Dosing Pump Question

[scsdlh34]

I am fairly new to this and have been researching setting up my 55 gallon for about 2 months now. I am finally starting to buy all the equipment. My question is are dosing pumps helpful and exactly how do they work? Do you set how much drips in? Does it monitor your levels for you, then add accordingly? Been looking at the Innovative Aquatics Sentry Dosing Pump, which it says is ideal for 2-part calcium/alkalinity addition.
Here is my setup:
- JBJ Automatic Top Off (A.T.O.) System Water Level Controller
- 48 inch Current USA SunDial T5 HO 4x54W w/ Timers & LED
- AquaC Remora Hang-On Protein Skimmer w/ Drain Fitting + Maxi-Jet 1200
Pump
Fish are going to include:
4 Clowns
1 Diamond Goby
1 Green Mandrian Goby
2 Pajama Cardinals
Maybe a tang, but I've read 55 is to small
Typical Cleanup Crew
Oh and last question - For the top off system, do I just need a water pump setup in like a 5 gallon bucket or can I use Kent Marine AquaDose 5 Gallon Jug? Not sure how to setup a water pump to a jug.
Thanks for any help in working out my last questions/setup needs!

 

[moneyman]

Originally Posted by scsdlh34
http:///forum/post/2505363
My question is are dosing pumps helpful and exactly how do they work? Do you set how much drips in? Does it monitor your levels for you, then add accordingly?
You set the rate of dosing in term of mL/hr (or min). It just doses that amount regardless. It does not care if your tank or reservoir is empty or full. You'll have to set it to match your evaporation rate or 2-part dosing rate. Dosing pump should be self-priming and anti-siphoning.
Originally Posted by scsdlh34
http:///forum/post/2505363
Oh and last question - For the top off system, do I just need a water pump setup in like a 5 gallon bucket or can I use Kent Marine AquaDose 5 Gallon Jug? Not sure how to setup a water pump to a jug.
You'll need to put a powerhead inside your 5 gallon bucket. Plug the powerhead into your A.T.O and run a hose to your tank. Be careful about back siphoning.