The Vertex Libra doser has been teased for over a year, first shown off at MACNA last fall and now Vertex is ready to anoint their fancy doser with a release date and pricing. Vertex Aquaristik will begin shipping the Libra in July with two different models in tow. As we were initially informed, the Libra will be outfitted with either a reliable Japanese DC motor or the high precision Stepper motor which doses a very precise amount of fluid with every stepping turn.
The Libra Doser is capable of dosing as little as 0.5ml per turn or as much as 75ml per minute for higher volume applications. The motors of the Libra doser are easily removed, serviced or replaced and the built-in touchscreen controller automatically recognizes whether you’ve inserted a DC or stepper motor. On-board software in the Libra controller will allow it to interface with the forthcoming Cerebra controller, and to be controlled with a PC.
Perhaps the most exciting feature of the Libra is the ability to calculate stoichiometry – basically you plug in your tank volume, the concentration of the calcium or buffer you are using and a measured level and desired concentration, and the Libra doser automatically calculates how much to dose and over what period of time. All this fancy dosing and built-in chemistry management doesn’t exactly come cheap at $479 for the DC motors and $619 for the stepper motors but it’s totally worth it. There is no comparison between the Libra and the other entry-level dosing pump controllers, in price or in function but if you consider that the LiterMeter III of comparable quality and build still costs $379 for a single dosing pump, the Libra dosing pump controller is really in a league of it’s own.
Vertex Aquaristik proudly announces the release of Libra• Doser/ stoichiometry management device.
After 16 months of extensive R&D and quality/compatibility assessment of many motors and platforms; decision
was made to utilize Japanese Wei co• pumps. Superior quality of parts, components and craftsmanship of these
motors are unparalleled for industries demanding higher precision and lifetime.
2 different motor types are available for different applications and precision demands:
• Reliable Japanese DC motor / 7.2W@ 24VDC / 150 RPM- 1:8 Gear ratio
• Accurate Stepper-motor / 3.2W @24VDC / 0.1125 “/step – 1:8 Gear ratio
The user can choose at anytime to seamlessly change from one to the other type motor without the need to change the firmware. The motors are connected to the main PCB board via a simple onboard JST® connection.
They are automatically recognized by the CPU; choosing the adequate drive program accordingly.
Minimum dosing amount of 0.5 ml/dose @ +/- 3% and 75 ml/min dosing capability makes Libra• an obvious choice for the most discerning aquarist.
Further to that 4 layer Touch-panel 3.2” LCD provides an intuitive interface, making the device easy to program and manage. Simple and expert programmings are performed using the on board Touch screen.
The aluminum housing utilized protects the internal components from corrosion and harsh saltwater environment, while providing the best heat-dissipation index to increase the unit’s life time.
Quad-roller pump-heads are accurate and easy to service without the need for any special tools. To open the motor-head simply use a small screw driver to detach the clear motor cover and change the dosing tubes if required.
Pharmamed tubes provide a high corrosion resistance index to a wide range of chemicals while long-lasting.
Connection to Cerebra controller and/ or PC for future firmware update is done via USB-B and Slave unit via USB-A; making the device versatile and universal.
Meanwell drivers are supplied for maximum reliability and hassle free operations.
Key-hole hanging brackets are supplied for flush mounting of the device to any surface. Using the break-outs available on the APS/PC side-caps make management of the power or data cords possible in a neat and organized manner.
Another industry-first unique feature to the Libra doser is stoichiometry management. Using UPC grade chemicals offered by Vertex Aquaristik the user no longer needs to perform complex calculations to measure the amount of chemicals needed to maintain optimal water parameters and/or maintenance of major, trace and/or any other elements present in natural seawater.***
The concept is based on initial input of basic system constants such as:
• Net water volume
• Desired Parameter saturation
• Hysteresis
Onboard CPU will store the input data as a benchmark for all future dosing calculations.
Using the on board Touch-screen the user simply input the parameter’s concentration value and with a click of a virtual button, the right amount of the said chemical required for optimal concentration is dosed.
In addition to the dosing system Vertex Aquaristik11 provides a range of necessary accessories for better management of your dosing requirements; such as libra Vessel (Aggressive chemical container) and Line-Mag (Magnetic 1/4″ tube-holders}. The said accessories are available through authorized Vertex• dealers in different size and configurations for different system’s needs and requirements.
Libra dosers are designed and manufactured in-house by Vertex Aquaristik in Austria.
Both DC and stepper motor models will be ready to ship from house of Vertex in Cologne, Germany by or before the end of July 2012.
Product Specification’s:
Input: 90-270 VAC I 50-60Hz
Driver out-put: 24 VDC / lOOOmA
Max. Consumption: 22W
Max. Current: 920mA
Construction: Aluminum, ABS/PC side-caps
Unit Certifications: EMC / CE / RoHs
Driver Certifications: UL / CSAI PSE /TUV I EMCI ETL/ GS
