Introduction
Whenever we talk about aquarium setup, the aquarium pump is considered being its main part because its work is very important; it not only works to deliver water to the tank properly, but also helps in providing the oxygen required to keep the plants and fish alive. If you also want your aquarium to be clean and healthy so that the beauty of your fish tank remains for a long time, then it is very important for you to choose the right aquarium pump.
Through this article, we will tell you many important things about aquarium pumps, such as what aquarium pump are, how many types there are, what important things we should keep in mind while using them, and also what special things should be kept in mind while installing and taking care of them.
We will know all these things in this article, and along with this, we will also know their benefits and how to deal with any problem if any kind of problem arises in the aquarium pump. If you want the right information, then read this article completely so that you can get all the information related to aquarium pumps.
So, let’s move ahead in this article and know how an aquarium pump works and why choosing the right aquarium pump is so important.
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Table of Contents
What are Aquarium Pump?
These are water pumps specially made for aquariums; their main job is to support the filter system and circulate water properly in the tank. With the help of these pumps, the impurities present in the water are separated, and along with maintaining the quality of water, it also contributes to balancing the oxygen level in the tank. If understood in simple language, its job is to circulate the water so that the plants and fish in the tank remain alive for a long time.
Now, the question comes to mind: How do these pumps work? Well, it’s not rocket science – their working method is very simple: their first step is to suck water, in the second step they pass the water through a filter, and in the third and final step they release the clean water back into the tank.
After going through all these processes, when the water reaches the tank again, all the harmful chemicals are removed from it, and the oxygen level of the water increases. But if an aquarium pump is not installed in the tank, then all the water will remain stagnant in one place, which will be very dangerous for fish and plants.
If there is no aquarium pump in the tank, algae will start growing in its absence, and after some time, the water will become cloudy, due to which the fish and plants will become sick. Even if you have a small aquarium in your house, it is very important to have an aquarium pump installed in it to circulate the water; if this is not done, then the ecosystem of the fish tank will be damaged.
So, if you are also thinking of setting up a fish aquarium in your home or office, then install an aquarium pump of a good brand in it so that its beauty remains for a long time and the fish living in it also remain happy.
Know about the types of aquarium pumps
So let’s know in detail how many types of aquarium pumps are available in the market and what their advantages and disadvantages are. Let’s talk about all of them in detail:
- Submersible Pumps
These types of pumps are submerged inside the aquarium. They are directly in contact with water, and their design is very compact. If the size of your aquarium is small or medium, then these submersible pumps are a great option because they do not make much noise, and it is also very easy to install them in the tank, but their flow rate is neither too fast nor too low. due to this, these aquarium pump are perfect for small species of fish.
Pros: These pumps are affordable, low-noise, and easy to install.
Cons: Not suitable for large-size fish tanks.
- External Pumps
These pumps are usually placed below the fish tank or in a cabinet, or, in simple words, they are placed outside the aquarium. If your aquarium is of a large size, then this pump is the best choice because it is very powerful. due to this reason, its water flow rate is also very high, due to which proper circulation of water and heavy filtration are easily done. If you are also looking for a long-lasting aquarium pump, then this pump can be the best choice for you.
Pros: Perfect for large aquariums, durable, and a high performer.
Cons: Difficult to install and expensive.
- Air Pumps
These pumps increase the oxygen level in water very quickly because these air pumps create air bubbles in water, and their main job is not to filter the water but to maintain the correct oxygen level in it. If your tank is small and you have fish that need a lot of oxygen, these pumps can be very useful.
Pros: The oxygen supply is good, and it is affordable.
Cons: It is not useful for filtering and circulating water.
Although every pump is perfect in its work and is useful, if you want to choose the best pump, then first understand the need of your aquarium.
How to Choose the Right Aquarium Pump?
While choosing an aquarium pump, do you get confused about which pump to buy and which not to buy? To solve this problem of yours, we have given some important points, by applying which you will be able to choose the right pump, so go ahead and know in detail:
Size Of The Aquarium – A good aquarium pump is considered to be the one whose capacity matches the volume of the aquarium. According to experts, the water flow rate of a good pump should be at least 3 to 4 times the volume of the tank. Let us understand this through an example. Suppose if the capacity of your tank is 50 liters, then you need to buy a pump with a capacity of 150 to 200 liters per hour.
Fish Species – Some fish require a lot of oxygen, like bettas and goldfish. Such fish require pumps with high water flow rates, and air pumps are the best option to solve this problem. However, if you have sensitive species of fish in your tank, then you should choose a pump with a low flow rate.
Filtration Needs – If your aquarium has a lot of plants or a lot of fish, then you will need to install a powerful filtration pump, and to deal with such a problem, you should install external pumps.
Power Consumption – A Fish aquarium is such an item in our house that has to be run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without shutting it down. If this is not done, then there is no point in keeping it in your house. If you also want to run it smoothly, then you need an energy-efficient pump so that the electricity bill is less.
Noise Level – If you have kept the aquarium in your bedroom, then you should install submersible pumps because they make less noise.
If you want to install an aquarium in your home or office for the first time, then you should install a low-cost and easy-to-use pump. if this is your requirement, then a submersible pump is the best option, but if you have a large-sized professional aquarium, then you should install an external pump.
