I added the DOS with the Neptune Apex a few months ago and it is one of the best things I have added to my tank. I run Triton and still do the water changes. The improvement to the tank is amazing and as you say the tank is always at its best. As for cost, it is expensive but if you already have the Apex your half way there already, all you need is the DOS unit.
Also, the problem with a Stenner pump is if your input and out have different resistance (you may need to draw water form your IBC 30m away, but output to a drain 1m away). There is no way of calibrating them. With 2 separate heads such as Litermeter, each pump's output is calibrated. BTW - keep up the great work.
Your saying spread out the water change during the day pull out . Pump in . I have mine setup straight 1 gallon out 1 gallon in I’m going break it up thanks for the tip
I think the idea is genius , much like the tides flushing and diluting the waste. besides no one said you can't do water changes, just less often and smaller.
Totally agree. You can still do water changes and I do now and then to remove any build up. This just takes care of the nutrients in the water automatically for me
Weng c correct. Water exchange module has the overflow protection built into the pump, the over flow protection module is separate that you can plug inline to any other 12v pump
Hmm where are you new videos Sam? lol While i got your attention, going to prep my tubes. Do you recommend these? or are they too hard and no flexible enough? I also have clear tubing which is pretty flexible. Not sure whats best to run for abour 5m length up walls and around corners - www.psifilters.com.au/john-guest-fittings/10387-1-4-inch-tubing-white.html
Hey Sam, would this be an option. Set Apex profile. Turn off RT pump. Sump water rises and ensures ATO doesnt turn on. Litermeter changes a larger amount of water instead of small amounts throughout the day. Set at night so noise is not an issue.
I know you mentioned it but thought i could take out water first then add new water. Litermeter can independently do this right? water in and out doesnt have happen at the same time? Also can you set the whole amount to be done at one time? Thanks.
I just saw your other video. I guess my next comment defeats the purpose as this unit is best used for gradual water changes as it splits the amount over the day. If i wanted my scenario probably best to run just the pumps on timer via apex
with the built in controller, you cannot do it all at one time. Needs to be spread out over 24 hours. If you control the pumps via something like an apex - then sure, but personally I wouldn't do it that way - the continual method works a treat!
Great Video Sam. Here is a link to an article explaining some of the math of "continuous changes vs. large less regular" ones. Slightly less efficient however added benefits of stability, set and forget, etc. reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/rhf/
I know you said an ato is obviously still required I have a 1,000 litre tank and If I want to change 50 litres a day, all that water going in and out of the tank along with evaporation wont confuse or throw out the ato what so ever? So the water the litermeter takes out and puts in is EXACTLY PRECISELY the same amount? Thanks
I think people mean that they don’t have enough space for the containers, I have two Neptune DOS and putting them somewhere is no problem but the problem I’m running into is finding space to hold the fresh saltwater, I don’t have space for a brute trash can or even a 5 gallon bucket, what tips would you suggest to combat this problem?
@@ParkersReef well there is a window by my tank that leads to the side of my house, but the only problem with that is the container would be outside in the hot/cold
Is this advice still accurate? Doing water changes at tiny intervals every 5 minutes? What percentage of the tank do you think should be changed per day? At what intervals? I am working to set up my AWC system.
@@ParkersReef . I don’t think it’s a question of removing the newly added water but of the diminished effect in removing bad water. If you do one 20% change then you remove 20% of the problem (if you have one). If you remove 1% per day and immediately replace it, for 20 days, you do not get the same 20% removal. Each day, the old water gets diluted which makes its removal less effective. Not to say continuous doesn’t work, just not as effective.
Nice video again!! Now... I have the chance to buy a used (but in perfect condition) Alkatronic and Dosetronic for 800 euro or would it be better to invest in a awc system? On the other hand, I could use the Dosetronic as well do the waterchanges 🤔 Or should I buy 2 Ecotech Versa pumps for just waterchanges?
Looking to setup also in Brisabane how does the voltage work we have 220 v US has 110 vtls (from the wall) not a sparky but do I need converter, which models for a 4 ft tank pump and Litre meter please also got a link to those items?
Hey Tony, the units themselves are actually 12vdc powered. So you can either use a local power supply or purchase the 230v version they sell. For any size tank, you need one main unit and one remote pump. So one of these (this is 230v version works in Australia): spectrapure.com/DOSING-TOP-OFF/LITERMETER-DOSING-SYSTEMS/LiterMeter-III-Precision-Dosing-System-230V and one of these to plug into it: spectrapure.com/DOSING-TOP-OFF/LITERMETER-ADD-ONS/LiterMeter-III-Remote-Pump-Module Yell out if you have any questions or need help. Im based in Victoria myself, but I have installed these in Brisbane before :)
Would you use liter meter for a nano reef, like a 6 or 7 gallon tank? I have really relied on frequent beater changes to keep this tank and am considering something like this to simplify the process.
