EDIT: Note that I haven't had a great deal of success with the SP3000, but mine was second-hand to start with so a brand new pump could be different or a different model. Read the post for alternative pumps.
EDIT 2: The problem with the Aquamedic SP3000 can be easily fixed be placing a non-return valve before and after the pump to prevent it back flowing when the rollers are on the vertical position.
Hi Guys,
Thought I would create a separate post for this and also make a diagram to show my setup. Might help others that want to try out the same thing.
I purchased an Aqua Medic SP3000 dosing pump with the intention of automating my dosing regime, I kept forgetting to dose before leaving to work some days and sometimes I didn't have a clue what I dosed the day before, if it was macro or micro so decided to go this way and using JamesC All-in-One Solution.
Link to James website where you can find more information: http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/allinone.htm
My calculations for EI are made using NutriCalc (This was suggested to me by Matt Holbrook-Bull when I first joined the forum and works a treat for me).
Windows users can download it here: http://www.cherniaksoftware.com/homepag ... riCalc.exe
For my aquarium which is 125 litres the following values were achieved:
KNO3 = 1.77 grams 3x a week
K2S04 = 0.8 grams 3x a week
KH2PO4 = 0.5 grams 3x a week
MgSO4 = 4.6 grams 3x a week
Trace from AE = 0.5 3x a week
You will also need E300 Ascorbic Acid and E202 Potassium Sorbat.
After various tests I found out that my SP3000 actually doses 40ml per minute and not the 50ml stated on the manual, I tested this various times over a few days to make sure I always got the same values.
So I am using a 1.5liter bottle, so I will be mixing my powders into 1.4 litres of water which will give me 35 daily doses.
Here my calculations with the help of JamesC (many thanks):
1,400ml and dose 40ml per time. So that's 1,400/40 = 35 doses.
KNO3 = (1.77x35x3)/7 = 26.6g
K2S04 = (0.8x35x3)/7 = 12g
KH2PO4 = (0.5x35x3)/7 = 7.5g
MgSO4 = (4.6x35x3)/7 = 69g
Trace from AE = (0.5x35x3)/7 = 7.5g
Ascorbic 0.5x3 = 1.5g (0.5g per 500ml recommended)
Sorbate 0.2x3 = 0.6g (0.2g per 500ml recommended)
In my final solution I added an extra 20% on top of the total amounts given on the calculations above, I always prefer to over dose than to under dose.
Below the diagram of my setup:
My CO2 comes on 2 hours before lights on and dosing is done using a digital timer (on for 1 minute) 15 minutes before lights on. I mix the solution using the airpump for 2 minutes before dosing.
I cover the dosing bottle with a blanket to prevent it getting any light into the bottle.
Hope this helps and good luck
EDIT 2: The problem with the Aquamedic SP3000 can be easily fixed be placing a non-return valve before and after the pump to prevent it back flowing when the rollers are on the vertical position.
Hi Guys,
Thought I would create a separate post for this and also make a diagram to show my setup. Might help others that want to try out the same thing.
I purchased an Aqua Medic SP3000 dosing pump with the intention of automating my dosing regime, I kept forgetting to dose before leaving to work some days and sometimes I didn't have a clue what I dosed the day before, if it was macro or micro so decided to go this way and using JamesC All-in-One Solution.
Link to James website where you can find more information: http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/allinone.htm
My calculations for EI are made using NutriCalc (This was suggested to me by Matt Holbrook-Bull when I first joined the forum and works a treat for me).
Windows users can download it here: http://www.cherniaksoftware.com/homepag ... riCalc.exe
For my aquarium which is 125 litres the following values were achieved:
KNO3 = 1.77 grams 3x a week
K2S04 = 0.8 grams 3x a week
KH2PO4 = 0.5 grams 3x a week
MgSO4 = 4.6 grams 3x a week
Trace from AE = 0.5 3x a week
You will also need E300 Ascorbic Acid and E202 Potassium Sorbat.
After various tests I found out that my SP3000 actually doses 40ml per minute and not the 50ml stated on the manual, I tested this various times over a few days to make sure I always got the same values.
So I am using a 1.5liter bottle, so I will be mixing my powders into 1.4 litres of water which will give me 35 daily doses.
Here my calculations with the help of JamesC (many thanks):
1,400ml and dose 40ml per time. So that's 1,400/40 = 35 doses.
KNO3 = (1.77x35x3)/7 = 26.6g
K2S04 = (0.8x35x3)/7 = 12g
KH2PO4 = (0.5x35x3)/7 = 7.5g
MgSO4 = (4.6x35x3)/7 = 69g
Trace from AE = (0.5x35x3)/7 = 7.5g
Ascorbic 0.5x3 = 1.5g (0.5g per 500ml recommended)
Sorbate 0.2x3 = 0.6g (0.2g per 500ml recommended)
In my final solution I added an extra 20% on top of the total amounts given on the calculations above, I always prefer to over dose than to under dose.
Below the diagram of my setup:
My CO2 comes on 2 hours before lights on and dosing is done using a digital timer (on for 1 minute) 15 minutes before lights on. I mix the solution using the airpump for 2 minutes before dosing.
I cover the dosing bottle with a blanket to prevent it getting any light into the bottle.
Hope this helps and good luck