Business Plan Rough Draft

[jon carman]

I think I could do one dosage pump/solution tank per row. Could one ph monitor run three dosage pumps?

[jgentry]

I'm no help on this stuff at all Jon as I have very little experience with central systems. If you need help setting up though let me know. I can at least lift things .

I would really suggest you go talk to some people that have large facilities or hatcheries to get some ideas. There isn't anyone really close though so you might have to take a road trip.

[mruble]

Unless you are planning on running different levels of PH in various rack systems, just use one solution tank and one dosing pump for the entire system. Tie all the discharges together from all the racks, and then monitor PH, all the racks should be fairly close to each other for PH value. What are you looking at for your total gallons of water in tanks? How do you plan on controlling the amount of water going into every tank?

[jon carman]

When all is said and done, about 6000 gallons. I was thinking ball valves maybe?

[bunnie1978]

You could use one dosage system. But you'll need a PH controller for each sump. You know where would be a great place to find answers to these questions, a DIY forum.

Here is an example, except that instead of timers, use the PH controller.
www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/diy-aquarium-projects/59729-diy-liquid-auto-doser.html

For instance, here's an idea... but I don't know if it would work. Would have tobe designed well, and TESTED!!
PH controller monitors PH and once PH drops, triggers the power on to a powerhead inside the sump. The venturi is lined into a liquid buffer solution which gets siphoned into the sump. Once the PH level is right, the PH controller turns off the powerhead. This way would be really inexpensive but there are some issues to address, like how weak to make the solution so that too much isn't added in the reaction time of the controller, and how to not have problems with water levels, overflow and all that. It would probably be better to have the solution above the sump and controlled with an electronic valve.

Just thinking out loud.

[jon carman]

Thanks bunny, I will check it out.

[bunnie1978]

www.marineandreef.com/American_Marine_PinPoint_pH_Monitor_Monitors_p/ram00200.htm

Powers on a solenoid valve (you could get less than $100) which allows buffering solution to pass through pipe, controlled by an inline ball valve so it goes into sump at a slow rate. DIY it to death!! Probably about $200 plus some PVC to go electronic.

[jon carman]

I agree bunny, I have been looking at the solenoid valves on jehmco. However I do it, I am sure I can have one solution tank for everything.

You guys have been a huge help, thanks.

[davidtcb1]

Apr 30, 2010 17:53:37 GMT -6 jgentry said:

I'm no help on this stuff at all Jon as I have very little experience with central systems. If you need help setting up though let me know. I can at least lift things .

I would really suggest you go talk to some people that have large facilities or hatcheries to get some ideas. There isn't anyone really close though so you might have to take a road trip.

I'm with JD. Not a lot of experience but I would love to help out if/when you needed help setting up so that I could learn more about it. Would be a great opportunity. Let us know how we can help further.

What is your goal for getting everything up and running?

[jon carman]

I want to have one full double sided section (8, 6'X3' racks) up and going by mid summer. I know that seems way off, but we have to do a ton of stuff before we can even put the first tank in. I will keep a photo journal of the process step by step.

[davidtcb1]

Hey, that seems pretty soon to me. It's a lot of work to do, especially when you are just doing it when you have the opportunity. Looking forward to seeing it develop..

[mruble]

Jon,
Saw this on the Cichlid Forum: www.cichlid-forum.com/tradingpost/detail.php?id=27330

[davidtcb1]

Meant to send this to you as well. www.aquabid.com/cgi-bin/auction/auction.cgi?aquariumsm&1275441602
Long way away though, but a good deal I would think.
Even if you aren't interested, it's an interesting read.

[reagan]

John I have most of the things to set up a system. Let me know if you are looking for equipment. I bought most of it when I had over 40 tanks and never used it.

[jon carman]

email me what you have [e-mail]