Tip: If you are planning to buy an aquarium pump from an online marketplace, read the verified reviews of the product to get a real insight into the quality of the product.
Installation And Maintenance of Aquarium Pump
Installation
The process of installing the pump is very easy; by using the right method, you can do this work in very less time.
Submersible Pump – This type of pump should always be installed inside the aquarium near the filter. Always before switching on its power, ensure that its wire is not immersed in water. If it is so, then solve this problem immediately and fix it in the aquarium with the help of clips or suction cups.
External Pump – To install this pump, you have to keep it in the cabinet or below the tank. After this, the inlet and outlet pipes have to be connected carefully so that they do not leak.
Air Pump – To install this pump, connect the air stone and air tube in the aquarium to each other, and also make sure that it remains outside the tank.
Maintenance
If you want to keep these pumps in working condition for a long time, then it is very important to maintain them from time to time.
Cleaning – The correct way to maintain the pump is to clean it every 2-3 weeks. To clean it, disassemble the pump parts and clean the intake pipe, outlet pipe, and impeller. Always use a soft-bristle brush to prevent any damage to the pump.
Check Blockages – To prevent the pump from getting blocked, keep checking for algae and debris every few days.
Parts Replacement – If any defect is seen in the impeller or tube of the pump, replace it as soon as possible.
When you clean the pump regularly, you will be able to see its effect yourself because repairing the pump on time increases its life, and the quality of water also remains clear. Maintaining a pump can be a laborious job, but the results will be wonderful.
Benefits of Aquarium Pump
If you want to make your aquarium healthy and beautiful, then this work can be done with the help of aquarium pump:
Water Quality – Water is easily transported to the filter through the pump; it also removes the fish waste mixed in the water.
Oxygen Supply – You can maintain proper circulation and oxygen levels in the water with the help of a pump; doing this is very beneficial for fish.
Healthy Ecosystem – The pump plays a major role in creating a balanced environment for the plants and fish in the aquarium.
Aesthetic Appeal – The pump is very important for the smooth flow of water. Due to this, the atmosphere of the aquarium remains pleasant.
If you also want to enjoy these benefits, then choose the right pump and take care of it from time to time, because pumps are a very important part of the aquarium.
common problems & solutions of aquarium pump
Continuous running of the pump can cause problems in it at any time. To deal with such problems, some problems and their solutions are given below:
- Problem – Pump Is Not Working
Solution – First of all, turn off the power supply and clean the impeller and also ensure that the power wire is not cut from anywhere.
- Problem – Low Flow Rate
Solution – Whenever it seems that the water flow is decreasing, then check the outlet pipe along with the inlet pipe. If the pipe is found blocked, clean it.
- Problem – Loud Noise Problem
Solution – To deal with such a problem, check for air bubbles along with loose parts and if the noise is due to vibrations, keep the pump on a flat surface.
If you want that there is no effect on the ecosystem of the aquarium, then keep checking the pump from time to time and if there is any problem, try to fix it quickly.
Here are the 5 Best Selling Aquarium Pumps
1. Orlushy DC-4000 Silent Swirl Controllable DC aquarium Pump
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Orlushy |
| Model Number | 43237-2 |
| Material Type | ceramic |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 2.64″L x 1.3″W x 1.58″H |
| Style Name | Submersible |
| Maximum Lifting Height | 11.5 Feet |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars ⭐ (Not Fixed) |
2. VIVOSUN 3567 GPH Ultra Quiet Aquarium Pump
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | VIVOSUN |
| Model Number | 3567 GPH |
| Material Type | Silicon |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 12.4″L x 5″W x 5.8″H |
| Style Name | 130W; 3567GPH |
| Maximum Lifting Height | 14.8 Feet |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars ⭐ (Not Fixed) |
3. VIVOSUN 1600 GPH Ultra Quiet Aquarium Pump
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | VIVOSUN |
| Model Number | 1600 GPH |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 8″L x 4.3″W x 9″H |
| Style Name | 100W-1600GPH |
| Maximum Lifting Height | 14 Feet |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars ⭐ (Not Fixed) |
4. Hygger 1250GPH Aquarium Water Pump with Intelligent Controller
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | hygger |
| Model Number | HGY0004 |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| Voltage | 115 Volts |
| Style Name | 115W-1250GPH |
| Maximum Lifting Height | 13.1 Feet |
| Customer Reviews | 4.0 out of 5 stars ⭐ (Not Fixed) |
5. Hygger 24V DC Water Pump Inline/Submersible Saltwater Aquarium Pump
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | hygger |
| Material Type | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
| Item Weight | 5.7 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 7.7″L x 4.1″W x 6.4″H |
| Style Name | Submersible Sump Pump |
| Maximum Lifting Height | 13.1 Feet |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars ⭐ (Not Fixed) |
Final Thoughts About Aquarium Pumps
Aquarium pump play a very important role in keeping an aquarium healthy and green. It would not be wrong to call them the backbone of an aquarium. Through this article, we tried to shed light on this in detail, and we hope that you liked our efforts. so, if you want to keep the plants and fish alive for a long time in your aquarium, then invest some money in a good brand aquarium pump. This investment may seem high in the beginning, but you will get a return on it in the long run. So don’t think too much and install the pump according to the needs of your aquarium and take its benefits for a long time!