAbT2VGKPX

This one would be ideal
Optical Infrared Two-Point Water Liquid Level Sensor Controller High Sensibility-Use To Detect Two Liquid Level https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B075RWBXYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7lgdAbZHG5SHS

Maybe a apex guru could chime in to see if these sensors would work with the apex break out box or not. @TORX

S8

EricTMah · Nov 15, 2017

If the second sensor I listed would work. Then that would work perfectly as it mounts top down and would just need a simple bracket made to hold in place . And I'd be able to run any style of pump to drain and fill.

S8

TORX · Nov 15, 2017

Optical will not work with the BOB. Optical sensors are powered and need a pcb to work. Here is a useful thread over on the Apex forum. I am surprised it is still up as since they released their own sensors, questions on DIY sensors have been avoided

https://forum.neptunesystems.com/showthread.php?t=14515

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

Cliff · Nov 15, 2017

Eric I have been eyeing this one for about a month. I have contacted the seller and he will ship it. If I didn’t have my dos I would buy it for sure

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-home-indoor...p_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social https://www.kijiji.ca/v-home-indoor...p_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

EricTMah · Nov 15, 2017

Cliff said:
Eric I have been eyeing this one for about a month. I have contacted the seller and he will ship it. If I didn’t have my dos I would buy it for sure

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-home-indoor...p_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social https://www.kijiji.ca/v-home-indoor...p_ios&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_social

Might not be worth it. By the time I pay shipping and replace both heads. I'm pretty close to the cost of a DOS

I might wait until this unit comes out
https://reefbuilders.com/2016/09/07/auto-aqua-smart/

S8

Cliff · Nov 15, 2017

EricTMah said:
Might not be worth it. By the time I pay shipping and replace both heads. I'm pretty close to the cost of a DOS

I might wait until this unit comes out
https://reefbuilders.com/2016/09/07/auto-aqua-smart/

S8

I don’t know it looks sort of Chinese to me LOL

derrick orosz · Nov 15, 2017

I’m pretty sure @Tiredguy is

Tiredguy · Nov 15, 2017

EricTMah said:
Hey everyone

Just curious to see if anyone on this forum has used a doser as a auto wc system before?

My thought is with the price of the jebao dp4 being around $100 cad. That it might be an inexpensive wc system.

Figured there's four heads on the unit. If I used 2 heads to pump water out and the other two to pump water back in. It should work in theory.

Figured I'd designate certain times to perform the wc's. Set me apex to shut off my ato for that specific hour. Then have the two pumps remove 200mls each, total of 400mls. Then the other 2 heads pump the same amount back in. Figured do this 5 times a day which equals 2000mls/day and 14000mls/week. Works out to just over half gallon a day and about 4 gals per week.

What do all of you think?

S8

Hey,, I am using a Jabao DP4 for Auto top up, have been for about 2 years now with no issues,,, I have to adjust it spring and fall for different evap but i'm happy.... I just use one channel.... it's not the best option but hey its been working.. As for Pumping water out of your aquarium,,, I'd be more worried about what might get pulled out and start clogging things up,,, i only use Clean RO water in,

Neopimp · Nov 16, 2017

I could make that switch work. USB power supply. A couple transistors and resistors. Done

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Neopimp · Nov 16, 2017

Electronic prototyping and hacking is fun

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Doser For Auto Wc's

Aquariums by Design

Distinguished Member

Active Member

Active Member

Administrator

Website Doctor

Active Member

Aquariums by Design

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Aquariums by Design

Aquariums by Design

Administrator

Active Member

Aquariums by Design

Active Member

Super Active Member

New Member

Website Doctor

Website Doctor