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
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
$19.99
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SaleBestseller No. 2
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. 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
GROWNEER 2 Packs 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
- WATER FLOW CONTROL -- The fountain water pump has an adjustable knob to control the water flow so you can get the water pressure you need. The impeller shaft is made of stainless steel to ensure a long lifespan. The maximum flow: 550GPH (2000L/H)
- STRONG POWER & HIGH LIFT -- Voltage:110-120V. Max Lift Height: 7.2ft. The water pump model 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 comes with 3 nozzles to choose from: 0.51"/0.62"/0.75", providing 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 submersible has a long enough cord for easy installation. 4 independent strong suction cups help hold 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 suitable for aquariums, fountains, spouts hydroponic systems, etc. Meets UL 1081 standards
$31.99
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Bestseller No. 6
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.
$14.39
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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
CWKJ Fountain Pump, 400GPH Submersible , Durable 25W Outdoor Water Pump with 6.5ft Power Cord, 3 Nozzles for Aquarium, Pond, Fish Tank, Water Pump Hydroponics, Backyard Fountain
- PROVIDE YOU COMFORT & QUIET ENVIROMENT--Our fountain pump’s ultra-quiet operation will let you feel that the sounds of the water pouring out of your fountain is such a relaxing and tranquil sound, and you will love sitting out on your patio watching the squirrels and birds bath and now the peaceful sounds of our fountain make it even more enjoyable.
- MULTI-OCCASIONS--The fountain pump can make circulation to your tank and give your lovely fish a near-natural environment. This submersible water pump can create water current, ideal for a medium-sized aquarium, small pond, water garden, and desktop water fountains. Perfect for backyard fountain/waterfall, aquarium, ponds, fish tank, tabletop fountains, garden statuary, patio drip irrigation system and hydroponic systems and more.
- ADJUSTABLE--The fountain pump is designed with an adjusting knob, allowing to get just the amount of water pressure you want. It comes with 3 optional nozzles to create different views, each with its own unique design.
- COMPACT BUT POWERFUL--The fountain pump’s compact design is easy to hide & disguise, 25W super efficiency motor continually lift water column. Reasonable long power cord is heavy duty and easy to installation. The pump has 4 strong rubber suction cups at the bottom of the fountain pump helps keep in your fish tank.
- EASY TO USE--The fountain pump's manual disassembly designed shell allow you clean the pump input port and filter/impeller easily. And simply plug in power for quick water draining.
$18.99
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Bestseller No. 9
MOUNTAIN_ARK DC 12V Submersible Clear Water Pump, Adjustable Power, 210 GPH Aquarium Fountain Pumps
- Voltage: DC 12V, DC connector (5.5 x 2.1 mm), adapter are not included
- Max lift height: 14' 9" (450cm), lift height is a max height the water goes up, after connecting the water pipe to the nozzle
- 5 Level adjustable power (9-15W), Flow Rate: 800L/H (210 GPH), 680L/H(180GPH), 560L/H(150GPH), 440L/H(115GPH), 320L/H(84GPH)
- Working temperature: 0-60°(32~140℉), the outlet/Inlet outside diameter is 20.5 mm, Included 2 piece brass nozzles, detachable and Cleanable, No need any tools to detach it.
- Non-self-priming pump, submersible Water Pump must be completely immersed in water when using.
$25.99
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Bestseller No. 10
hygger 215 GPH Quick Water Change Aquarium Pump Submersible Fountain Water Pump Fish Tank Pond Drain Transfer Pump with 2 Adaptors
- 2-IN-1 Water Pump -- this submersible water pump works like a charm in terms of aquarium water change, transferring water and powering fountain waterfall
- Low Water Level Draining -- Easy to use, simply plug in power for quick water draining, this bottom intake pump can remove water level down to 1/4" and suck out 1/5" debris and fish waste with ease
- Powerful, Quiet Operation -- Provides efficient, instant water flow, power: 40W, Maximum flow rate: 400 GPH; Max Lift Height: 7.3ft (power cord's length: 6ft)
- For Water Transfer Application -- Oil-free magnetic driven motor, it is ideal for draining saltwater and freshwater aquarium, pond, fountain, hydroponic, pool, pool cover and hot tub
- Comes with 3 Barb Fittings -- Presented three different sizes of barb fittings for desired water flow: 3/4", 7/8" and 1", the thread size that fits ON TO the pump next to the handle is M16-2, which is a metric size
$19.99
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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.