Chances are, if you’re like most aquarium enthusiasts, you’re always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to make your tank look and function better. A great way to achieve this is by upgrading your water pump.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of using a water pump in your aquarium and recommend some of the best aquarium water pumps on the market. So whether you’re looking for a new water pump for your existing tank or considering setting up an aquarium for the first time, read on for our top picks!
Best Aquarium Water Pumps: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Aquarium Water Pumps Reviews
SaleBestseller No. 1
VIVOSUN 800GPH Submersible Pump(3000L/H, 24W), Ultra Quiet Water Fountain Pump with 10ft. High Lift with 6.5ft. Power Cord, 3 Nozzles for Fish Tank, Pond, Aquarium, Statuary, Hydroponics Green
- Specs & Dimensions: 4.33*3.5*4.1 inches; Max flow rate: 800 GPH (3000L/H); Max lift height: up to 10 ft.; Wattage: 24W; Voltage: 110-120V
- Adjustable Flow Rate: Water flow can be adjusted via the control knob and change different nozzles to meet the water pressure you want; As the lift height increases, the flow rate decreases
- Detachable & Cleanable: This powerful yet small-sized water pump is easy to hide and disguise; No tools are necessary for disassembly and it’s very easy to clean
- Many Possible Placement Positions: Place the pump flat on its base, stick it on an angled or vertical surface, and manually rotate it into any position you need
- Wide Range of Applications: This is a high-performance, energy-efficient pump and is well-designed for use in fish tanks, fountains, hydroponic systems, irrigation systems, etc
$24.99
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SaleBestseller No. 2
GROWNEER 550GPH Submersible Pump 30W Ultra Quiet Fountain Water Pump, 2000L/H, with 7.2ft High Lift, 3 Nozzles for Aquarium, Fish Tank, Pond, Hydroponics, Statuary Black
- WATER FLOW CONTROL -- The GROWNEER water pump features a control knob to adjust the flow of water, allowing you to achieve the desired water pressure. The maximum flow rate is 550 GPH (2000 L/H). Note: It's recommended to use a residual current protection socket or circuit breaker when using outdoors
- STRONG POWER & HIGH LIFT -- Maximum Lift Height: 7.2 ft. The water submersible pump model number is SML-630. 30W high-efficiency motor, energy-saving. Lift height refers to the maximum height that water rises after the water pipe is connected to the nozzle. (Make sure the joint is tightly sealed)
- 3 NOZZLES WATER PUMP -- Each submersible water pump has 3 nozzles to choose from: 0.51"/0.62"/0.75". Provides different water flows according to your needs. Threaded fittings make it more stable. Detachable and cleanable
- SUCTION CUP & 5.9FT POWER CORD -- The aquarium pump has a long enough cord for easy installation. 4 independent powerful suction cups help keep it in place so you can stick it vertically or horizontally to the right side of your aquarium
- WIDE APPLICATION -- The water fountain pump circulates and aerates the water, making it more attractive to your fish or turtles. This submersible pump is ideal for aquariums, fountains, spouts hydroponic systems, etc
$14.39
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Bestseller No. 3
PULACO 400GPH Submersible Water Pump with 5 ft Tubing, 25W durable fountain water pump for Pond Fountain, Aquariums Fish Tank, Statuary, Hydroponics
- 【Provide You a Confortable & Quiet Environment】 : Our pumps works so quietly and smoothly, it keeps bring you a relax & peaceful time.
- 【Multi Function】 : Pumps can help you to circulating your aquarium, and creat a nature aqua world for the fishes. Our pumps can continuously supply stable flow, a good choice for medium fish tanks, small pond, fountains, water spring artworks, garden, aquaponic, aquaculture and many more.
- 【Free Tool Disassembling & Cleaning】 : Flexible structure design, you can disassemble and clean it so easily, without any tools.
- 【Adjustable Flow】 : The pump equip with flow valve, you can set the flow rate freely, maximum flow rate:400GPH, maximum lift:6.6ft.
- 【Note】: The gift tubing is made of silicone, if you find any kinked marks on the tubing, please stretch it up and leave it on the floor for a few hours, it will back to normal again.
$18.99
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SaleBestseller No. 4
90 GPH Mini Submersible Pump, Small Fountain Pump (5W 350L/H) for water feature, Aquariums, Fish Tank, Tabletop Fountain, Pet Fountain, Indoor or Outdoor Pond Fountain
- Ultra Quiet Design : The relible and duarable motor does not produce much noise, giving you quiet environment. This submersible pump is designed for small size aquariums, Fish tanks, Pond, desk fountains, pet cat dog water fountain, water gardens and hydroponic systems.
- EASY TO USE : No need any tools to detach it, easy to seperate, easy to clean, And simply plug in power for quick water draining.
- Adjustable Flow Rate : Designed with a adjusting knob, allowing to adjust the water flow rate, the maximal flow rate can be up to 90 GPH. It can elevate column of water up to 2.8ft after installing water hose.
