Best aquarium water pump

Which aquarium water pump is best?

Keeping an aquarium can be a rewarding and relaxing hobby. If you are just starting out, you’re likely enamored by videos and photos of beautifully curated aquascapes.

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While selecting fish and decorating your aquarium is an enjoyable part of the process, it’s important to not gloss over the foundational components. One of the most critical parts of any aquarium setup is the water pump.

The Vivosun Submersible Pump will suit most aquarium hobbyists, thanks to its highly customizable water output and quiet operation.

What to know before you buy an aquarium water pump

What water pumps do

Fish require highly oxygenated water to thrive. Water absorbs oxygen naturally from the air at the surface, but water that is still and stagnant greatly limits how much of this exchange can take place. A pump solves this issue by creating a current in your aquarium that allows oxygen to constantly be absorbed at the water’s surface and then distributed throughout the tank.

Additionally, this current lets your filtration system pick up uneaten food, debris and waste that would otherwise sink to the bottom and dirty your water.

Your aquarium size

Larger aquariums need more powerful pumps to have a meaningful effect on your water’s oxygen level. However, using a pump that is too forceful in a small aquarium will stress and potentially injure your pets. Be sure to carefully research what kind of pump will work best for your setup.

Your fish’s requirements

Different fish species require varying levels of oxygen in their water. Species that live in fast-moving rivers or in the open ocean need water that cycles swiftly. This current not only keeps your water rich in oxygen but also mimics the environmental conditions that these types of fish would experience in the wild.

Fish that live in ponds or small pools, such as bettas, need pumps that provide only a subtle current. Because these animals are accustomed to still water, too much motion makes them uncomfortable.

What to look for in a quality aquarium water pump

Noise

Select a pump that operates as silently as possible. Besides making your aquarium more pleasant to keep, a loud pump can create vibrations that disturb the fish or invertebrates in your aquarium.

Aesthetics

Aquarium water pumps aren’t known for being aesthetically pleasing. Most fish keepers do their best to hide them among rocks or other decorations. Some models feature colorful LED lighting to enhance the ambiance of your tank, but most experts recommend avoiding these. Bright, changing colors can be stressful for your pets.

Adjustable flow

A pump with an adjustable flow lets you tailor its power. Selecting a pump with this feature means that you may be able to use it in a different tank if you upgrade or decide to move your equipment around. Some powerful pumps can even be used in outdoor ponds in the right configuration.

Mounting

Most aquarium water pumps attach to the side of your aquarium with suction cups. Suction cups let you stick your pump at the bottom of your tank or on the side of the glass, depending on where you want to direct the flow of water.

Power

The power of an aquarium pump is measured in gallons per hour. In general, you should select a pump that will fully circulate your tank’s volume four times in an hour. For example, a tank that holds 10 gallons should be fitted with a pump that will move 40 gallons of water in an hour.

How much you can expect to spend on an aquarium water pump

Aquarium water pumps can cost as little as $15 or as much as $200, depending largely on their size and power.

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Aquarium water pump FAQ

Won’t my aquarium filter circulate enough water already?

A. Possibly, but only in very small aquariums containing animals that live in low-oxygen environments. Having more oxygen in circulation is rarely a bad idea when it comes to keeping fish.

Will live plants oxygenate the water in my aquarium?

A. Live aquarium plants are an aesthetically pleasing way to introduce even more oxygen into your tank, but plants alone will not provide enough to keep your fish population breathing easy.

Is a water pump dangerous for my fish?

A. A pump that is too powerful for your aquarium can potentially injure and stress your fish. Especially small or hatchling fish may also get sucked into the pump, so be sure to do the research needed to ensure the health and safety of your pets.

What’s the best aquarium water pump to buy?

Top aquarium water pump

Vivosun Submersible Pump

What you need to know: This adjustable pump is great for a wide range of aquarium sizes.

What you’ll love: Ultraquiet and powerful, this pump is popular thanks to its adjustability. You can select different nozzles to control the output of the pump’s flow and use a dial on its side to further customize its power.

What you should consider: Some users feel that this pump is not quite as powerful as advertised and is not suited for outdoor use in ponds or fountains.

Top aquarium water pump for the money

Aquaneat Submersible Water Pump

What you need to know: This pump is available in six different power options.

What you’ll love: This pump may be small, but it packs in the power. Great for small tanks and fountains, it features a flow control knob and can accommodate two different sizes of tubing.

What you should consider: Buyers report that this pump is louder than they expected.

Worth checking out

Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Circulation Pump

What you need to know: This fan-based pump is ideal for large or saltwater tanks.

What you’ll love: This water pump mounts to the side of your aquarium to provide a powerful, horizontal flow. Keepers of reef fish and river dwellers will appreciate its strong current and the ability to mount it to acrylic and plastic tanks with its patented magnetic suction cup.

What you should consider: Buyers report that this pump is loud and its design makes it hard to aim the water in the direction you want it to flow.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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