Top 6 Dosing Pumps For Saltwater Aquariums

Having an aesthetically pleasing aquarium is on every aquarium hobbyist’s bucket list, but we all know that taking care of aquariums can often be tricky…

Aquarium automation systems are trending in today’s hobby. They use electronic devices to control essential functions inside aquariums by continuously monitoring and controlling vital parameters. 

One of the best ways to introduce an automation system is with an aquarium dosing pump. 

But, rather than you going down to your local fish store, or searching online and selecting a random dosing pump, in this article we will cover the best dosing pumps for saltwater aquariums, and why they are better than others within the aquarium trade. 

What Is A Dosing Pump?

A dosing pump is a device that is installed into your aquarium. When levels of liquids or supplements fall below the recommended level for your system, the dosing pump kicks in, automatically pumping a precise volume of what’s needed at specific intervals. 

Dosing pumps are handy (and in our opinion, critical) for maintaining and controlling water parameters inside your aquarium, particularly parameters that can cause issues, such as calcium and alkalinity. 

So, which dosing pumps are currently the best? 

#1 Jebao Dosing Pump

Starting with, one of the coolest, and probably the best all-around aquarium dosing pumps, is the Jebao Dosing Pump. 

Highly programmable and easy to use with 4 dosing pump heads, your dispensing needs will be covered! These mini powerhouses will keep the parameters inside your aquarium stabilized all day, supplementing anywhere from 1 to 9,999 mL of liquids per day, 24 times per day. 

The Jebao Dosing Pump is simple. All you need to do is unpack it and plug it into the included power supply and calibrate it. 

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Perfect for small and large-scale dosing
• Easy to use
• They come with a schedule function with everything built-in
• Standard accuracy of 1 mL
• You can set it to 24 dosing times per day

Cons:

• They lack SMART features
• They cannot be connected to a computer or smartphone
• Lifespan is limited in larger aquariums due to dosing needs
• They can be noisy during dosing times

#2 Kamoer Dosing Pump

The Kamoer F4 Pro Wi-Fi Dosing Pump is also one of our favorites. They have a crazy accuracy of 0.5%, and they have a dosing capability from 1 to 999 mL, up to 24 times per day (or as little as once a week if needed). 

The Kamoer Dosing Pump comes with 4 channels for dosing that connects via Wi-Fi. This means that you can control the dosing parameters via your phone, whether it’s Android or iOS - the control is literally in your hands!

Their colorful dosing pump heads are also helpful in identifying the supplement or liquid being dosed. 

Pros:

• You can operate the dosing pump using three different modes: manually, automatic, or with custom - straight from your smartphone
• The mobile app is simple to understand and control
• They come with 2 years of warranty

Cons:

• The Wi-Fi interface is limited to only controlling the dosing pump
• They are expensive

#3 Ecotech Versa Dosing Pump

At Reefco Aquariums, we love Ecotech’s products, so we couldn’t resist adding in the Ecotech Versa Dosing Pump. These small pieces of equipment are simply nothing less than the best!

With an accuracy of 1% on dosing volumes from 1 mL to 300 mL and at a speed of 0.0005 mL, you will have immense control over your aquarium’s needs. 

Just to put it into perspective, when the Ecotech Marine Versa Dosing Pump is set to 200 mL per minute, it can pump 76 gallons per day - now that’s impressive! However, we do not recommend continuously doing this as it can burn out the motor…

If you are already familiar with Ecotech’s Dosing Pump range, then you will know that they come with different modes, including continuous and automatic dosing options.

Pros:

• The dosing pump is easily controlled using Bluetooth via the Mobius app
• They are extremely precise, robust, and versatile
• It can be used for a wide range of aquarium applications

Cons:

• It does not include individual power supplies

#4 Bubble Magus Dosing Pump

Possibly one of the most reputable brands when it comes to dosing pumps is the Bubble Magus. The Bubble Magus Dosing Pump is seen as a very professional pump, giving you complete control over your aquarium’s system. 

This type of dosing pump can also double as a master dosing pump, meaning that up to 11 pump systems can be connected at the same time. 

Pros:

• It comes with a medical-grade motor, providing you with one of the highest levels of functionality and accuracy out of any dosing pump
• The sealing protects the device from moisture, extending the lifespan
• It is compatible with the Bubble Magus Protein Skimmer
• It can control up to 11 pumps at a time
• It is extremely durable

Cons:

• The Bubble Magus is not compatible with previous models

#5 Hygger Aquarium Dosing Pump

The Hygger Aquarium Dosing Pump is one of the cheapest yet highest-performance dosing pumps for saltwater aquariums. 

Hygger is known for its “ultra-silent” pumps, and the Hygger Dosing Pump is no exception. The anti-vibration feet on the bottom of the pump allow them to be super quiet while operating up to 4 channels and 3 additional slave units. 

Another feature that we adore is the indicator lights, which tell you more about the current settings of the pump. When needed, you can adjust the Hygger Dosing Pump to provide your aquarium with up to 9,999 mL per day through each pump. 

Pros:

• They are inexpensive
• They are quiet during operation
• They feature an LCD and lights helping you control the dosing settings

Cons:

• Relatively higher margin of error (10%) - so it is not suitable for delicate settings

#6 Neptune DOS Dosing Pump

Last, but certainly not least, is the Neptune DŌS multi-purpose Dosing and Fluid Metering System. The DŌS connects to any Apex via its AquaBus connection.  The true versatility and functionality of the DŌS come to life via the software wizards built into Apex Fusion.  

This takes dosing to a whole new level in terms of ease of use as well as functionality when compared to standalone dosing systems because the DŌS is part of your Apex ecosystem. Not only can you integrate it into other operations and devices you have configured, but we also will be continuing to expand on its capabilities as time goes on via software updates to Apex Fusion.

Pros:

• High precision
• Long lifespan
• Leak-proof fittings

Cons:

• Expensive - but you get what you pay for!

Conclusion

Do you need a dosing pump? No. But it will make your life easier. With our top 5 dosing pumps for aquariums, you can automatically deliver measured amounts of fluids into your aquarium, which means you don’t need to worry about manually adding fluids. 

If you want to know more about dosing pumps, or are unsure which dosing pump will suit your aquarium’s needs, do not hesitate to contact the Reefco Team - we are always happy to help!