By Fishbowl Adviser
Published: 11:10 am
When it comes to keeping a healthy environment in your aquarium, having an aquarium pump is important and one of your top concerns. The aquarium water pump takes care of the circulation of the water and helps keep the tank clean for your fish. But which one should you get? What is the best aquarium water pump? Take a look at our choices for the best aquarium water pumps.
| Product Name | Flow Rates | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivosun Submersible Water Pump | 800 GPH | 4.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Homasy Ultra Quiet Water Pump | 80 GPH | Check Price on Amazon | ||
| CWKJ Submersible Aquarium Water Pump | 400 GPH | 4.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Homasy Fish Tank Water Pump | 400 GPH | Check Price on Amazon | ||
| Growneer Ultra Quiet Aquarium Water Pump | 550 GPH | 4.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Pulaco Mini Submersible Water Pump for Aquariums | 50 GPH | 4.3 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Kedsum Aquarium Water Pump | 550 GPH | 4.3 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Vivosun Aquarium Water Pump | 1600 GPH | 4.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Simple Deluxe Water Pump for Fish Tank | 1056 GPH | 4.3 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Freesea Aquarium Pump | 330 GPH | 4.2 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change | ||||
The Best Aquarium Water Pump
1. Vivosun Submersible Water Pump
KEY FEATURES:
- Adjustable flow rate
- Adjustable water pressure
- Adaptable and versatile
- Convenient installation
- 800 GPH (3000 L/H) maximum flow rate
The VIVOSUN Submersible Fountain Aquarium Hydroponics is an extremely quiet aquarium water pump with 3 nozzles, a 10ft high lift, and a 5ft power cord that allows a convenient installation for freshwater aquariums. It comes with an adjustable knob that will let you control the flow rate of the water and choose what amount of water pressure you want to have. The maximum flow rate you can adjust is 800 GPH (3000L/H). It has a wet rotor and wet bearing technology that allows cooler running.
As for its design, the pump is very versatile and adaptable. It is easily disguised or hidden, so it won’t interfere with your aquarium organization and will save you space. You can place the pump in different positions from its base just by rotating it. The pump can be used in both wet or dry installations, and it’s easily cleaned.
PROS
- Easily assembled and disassembled
- For wet and dry installations
- You control the water flow rate and pressure
CONS
- Only for freshwater use
2. Homasy Ultra Quiet Water Pump
KEY FEATURES:
- High-quality motor and 4 strong suction cups
- 800 GPH (3000 L/H) maximum flow rate
- Quiet
- Space-saving
The Homasy Submersible Aquarium Fountain Powerful is a small and affordable water pump that is suitable for a medium-size aquarium, water gardens, tabletop fountains, and hydroponic systems. It has a powerful performance with low noise, so you won’t even know it’s there. And its small size allows it to be easily hidden or disguised in the tank, saving you space and leaving your interior room design as it was.
It has a high-quality motor and 4 strong suction cups that will give you comfort along with a quiet environment. The aquarium filter pump has a durable and reliable motor that does not make much noise but still elevates the column of water up to 2.6ft ( 0.8m). It comes with an adjustable knob that allows you to control the water flow rate, with its maximum being 800GPH(300L/H).
PROS
- Space-saving size
- Adjustable water flow rate
- Low-noise production
CONS
- Suitable for medium size aquariums
3. CWKJ Submersible Aquarium Water Pump
KEY FEATURES:
- Compact and quiet
- Powerful and easy to use
- Safe for fish without any exposed copper
- Maximum flow rate 400GPH (1500L/H)
The Fountain Submersible Aquarium Hydroponics Backyard is an ultra-quiet pump that you will enjoy having. You will have a quiet environment with the tranquil and calming sounds of water pouring out of the fountain. The aquarium pump comes with a long power cord and easy installation that allows manual assembly and disassembly. You don’t need any tools to detach the fountain pump. It is also easy to clean and safe for fish without any exposed copper or oil.
The fountain pump makes circulation to your tank by providing a near-natural environment for your fish to thrive. This submersible water pump creates a water current, making it suitable for medium-sized aquariums, water gardens, small ponds, and desktop water fountains. It is a perfect choice for aquariums, fish tanks, backyard fountains or waterfalls, ponds, patio drip irrigation systems, tabletop fountains, hydroponic systems, and garden statuary, among others.