@@ParkersReef I was able to purchase a liter meter for $250, including three pumps. Looking forward to set up. The prices was too good to pass up. Really enjoyed your videos and reef tanks. Much appreciated. Keep it up.
@@ParkersReef again, wow! So they would split and water would go everywhere! Thank you you just saved me 900 odd dollars 👍 Do the litremeters come with Australian power plugs? And are they sold in store in Australia or do we have to get them from a supplier?
@@foxyrene1 they'll split if you don't replace them often yes. The litermeter comes with a 12v dc power pack. They are not sold in australia, only via spectrapure in america
NanoReef Drop Hey mate, good choice! You’ll need one main unit and one extra pump. They run off 12vdc, so you can pick either the 120v version and source your own power supply or get the 230v version and be good to go.
Good to see another Aussie with a reef. Subbed.
I added the DOS with the Neptune Apex a few months ago and it is one of the best things I have added to my tank. I run Triton and still do the water changes. The improvement to the tank is amazing and as you say the tank is always at its best. As for cost, it is expensive but if you already have the Apex your half way there already, all you need is the DOS unit.
Yeah dos is great. Especially
If you have apex. If not, litermeter is amazing!
Awesome video. I run one because oh how highly you spoke of them and yes it was expensive but best purchase I have ever made in reefing.
Thanks Sam
thanks Felicity
Also, the problem with a Stenner pump is if your input and out have different resistance (you may need to draw water form your IBC 30m away, but output to a drain 1m away). There is no way of calibrating them. With 2 separate heads such as Litermeter, each pump's output is calibrated. BTW - keep up the great work.
Macca 75 there are ways (adding restriction), but it’s not ideal
Great video with excellent info. You mention you have coding for an Arduino to run water change pumps. How could I get a copy of that?
I'll dig it up, email me and I'll see what I can find
@@ParkersReef , hey Sam, can't find your email anywhere
Sparker at deakin dot edu dot au
Your saying spread out the water change during the day pull out . Pump in . I have mine setup straight 1 gallon out 1 gallon in I’m going break it up thanks for the tip
Just my thought process anyway :)
I just bought a 135g tank and would like more info on the inexpensive awc
A pair of Kamoer x1 pro-t pumps is a great auto water change system
This video helped me a lot! Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Great video, thanks for sharing.
thanks for the kind words!
keep the vids goin mate. love seeing aussie reef tank content
I think the idea is genius , much like the tides flushing and diluting the waste. besides no one said you can't do water changes, just less often and smaller.
Totally agree. You can still do water changes and I do now and then to remove any build up. This just takes care of the nutrients in the water automatically for me
Good video, pumps look nice! :)
Sam, what is the difference between their overflow protection module and water exchange module? They arent the same right?
Weng c correct. Water exchange module has the overflow protection built into the pump, the over flow protection module is separate that you can plug inline to any other 12v pump
Hmm where are you new videos Sam? lol While i got your attention, going to prep my tubes. Do you recommend these? or are they too hard and no flexible enough? I also have clear tubing which is pretty flexible. Not sure whats best to run for abour 5m length up walls and around corners - www.psifilters.com.au/john-guest-fittings/10387-1-4-inch-tubing-white.html
Weng c they are coming! Quality not quantity my friend.
Yes, that is the tubing you want to use
Hey Sam, would this be an option. Set Apex profile. Turn off RT pump. Sump water rises and ensures ATO doesnt turn on. Litermeter changes a larger amount of water instead of small amounts throughout the day. Set at night so noise is not an issue.
Weng c you could, but would be a bit of effort and no real benefit. Litermeter is already quiet!
I know you mentioned it but thought i could take out water first then add new water. Litermeter can independently do this right? water in and out doesnt have happen at the same time? Also can you set the whole amount to be done at one time? Thanks.
I just saw your other video. I guess my next comment defeats the purpose as this unit is best used for gradual water changes as it splits the amount over the day. If i wanted my scenario probably best to run just the pumps on timer via apex
with the built in controller, you cannot do it all at one time. Needs to be spread out over 24 hours. If you control the pumps via something like an apex - then sure, but personally I wouldn't do it that way - the continual method works a treat!
meterliter video was the BOMB
NYC Top corals cheers mate!
Great Video Sam. Here is a link to an article explaining some of the math of "continuous changes vs. large less regular" ones. Slightly less efficient however added benefits of stability, set and forget, etc. reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/rhf/
I know you said an ato is obviously still required I have a 1,000 litre tank and If I want to change 50 litres a day, all that water going in and out of the tank along with evaporation wont confuse or throw out the ato what so ever? So the water the litermeter takes out and puts in is EXACTLY PRECISELY the same amount? Thanks
Exactly the same amount of water going out as in. So it will not affect your ATO.