- Mini Size : The mini size makes the pump easy to hide or disguise in the water. Dimensions:1.8 "x 1.6" x 1.4".
- Must be Fully Submerged : This submersible water pump is designed to sit in water, water inlet must be completely submerged in water. With 3 suction cups at bottom, you can install the pump to spray water horizontally or vertically. Power cord is 4.6ft long and waterproof.
$8.99
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Bestseller No. 5
PULACO 10W 160GPH Submersible Pump with 3.3 ft Tubing for Aquariums, Fish Tank, Pond Fountain, Statuary, Hydroponics, Water Feature, Indoor Fountains
- Multi Function: Pumps can help you to circulating your aquarium, and creat a nature aqua world for the fishes. Our pumps can continuously supply stable flow, a good choice for medium fish tanks, small pond, fountains, water spring artworks, garden, aquaponic, aquaculture and many more.
- Ultra Quiet Design: The relible and duarable motor does not produce much noise, giving you quiet environment.
- Disassembling & Cleaning: Flexible structure design, you can disassemble and clean it so easily, without any tools.
- Adjustable Flow: The pump equip with flow valve, you can set the flow rate freely, maximum flow rate:160GPH, maximum lift:4.0ft.
- Note: The gift tubing is made of silicone, if you find any kinked marks on the tubing, please stretch it up and leave it on the floor for a few hours, it will back to normal again.
$13.99
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SaleBestseller No. 6
Simple Deluxe 10ft High Lift 800GPH 24W Water Table Pump (3000L/H) with 3 Nozzles, Perfect for Fish Tank, Pond, Aquarium, Statuary, Hydroponics, Fountain, Green
- Easy to use: 4 suction cups at bottom, so you can stick it on the right side of the aquarium, either vertically or horizontally.
- Specifications: dimensions: 4.45*2.76*3.94inch. Max flow rate: 800 GPH (3000L/h), max lift height: up to 10 feet. Watt:24W; voltage:110-120V.
- Detachable & cleanable: this profile size water pump is easy to hide or disguise. The device doesn't need any tools to disassemble it and is very easy to be cleaned.
- Wide application: high performance energy-efficient pumps designed for use in ponds, fountains, waterfalls, hydroponic systems, irrigation systems and water features.
- The 5.2ft long power cord offers convenient installation. An adjustable knob to control the water flow rate, so you can get just the amount of water pressure you want.
$13.26
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Bestseller No. 7
Orlushy DC-4000 Silent Swirl Controllable DC aquarium Pump 25W 1050GPH-marine wavemaker return pump with sine wave Controller for salt/Freshwater coral reef fish tank sump Circulation
- Ultra-quite Operation Design: Adapting sine wave frequency conversion technology, sounds can barely be heard when the water pump is operating. With ceramic shaft core to reduce friction and 4 rubbers base to absorb friction, the pump runs even silently. Even if it is used indoor, it will not disturb your life.
- Safe and Durable DC Pump: This aquarium dc pump is working under low voltage of 24V, which has excellent security and stability, greatly reducing security risks in submersible use. Meanwhile, the pure copper brushless motor makes the pump much more durable, powerful and energy-saving, pumping out enough water flow while serving longer operation life. It is suitable for marine and fresh water.
- 20 Speeds and 3 Modes Adjustable: With external controller, there is 20 speeds adjustable by pressing “+” or “-” button. Besides, and 3 operation modes is switchable by pressing the “MODE” button to switch back and forth between “Constant Flow Mode” and “Wave Mode”, “fish” button to enter the “Feed Mode”. Those flexible adjustment of speed and mode suitable for various sizes of fish tanks.
- Multi-size Nozzles for Versatile Use: 3 Different sizes nozzles come with this aquarium return pump, which allow the pump to be applied to versatile usage scenarios, such as aquariums, fish tanks, ponds, fountains, waterfalls, hydroponic. Please choose the right one according to the specifications.
- 180 Days Warranty: This return pump has 180 days warranty that free replacement of the nozzle, screws and controller are provided. If you have any issue with the water pump, please feel free to contact us. We would provide a timely after-sale service.