This fountain pump is also highly adjustable. It comes with 3 optional nozzles that can create different views and unique design options. And its design allows it to be easily hidden or disguised so that it won’t interfere with your tank’s atmosphere. Apart from that, it also comes with an adjustable knob that lets you control the water pressure. Its maximum flow rate is 400GPH (1500L/H), but it comes with a 25W super-efficiency motor that will continually lift the water column and a fountain pump voltage of 110 V-120V/50-60Hz.
PROS
- Quiet
- Easy to clean and use
- Safe for fish
CONS
- Suitable for medium-sized aquariums
- Low flow rate
4. Homasy Fish Tank Water Pump
KEY FEATURES:
- Powerful and energy-saving motor
- The copper motor that is resistant to corrosion
- Maximum flow rate 400GPH (1500L/H)
- Easy to clean
The Homasy Submersible Fountain Aquarium Hydroponics has a 25W high-efficiency motor that contributes to energy saving. The pump’s cord is long and allows easy installation, with four suction cups located at the bottom that will help keep the pump in place and allow you to position it both vertically and horizontally.
It also allows water flow control with an adjustable knob. You can adjust the water pressure the way you want, with the maximum flow rate you can set being 400GPH (1500L/H). The pump comes with two nozzles that don’t make any noise. They have threaded fittings that make them more stable. The impeller shaft is made of stainless steel that has resistance to corrosion and contributes to the long lifespan of the equipment.
PROS
- Long-lasting
- Energy-saving motor
- Easy installation
CONS
- Low flow rate
5. Growneer Ultra Quiet Aquarium Water Pump
KEY FEATURES:
- The maximum flow rate of 550 GPH (2000L/H)
- Energy-saving motor
- Low power consumption and quiet operation
- Easy to clean
The GROWNEER Submersible Fountain Aquarium Hydroponics has a wide use – aquariums, fountains, garden waterfalls, hydroponic systems, spouts, and many other indoor and outdoor places. This submersible aquarium pump has a 30W high-efficiency motor that contributes to low power consumption and energy-saving without any loud noises. It comes with four individual powerful suction cups that will help keep the pump in place and allow you to place it on the side of the aquarium, both vertically and horizontally.
The pump comes with 3 nozzles that provide a different water flow you can control with the pump’s adjustable knob that will let you control the amount of water pressure you have in your aquarium. The nozzles have threaded fittings that make the pump more stable. The impeller shaft is made of stainless steel, which means it will have a long working life. And the pump’s maximum flow rate is 550 GPH (2000L/H).
PROS
- High flow rate
- Wide use
- Energy saving
CONS
- Bulky and not easily hidden
6. Pulaco Mini Submersible Water Pump for Aquariums
KEY FEATURES:
- Stainless steel standard rotor
- Max flow rate: 50 GPH (190L/H)
- Easily hidden
- Easily mounted on a glass surface
The PULACO Submersible Aquariums Fountain Hydroponics is suitable for small to medium size aquariums and tanks, water gardens, hydroponic systems, and tabletop fountains. It’s very easy to clean as it requires no tools for detaching from the aquarium. And because of its small size, the aquarium pump is easy to disguise and hide in the water. It comes with two suction cups that allow it to be mounted on a glass surface. You will also get one nozzle and one tubing.
The aquarium water pump offers a reliable and durable motor that will not make any noise. It features an adjustable knob that allows you to adjust the amount of water pressure you want to have, with the maximum flow rate you can have is up to 50 GPH or 190L/H and water column elevation being up to 2.0ft.
PROS
- Anti-corrosion, anti-rust, and wear resistant
- Small size
- Can be mounted on glass
CONS
- Very low flow rate
7. Kedsum Aquarium Water Pump
KEY FEATURES:
- Energy-saving
- Anti-corrosion material
- The maximum flow rate is 660 GPH(3000L/H)
The KEDSUM Submersible Fountain Aquarium Hydroponics was designed to be very quiet and reliable, with low power consumption and energy-saving. This high-performance fish tank pump was designed for aquariums, fountains, ponds, water features, hydroponic systems, waterfalls, and irrigation systems. It offers a very powerful flow rate of 660 GPH per hour(3000L/H) as the maximum that you can adjust. And this submersible pump can be used in both freshwater and saltwater.
The fish tank pump is easily detached for cleaning, and its impeller shaft is made of a unique material that will withstand corrosion (even better than stainless steel). Because of its profile size, the water pump can be easily disguised or hidden in the water. Without any seals or messy oils, the pump’s four suction cups allow it to be mounted both vertically and horizontally. It also comes equipped with three-outlet adapters that provide a different water flow.
