Auto Dosing Pump
Auto Dosing Pump — helps with medication dosing, mineral stability.
- Solves
- Medication dosing, mineral stability
- Best for
- Reef aquariums, advanced users
- Price range
- $130–$400
Recommended for these conditions
Medication only works when it lands in the right concentration at the right time. Auto Dosing Pump takes the guesswork out of treatment chemistry.
Where it really pays for itself is medication dosing, mineral stability. That is the exact failure point behind several of the conditions in our library, so addressing it directly shortens treatment time and cuts re-infection.
How to use it well
Precise medication delivery; critical for copper-based treatments. Treat it as part of a protocol rather than a magic bullet — it works best alongside good husbandry and the medications matched to your specific diagnosis.
Conditions it helps with
On our disease pages you’ll see this equipment recommended for conditions such as:
- Ich
- Marine Ich
- Marine Velvet
Who it’s for
Best suited to reef aquariums, advanced users. Typical units run in the $60–$400 range, depending on capacity and features. Use the inquiry form below to ask about a specific model, request a recommendation for your system size, or get notified when stock and pricing are confirmed.
Care & Usage Tips
Initial Setup & Calibration
- Calibrate every pump head before the first dose
Peristaltic pumps deliver different actual volumes than rated due to tubing diameter variation and temperature. Fill a graduated cylinder and run each head for exactly 60 seconds to measure real output. Adjust your schedule based on actual ml/min, not the label spec. - Prime lines completely before starting a medication protocol
Air bubbles in the dosing line cause under-dosing and can allow medication to dry and crystallize in the tubing, blocking flow. Run the pump manually until a steady, bubble-free stream exits the outlet before programming the first scheduled dose. - Place the reservoir below the pump head to prevent siphoning
Gravity siphoning through an auto dosing pump left off between doses will dump the entire reservoir into your tank. Elevate the pump above the solution container, or use tubing with a built-in anti-siphon loop. - Use separate pump heads for each additive
Never share a pump head between incompatible substances — for example, calcium and alkalinity solutions precipitate when mixed and can clog the head. Dedicate one head per solution and label both the head and the container. - Factor in tank evaporation when calculating doses
A tank that loses 2 gallons per day to evaporation concentrates all additives and medications by the same ratio over time. Account for this in your dosing math, especially during summer or in low-humidity environments.
Accuracy Checks & Maintenance
- Recalibrate after every tubing replacement
Silicone dosing tubing stretches and wears over time, and a new piece will deliver a different flow rate than the old one even if it’s the same spec. Always re-run your calibration check whenever tubing is changed. - Flush lines weekly with RO water
Residual medication in dormant lines can crystallize, reduce flow, or contaminate the next solution dosed. Run 5–10 ml of clean water through each head after any long pause in dosing. This is especially important with copper-based treatments. - Inspect tubing for kinks and micro-cracks monthly
A kinked or cracked line delivers inconsistent doses. Inspect the full run of every line and replace at the first sign of brittleness or cracking. - Keep a dosing log — never rely on memory
Missed or double doses during a medication protocol can have serious consequences. A simple spreadsheet or paper log with date and volume dosed catches errors before they compound. - Clean pump heads with white vinegar quarterly
Calcium, magnesium, and medication residue build up inside the pump housing and rollers. Soak the head in undiluted white vinegar for 30 minutes, rinse, and run clean water through until effluent is clear before resuming dosing.
Frequently asked questions
What does Auto Dosing Pump do?
The Auto Dosing Pump helps control medication dosing, mineral stability — common triggers behind fish disease.
What conditions does Auto Dosing Pump help with?
Auto Dosing Pump is recommended for conditions such as Bacterial Diseases in Koi & Goldfish, Columnaris (Cotton-Wool Disease), Dropsy, Freshwater Velvet (Gold Dust Disease), and Furunculosis. Each linked disease page lists the full set of gear that helps.
Who is Auto Dosing Pump for?
Auto Dosing Pump is a good fit for reef aquariums, advanced users. It works for both prevention and active treatment.
How much does Auto Dosing Pump cost?
Auto Dosing Pump typically costs in the $130–$400 range, depending on capacity, build quality, and features. Use the inquiry form on this page for a recommendation and current pricing.
How do you use Auto Dosing Pump?
Precise medication delivery; critical for copper-based treatments. Treat it as part of a protocol rather than a magic bullet — it works best alongside good husbandry and the medications matched to your specific diagnosis.
What should you know about Accuracy Checks & Maintenance?
Recalibrate after every tubing replacementSilicone dosing tubing stretches and wears over time, and a new piece will deliver a different flow rate than the old one even if it’s the same spec. Always re-run your calibration check whenever tubing is changed.
Inquiry form
Request info on this equipment
Ask about a specific model, request a recommendation for your system size, or get notified on pricing and availability.