Yes i never do massive water change anymore,
Much better doing frequent small ones
I think people mean that they don’t have enough space for the containers, I have two Neptune DOS and putting them somewhere is no problem but the problem I’m running into is finding space to hold the fresh saltwater, I don’t have space for a brute trash can or even a 5 gallon bucket, what tips would you suggest to combat this problem?
have room somewhere else that you can route the the tubing from?
@@ParkersReef well there is a window by my tank that leads to the side of my house, but the only problem with that is the container would be outside in the hot/cold
That’s ok, as mentioned in this video - constant changes are not going to have an affect on your tank temperature. Not like large changes anyway
Do you get any algae growth on your salt water container? How do you keep that container full?
My containers are usually full, I keep them out of sunlight and have a small pump moving the water around.
Is this advice still accurate? Doing water changes at tiny intervals every 5 minutes? What percentage of the tank do you think should be changed per day? At what intervals? I am working to set up my AWC system.
Yes, all still relevant.
Change what your would normally change. Ie, if you do 10% a week - do 1.45% a day or 0.06% an hour.
Intervals can be what you want, closer to constant the better
@@ParkersReef . I don’t think it’s a question of removing the newly added water but of the diminished effect in removing bad water. If you do one 20% change then you remove 20% of the problem (if you have one). If you remove 1% per day and immediately replace it, for 20 days, you do not get the same 20% removal. Each day, the old water gets diluted which makes its removal less effective. Not to say continuous doesn’t work, just not as effective.
@@LSUtiger607 Correct. However, if you do 20& every 20 days, you are removing 20% of the water you added 20 days ago too.....
Nice video again!! Now... I have the chance to buy a used (but in perfect condition) Alkatronic and Dosetronic for 800 euro or would it be better to invest in a awc system? On the other hand, I could use the Dosetronic as well do the waterchanges 🤔 Or should I buy 2 Ecotech Versa pumps for just waterchanges?
Lots of options there! Go with what you need more. Do you dislike testing or water changes on your tank more?
@@ParkersReef I don't mind testing... I skip waterchanges out of laziness sometimes ☺️ I think I answered my own question now 🙂
@@Langenbergh perfect :)
Looking to setup also in Brisabane how does the voltage work we have 220 v US has 110 vtls (from the wall) not a sparky but do I need converter, which models for a 4 ft tank pump and Litre meter please also got a link to those items?
Hey Tony, the units themselves are actually 12vdc powered. So you can either use a local power supply or purchase the 230v version they sell.
For any size tank, you need one main unit and one remote pump.
So one of these (this is 230v version works in Australia):
spectrapure.com/DOSING-TOP-OFF/LITERMETER-DOSING-SYSTEMS/LiterMeter-III-Precision-Dosing-System-230V
and one of these to plug into it:
spectrapure.com/DOSING-TOP-OFF/LITERMETER-ADD-ONS/LiterMeter-III-Remote-Pump-Module
Yell out if you have any questions or need help. Im based in Victoria myself, but I have installed these in Brisbane before :)
those price and links are US?
correct. No local seller
Would you use liter meter for a nano reef, like a 6 or 7 gallon tank? I have really relied on frequent beater changes to keep this tank and am considering something like this to simplify the process.
On a tank that small you could probably use a cheaper dosing pump option. As I’m guessing you’d be moving a litre or less a day?
@@ParkersReef I was able to purchase a liter meter for $250, including three pumps. Looking forward to set up. The prices was too good to pass up. Really enjoyed your videos and reef tanks. Much appreciated. Keep it up.
@@timothylhommedieu8273 wow that is a steal!
Could the Eco Tech Versa do this job with a 30m run?
yes it can. You will need to replace the tubing every 3-4 months in the versa though or it will split
@@ParkersReef wow, is that a pressure thing? I guess that kind of rules these out if you are wanting to set up a permanent auto water change system.
Nope, it’s a Versa thing. They wear the tubing out (the soft tubing inside the pump, not the external housing) in 3-4 months
@@ParkersReef again, wow! So they would split and water would go everywhere! Thank you you just saved me 900 odd dollars 👍 Do the litremeters come with Australian power plugs? And are they sold in store in Australia or do we have to get them from a supplier?
@@foxyrene1 they'll split if you don't replace them often yes.
The litermeter comes with a 12v dc power pack. They are not sold in australia, only via spectrapure in america
Hey, if im going to setup a litremeter (live in NZ) which model do i need? LM3-230??
NanoReef Drop Hey mate, good choice! You’ll need one main unit and one extra pump. They run off 12vdc, so you can pick either the 120v version and source your own power supply or get the 230v version and be good to go.
I probably asked you half of these myths Sam. Haha
James Sherrah hahaha all good mate!