PROS
- Low power consumption
- High flow rate
- Quiet
CONS
- Assembly takes time
8. Vivosun Aquarium Water Pump
KEY FEATURES:
- Powerful with low noise
- Adjustable nozzle
- Engineered for 24-hour continuous use
- The maximum flow rate is 1600 GPH (6200 LPH)
The VIVOSUN Submersible Pump 100W Waterfall Hydroponic is an energy-saving and ultra-quiet aquarium pump that is suitable for aquariums, ponds, fountains, hydroponic systems, waterfalls, and irrigation systems. It is made of a heavy-duty silicon carbide material that is ultra-durable. The pump uses less power but it still manages to provide high output with its maximum flow rate being 1600 GPH (6200 LPH) and super-low noise.
Apart from its detachable and cleanable cover that will effectively prevent any blockage, it is also simple to place and stick anywhere, both vertically and horizontally. With four suction cups, it is easily attachable to most surfaces. It comes with a 20.3-ft-long power cord that allows great positioning in the room. It was engineered for 24-hour continuous use, and it has a heat-overload sensor that prevents burnout.
PROS
- Detachable Cover
- Low noise
CONS
- Can’t be easily hidden
9. Simple Deluxe Water Pump for Fish Tank
KEY FEATURES:
- The maximum flow rate is 1056 GPH
- Safe for fish
- Durable against corrosion
- Long and waterproof power cord
The Simple Deluxe Submersible Water Pump is a fish tank water pump made for aquariums, fountains, spouts, and hydroponic systems. The impeller shaft is made of aluminum oxide ceramic that contributes to the pump’s long lifespan and anti-corrosion. It’s also completely safe for fish, without any exposed copper used.
The pump is easy to clean and you won’t need any tools to assemble or disassemble it. The 15 ft electric cord is waterproof and flexible with all temperatures. And because of its length, it allows easy placement. The pump will also circulate and aerate the water, which will make it more attractive to the fish.
PROS
- Easy to clean
- Anti-corrosion material
- Durable material
CONS
- Limited options for use
10. Freesea Aquarium Pump
KEY FEATURES:
- Smart control that prevents overheating
- Energy-saving
- Easy installation
The FREESEA 160-1100 GPH Submersible Water Pump is an ultra-quiet aquarium water pump that has smart control that involves dry burning-resistant protection function. Its dry running operation increases the motor temperature, while the pump automatically shuts down and restarts the motor once the temperature goes down. This function effectively reduces the damage that is caused by dry running.
This submersible aquarium pump has higher quality and performance when compared to other submersible pumps. It also has a high-efficiency motor that contributes to low power consumption and energy-saving. The maximum flow rate is 330GPH, while its suction cups and long power cord contribute to an easy installation.
PROS
- No overheating
- Low power consumption
- Ulta-quiet
CONS
- Low flow rate
Best Aquarium Water Pumps Buying Guide & FAQ
It’s possible that all these listed features don’t give you proper information on why having a water pump is important for your aquarium and fish. To help you see the value and benefits a pump will bring to your tank, you can read our aquarium water pump buying guide with the basics of working with a water pump in an aquarium.
How to Choose an Aquarium Water Pump
Setting up an aquarium with all its equipment doesn’t have to be hard for beginners or experienced fish owners. Choosing the right aquarium water pump is usually a difficult and confusing task, especially for beginners. With so many water pump types available, people are usually faced with many ideas and products that make it hard for anyone to pick the right one.
The type of filter you get for your tank will dictate the type of water pump you need to get. Apart from the filter, there are also other factors that you need to look through when picking the filter and water pump for your aquarium. The most important factor is the flow rate.
Different fish species need different flow rates, so your choice of filter and water pump mainly depends on the fish you will keep in your aquarium. You also need to consider the design of the water pump since it will dictate the kind of setup you’ll need. A water pump comes with its accompanying components like the water filter, pipes, and, naturally, electrical cables. So figure out where you want to put the aquarium and see which pump will fit in that space. And make sure the pump fits the size of your aquarium.
Benefits of Using Fish Tank Pumps
Using a water pump has many benefits that you should get informed about before setting up your fish tank. One of the main benefits and advantages of having a water pump is that it has a strong pumping system that will easily pump a lot of gallons of water per hour without altering the water temperature and displacing the water in the aquarium. Pumps are also easy to repair and maintain, without any additional waterproof casing needed.