$59.99
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Bestseller No. 8
Fountain Pump, 220GPH Submersible Water Pump Outdoor, Ultra Quiet Water Fountain Pump for Pond Waterfall, Fish Tank, Aquarium, Hydroponics
- ADJUSTABLE FLOW RATE: This water pump features an adjusting knob for easy control of the water flow r and water pressure. It offers a maximum flow rate of 220 GPH (15W, 900 L/H) and can lift water up to 6.5 feet. With 3 nozzles ( 0.31", 0.51", 0.51") for selection, allowing you to create diverse enchanting views in outdoor
- EASY & FLEXIBLE INSTALLATION: With a long power cord and 4 strong suction cups, this submersible water pump sticks well on glass surface. Runs quietly and keeps water moving smoothly
- ULTRA QUIET: Featuring a high-efficiency motor, this fountain pump ensures ultra-stable operation with lower noise(less 30dB), creating a peace environment for both you and fish. Ideal for small to medium-sized aquariums, fish tanks, and pond
- EASY TO DETACH & CLEAN: The pump has a manually - disassembled shell, allowing you to clean it easily without extra tools. Regular cleaning is recommended, and keep it fully submerged in water for smooth operation and a long lifespan
- WIDE APPLICATION: The fountain pump has a compact design. It's small and easy to place in tight spaces. Ideal for medium - sized aquariums, small ponds, water gardens, desktop fountains, backyard fountains/waterfalls, fish tanks, garden statuary, patio drip irrigation, and hydroponic systems
$17.99
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SaleBestseller No. 9
PULACO 95GPH 5W Mini Submersible Water Pump for Aquarium Fish Tank, Pond, Fountain, Hydroponics
- ★【Ultra Quiet Design】: The relible and duarable motor does not produce much noise, giving you quiet environment.This submersible pump is designed for small to medium size aquarium, Fish tank, Pond, tabletop fountains, water gardens and hydroponic systems.
- ★【Adjustable Flow Rate】: Designed with a adjusting knob, allowing to adjust the water flow rate, the maximal flow rate can be up to 95 GPH. It can elevate column of water up to 3.0 ft.
- ★【Detachable & Cleanable】: No need any tools to detach it, easy to seperate, easy to clean.
- ★【Mini Size】: The mini size makes the pump easy to hide or disguise in the water. Dimensions:1.8 x 1.8 x 1.4 inch
- ★【Pump Accessories】: 3 suction cups & one Nozzles & one tubing: Suction cups is great for mounting onto the glass surface. Equipped with a 0.3" diameters nozzle, and a 3.3ft free tubing come with the package.
$9.99
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Bestseller No. 10
FREESEA Fountain Submersible Water Pump: 800GPH 45W Adjustable Ultra Quiet Aquarium Pump with 3 Nozzles 10ft High Lift for Small Pond | Fish tank | Waterfall | Outdoor | Hydroponics
- [ Long Life-Span ]: The submersible water pump works steadily for over 25,000 hours due to a 45W high-performance motor. The mini pump for the fountain uses an upgraded ultra-rugged outer shell for long service life, which is durable & reusable
- [ Adjustable Flow Rate ]: The fountain pump is designed with an adjusting knob, allowing you to get the amount of water pressure you want. The maximal flow rate can be up to 800GPH. The waterfall pump can continually elevate columns of water up to 10ft
- [ Ultra Quiet Design ]: The aquarium water pump with a reliable and durable motor runs extremely quietly, less than 20 decibels. The pond pump doesn't produce much noise, giving you a quiet environment. It is easy to disassemble and clean without any tools
- [ Multi-Function ]: The fish tank pump can help you circulate and drain your aquarium, and create a nature world for the fish. An aquarium pump is very suitable for aquariums, ponds, fish tanks, fountains, waterfalls, backyard, garden, hydroponic systems, and many more
- [ Customer Satisfaction Guarantee ]: Extremely stable operation providing continual water flow; Comes with a 12-month Customer Satisfaction Guarantee; If you have any questions about the water pump you receive, please feel free to contact us. 24 Hour Professional After-sales Service
$25.99
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Best Aquarium Water Pumps Buying Guide
When choosing an aquarium water pump, there are several factors you’ll want to keep in mind in order to select the best one for your needs.
First, think about the size of your aquarium and the flow rate you’ll need from your pump.
Next, consider the pump’s power source – whether it will be plugged into an outlet or powered by batteries.
Finally, decide what features are most important to you and look for pumps that offer those features.
What else you should know about the best aquarium water pumps
1. What are the best aquarium water pumps for my setup?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the size and type of aquarium, the number of fish and other aquatic creatures it contains, and the desired flow rate. Some of the best aquarium water pumps on the market include the Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System, the AquaClear Powerhead, and the Eheim CompactON External Filter.
2. How do I determine the best flow rate for my aquarium water pump?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it will vary depending on the size and type of aquarium, as well as the type of water pump being used. A good rule of thumb, however, is to start with a flow rate that is half the aquarium’s total volume, and then adjust as needed.
3. What is the best way to clean my aquarium water pump?
The best way to clean your aquarium water pump is to remove it from the aquarium and disassemble it. Clean the impeller and other parts with a toothbrush and rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
4. How often should I replace my aquarium water pump?
It is typically recommended to replace an aquarium water pump every two to three years.
5. What are the consequences of not using a aquarium water pump?
If you do not use a aquarium water pump, the water in your aquarium will become stagnant and will not be oxygenated. This can lead to the death of your fish.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best aquarium water pumps. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best aquarium water pumps will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.