DIY Peristaltic Doser

I’m always looking for ways to save money, so when I can do something myself for little effort and save some $$, I’m all for it. This is a DIY doser build, and while I chose to only build one pump right now (to automate vodka dosing), one could easily build a 2, 3, or 4 pump unit (or more) and save even more $$. I found APT Instruments is an OEM supplier for a lot of the pumps used in these dosers, and you can order direct from them, while at the same time customizing the pump you want (rpm, tube diameter, and tube material). Edit: Here's the OEM link: http://www.aptinstruments.com/Merch...e=AI&Product_Code=SP100FO&Category_Code=SP100



I chose the 3rpm model with 3mm Norprene tubing (more durable), which the specs in the table at the bottom for 120v is 0.65 ml/min. Ideal for vodka dosing, but if you wanted to dose other liquids, like calc and alk, you might want to choose a higher rpm for higher flow. Anyway, pump was $67 with free shipping and no tax.

I stopped by home depot and radio shack to pick up the remaining items required:

2 prong extension cord ($1.29)
2 metric screws to mount the pump ($0.65)
Simple air pump tubing ($0.14 per ft, 8 ft at $1.12)
Project box ($3.99)
Small indicator light (optional, $1.50)
Digital timer for outlets (not needed if you have a reef controller, $14.99)

Total cost: $75.55 without the timer, $90.54 with the timer

Here are the items ready to go:


First step was to remove the pump’s head assembly so we can drill and mount the pump to the box’s cover. The pump head can be removed as one unit, but it might fall apart like it did to me. Not a problem, just a little greasy. I ended up drilling a few more holes after I took the picture, but I’ve photoshoped the pic to show where the holes will be, and what holes to drill for on the pump.


Next we drill a hole in the bottom of the box for the power cord, cut the power cord’s female end off, feed the power cord through the hole, and strip the wires. Then we drill another hole wherever you desire and mount the “pumping” indicator light next to the pump. Finally, time to solder and tape up the connections. You can use a wire nut if you are less handy or do not have a soldering iron. If you add the light, be sure to add in parallel to the electric loop, not in series. The pump and light polarities do not matter as they are driven by AC.




Finally, time to bolt the box together and test for flow rates. Mine was almost spot on to the manufacturer’s specs, pumping exactly 0.60 ml/min. No more vodka dosing in the am/pm for me, whoohoo!



This build is quite easy, and writing this up has taken me twice as long as putting the whole pump together, and I saved at least $15, while knowing that my pump is of the highest quality. If someone is needing multiple pumps, the savings can really add up.

 

Really nice job and great directions..my give it a try one day..

 

I was stoked to see this. It is a great job but the excitement deflated when I saw the price of the pumps.

Still something I may look into and try but with peristaltic pumps from Hong Kong off of ebay or the like.

 

How much is your max you want to spend per pump?

 

I'm sure you could find cheaper pumps out there. However, I personally did not want to sacrifice quality to save costs...

That being said, most name brand pumps/controllers are much more expensive than this, especially when you go to multiple pumps.

 

Thanks! I wish I would have done this alot sooner... I hate dosing twice daily, and just overcame a battle with cyano because I had slacked off. Enough was enough, I'm gonna get lazy... ;D

Whenever I get to the point of needing to daily dose two part, I plan on building another with two pumps that have a little higher flow.

 

Not $107.00

 

Very nice work and write up.

 

Aquamedic SP 3000 all I need for top off and kalk addition $109.95 - 5% 3reef members discount. So roughly $105 + shipping. Pump = 50ml/min

With the pump you choose the recommended max tubing size is to small for my taste. Kalk jams tubing up quick.

I wouldn't use a timer in my application but float switches instead so I'd want more than the 5.6ml/min that puts out.

I wasn't knocking your DIY at all. More power to you.

 

I agree, nice DIY & write up.. I rebuilt a doser that was over $200 & was so badly built inside. I would rather spend the money on good pumps. Let's not forget folks, this is dosing your tank. If you were in the hospital, would you want the doser connected to you built with cheap pumps?