How to Install and Maintain Aquarium Pump
You can set up your pump in just a few steps:
- Connect the air tubing to the pump
- Install valves (check, T or Y-Valves)
- Connect the tubing to air stones or equipment
- Plugin the air pump
Best Aquarium Water Pumps FAQ
You probably have questions about using the pump for your aquarium, which is why you can take a look at some of the frequently asked questions to get a better understanding of this type of product. The pumps are attached to the filter and they are in charge of the pumping.
A: Fish in aquariums depend on a constant flow of water to supply them with food, oxygen, and maintain a consistent water temperature. Aquarium filters were designed to capture any debris in the tank and absorb any chemical wastes that might be in the tank by pumping water through filtration media.
The two main types of aquarium pumps are inline and submersible. Inline pumps are part of an external aquarium filter and they are placed outside of the aquarium and connected to the tank with inlet and outlet tubing. Submersible water pumps are placed inside your aquarium and they draw water across a filter so that it can be cleaned, and then force new water into the tank. If you want to have a bigger water flow, you can get an aquarium powerhead that will create a nice underwater current for your fish to enjoy (and help heat the water too).
A: Determining the size of the aquarium pump you need to get can seem like a fairly easy decision, but it’s actually not that easy as you might think. It is A complex that will determine your aquarium set-up. Getting a big pump can potentially overflow your tank, while a very small pump can cause a lack of water flow the tank needs. To decide what size pump to get you need to see how much linear drain space your tank has and what is the maximum flow rate the tank can handle.
To calculate linear drain space, you’ll need to measure all sides of the overflow that are in direct contact with water in the aquarium (usually it’s two sides for traditional corner overflow and three for traditional back wall overflow). Add up the side measurements and you’ll get the total linear drain space. Then all you have to do is compare the calculated linear drain space with the required linear drain space you need for your drain size.
To see what’s the maximum flow rate of your tank, you will need to see how many tanks drain your aquarium has and what size bulkheads are used in each drain. As a general rule of thumb that people follow, you can see below the size drains that can accommodate the flow:
For a bulkhead size of ½” and a maximum flow rate up to 150/gph, the recommended overflow size of at least 2” of linear drain space
For a bulkhead size of ¾” and a maximum flow rate up to 325/gph, the recommended overflow size of at least 5” of linear drain space
For a bulkhead size of 1” and a maximum flow rate up to 600/gph, the recommended overflow size of at least 9” of linear drain space
For a bulkhead size of 1.5” and a maximum flow rate up to 1300/gph, the recommended overflow size of at least 20” of linear drain space
For a bulkhead size of 2” and a maximum ax flow rate up to 2300/gph, the recommended overflow size of at least 35” of linear drain space
A: Due to the vibratory design an aquarium filter pump might have, dealing with a noisy pump is not uncommon. These pumps can be very loud and interfere with your daily life. However, not all pumps are loud. There are plenty of pumps that were designed with this problem in mind. You can find quiet and ultra-quiet pumps on the market.
A: As part of your regular aquarium maintenance, you will need to clean the tank and all of its equipment, which includes the fish tank filter pump. The aquarium filter pump will have both mechanical and biological filter media which need to be cleaned to function. However, you need to be careful when cleaning the aquarium filter, as there are various useful microorganisms that contribute to your tank’s environment and your fish’s well-being.
In order to properly clean your aquarium filter and pump, you’ll need to be very careful, even with an external aquarium filter. You need to take out the aquarium filter’s cable cord so that you don’t damage the motor of the pump by letting the impeller run without adding water. During the partial water change, leave one or two buckets of the water you extracted from the tank When disassembling your aquarium filter, pay close attention to the order of the filter media and sponges
Clean the filter media and sponges carefully in the water you extracted from the aquarium Clean the dirt from the filter media by rinsing them several times with the extracted water and squeezing them out and wait for the coarse filter sludge to dissolve
After that, you can move into the pump. Be careful with the filter pump and its small parts that can get damaged easily during cleaning. Loosen the kind of magnet which holds the rotor in the housing Then remove the coarse dirt from the rotor with a toothbrush and paper. The inner wall of the pump in which the rotor or impeller is mounted should be cleaned with an aquarium tube brush
Conclusion
Choosing an aquarium water pump is a big decision that you should take seriously. You can choose at random. You need to find an aquarium water pump that will fit your tank’s needs without endangering the health of your fish. You’ve seen our top choices of the best aquarium pumps you can find on the market, now you just need to pick one that will suit your tank’s needs and set it up!
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