Remove Water Measuring Guesswork With The Collomix AQiX
If we’re honest, many of us use the guess and check method of adding water to concrete, mortar, and other mixes. But that’s not really the most efficient way to work and Collomix has a solution with their AQiX water dosing attachment.
Pros
- Precise water measuring to 0.1 quarts/liter or 0.01 gallons
- Measures in liters, quarts, or gallons
- Cordless operation using two AA batteries
- Simple to set up and use
- Professional-grade design
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Editor’s Note: Need a good hose? Check out our best garden hose article for our recommendations.
Using the Collomix AQiX Water Dosing Attachment
The Collomix AQiX provides the solution to the issue of mixing guesswork with the ability to precisely measure out the correct amount of water for whatever you’re mixing. Gone are the days of manually measuring out each individual batch. Instead, we just set the AQiX to the exact amount of water we need and let it get to work.
Take something small… for example, mixing a bag of Quikrete. A 60-pound bag calls for 2.5 quarts or “enough to achieve a workable mix”. In our experience, it needs a little more water.
Start by connecting the unit to a standard garden hose. Then add the concrete to your bucket. Collomix’s Dust.EX and a vac can greatly reduce the amount of concrete dust that goes airborne while you’re pouring.
With the water valve on, turn the AQiX on, use the + and – buttons to set the amount of water you want, set the unit on the side of the bucket, and hit the play button.
The device fills quicker than you might realize, allowing more than 10 gallons per minute depending on your water pressure. It only took a few seconds to add water to our single bag mix. That’s good news if you’re making big batches.
The doser counts down as it adds water if you want to monitor it as you go. You can also pause in the middle of filling if you’d like to stop and mix the water in some.
For larger batches, you can set the AQiX to a maximum of 99.9 liters, quarts, or gallons.
Once the unit measures that the correct amount of water has passed through, it automatically shuts off its valve. If that’s all the work you have, it automatically shuts itself off after a couple of minutes.
When the work is complete, just shake out any remaining water and place it back in the hard plastic case. It does take a minute or two to get all the water out, so keep that in mind.
Collomix AQiX Design Notes
Switching Units
Switching between liters, quarts, and gallons is simple. Turn the unit on, then press and hold the man/oo,o button for a few seconds. When it gives you the options, use the + and – buttons to enter 100 for liters, 200 for quarts, and 300 for gallons. Press the play/pause button and you’re all set. There’s also a helpful reminder guide inside the lid if you forget.
Memory
You can set two different measurements for common mixes. Simply punch in what you want manually, then press and hold the M1 or M2 button to set it and you’re good to go. They even retain the unit of measurement and it’s okay to have different ones on each memory button.
Power Source
Essentially operating as an automatic water flow valve, the Collomix AQiX doesn’t need a ton of power to work. It takes just two AA batteries that install behind the cover on the top. You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver to access the water-resistant compartment.
A note from Collomix states that this device is not compatible with rechargeable AA batteries because they do not produce peak performance and will shorten run time.
Hose Coupler
The kit includes a quick-connect water coupler. You’ll need it to connect a standard 3/4-inch garden hose. You can also connect directly with a 1/2-inch hose.
Words Of Warning
This device is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Don’t let the tool freeze because the expanding water can also cause damage.
Additional Features
- IP64 ingress rating
- Rubber edge guard
- Use handheld or hang on bucket
Collomix AQiX Water Dosing Attachment Price
There are a variety of online retailers along with brick and mortar distributors that carry the attachment. Expect retail prices to run $249.99.
The Bottom Line
Okay, we get it. The Collomix AQiX might not seem like something you need. But after mixing buckets with a few different guys, they all came away impressed with how easy it is to use and how quickly it works. Collomix claims 50% faster water measuring, and that certainly seems to be the case in our experience.
In addition to the time savings, it makes your less-experienced helpers more competent and confident in their mixing duties. Whether it’s you or a member of your crew that’s making the mix, you eliminate the guesswork and end up with the correct mix that’s going to hold up the way the manufacturer intended it to.
Collomix AQiX Water Dosing Attachment Specifications
- Length: 11.75 Inches
- Weight: 1.56 lbs
- 3/4-inch quick connect adapter
- IP64 Water Resistant
- Max Flow Rate: 10.5 gpm
- +/- 2% Accuracy
- Price: $249.99
To learn more about the full lineup of Collomix tools, click here
What am I missing here? Something in this review seems to be lacking, it seems as if you could use a bucket with amount marked on it to add. Isn’t this just an electronic version of such a thing? For $250, it seems as if you can buy an awful lot of buckets with a graduated scale on the side of them