Chihiros Dosing Pump vs. Other Brands: Which One Should You Choose?

I’ve always wanted to make my planted tank care routine easier. Recently, I finally decided to get a Chihiros dosing pump. I’d heard it’s pretty reliable and accurate, so I figured it’s worth a shot.

The package arrived yesterday. The pump is surprisingly small, about 7.0” x 2.2” x 1.7”. I like how compact it is, since it doesn’t take much space around my tank. The inside tube uses some special BPT tube. I read up on it, and apparently, it’s supposed to last longer.

Setting It Up

First, I connected the pump to the power supply and plugged it in. Then I downloaded the Chihiros app on my phone, which was pretty easy to find on the app store. After opening the app, I paired it with the dosing pump via Bluetooth. It took a few tries, but finally, it connected.

• Power up the device.
• Download and open the app.
• Pair with the device via Bluetooth.

Configuring the Dosing Schedule

The app lets you set up individual dosing schedules for each of the four channels. I decided to use Channel 1 and Channel 3 for my liquid fertilizers, I am dosing 10ml and 7ml per day. I set up Channel 2 to dose 5ml of a different additive. The app interface is quite user-friendly. I could choose the days of the week and the exact times for each dose.

Testing the Pump

Before fully automating, I wanted to test it out. I filled the dosing containers with water and ran a few manual tests using the app. I used a measuring cup to check if the amounts were accurate. To my delight, the pump dispensed exactly what I set it to each time. It seems really precise, which is great.

Monitoring and Adjusting

After setting up the automatic schedule, I watched the pump in action for a couple of days. It’s been working smoothly so far. I checked the fertilizer levels in my tank to make sure they were consistent with the dosing. Everything seems to be in balance.

There are cheaper dosing pumps, but I’ve read they can be unreliable. Since my aquarium is only 20 gallons, I didn’t want to risk it with a dodgy pump. I’m glad I chose the Chihiros one. The app is straightforward, and the pump is accurate. I feel more confident that my plants are getting the nutrients they need, even when I’m busy. Overall, I’m really happy with this purchase. It’s made my aquarium maintenance so much easier, and my plants are looking healthier already.

If you’re thinking about getting a dosing pump, I’d say it’s worth considering the Chihiros. It might be a bit more expensive, but the peace of mind and convenience are definitely worth it, at least for me.