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*2.87*3.68 inches; Max flow rate: 800 GPH (3000L/H); Max lift height: up to 10 ft.; Wattage: 24W; Voltage: 110-120V
- 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
- 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
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 2
VIVOSUN 850GPH 60W Submersible Pump for Fish Tank, Pond, Aquarium, Hydroponic Systems with 5ft Power Cord and 4 Nozzles Blue
- Product Details: 5.9” x 4.3” x 6.1”; The 5ft. long power cord offers convenient installation wherever you need; Max. flow rate: 850 GPH (3500 L/H); Max. lift height: up to 9.2 Feet; Watt: 60W; Voltage: 110-120V/60Hz
- Bottom Inlet: Our innovative bottom inlet design provides powerful suction, capable of pumping water as shallow as 0.5mm, ensuring thorough water circulation; The 360° omnidirectional filter effectively removes debris and impurities, maintaining continuous water flow all around; In case of any blockage in the water inlet, simply clean it with fresh water before use
- Anti-Drying Design: When the temperature reaches to 185 ℉(85℃), the built-in thermal protector chip will stop the pump from draining and pumping water; Pure copper wiring delivers more stable power for a longer service life and more energy savings
- Ultra-Quiet & Durable: Only making 28db sound, this pump is super quiet, so there is no trouble of getting disturbed while the pump is working; The pump’s ceramic shaft core uses a high-strength wear-resistant rotor that is both acid resistant and corrosion resistant
- Versatile Applications: Equipped with detachable water outlet, suitable for various sizes of water pipes, this submersible pump can be applied to many different occasions, such as fish tank, pond, aquarium, hydroponic systems and etc
$26.99
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 3
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
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 4
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
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 5
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
Buy on Amazon
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.
$13.99
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 7
DaToo 50GPH 3W Small Submersible Water Pump Mini Fountain Pump Ultra Quiet For Aquarium Fish Tank Pond Statuary Hydroponics
- 【DaToo 3W 50GPH Water Pump】: A perfect aquarium water pump can always bring you unexpected surprises. It can easily help you create different water currents, activate the water body, and make your fish more vigorous. DaToo 3W 50GPH Water Pump, perfect water control system, safe and leading structure design, super quiet working sound, easy to set. An ideal water steward for your small to medium size aquarium, fish tank, pond, tabletop fountains, water gardens and hydroponic systems.
- 【Perfect Water Control System】: Extremely powerful rotor, DaToo uses smooth stainless steel as the shaft, which can effectively reduce the water drag force, making the DaToo pump more powerful and higher lift. And rust-proof, wear-resistant, longer service life. 4-level flow rate adjustment, DaToo intimately provides you with four flow rates to meet different usage needs, you can change the flow rate by moving the adjustment rod. Very convenient!
- 【Safe And Leading Structure Design】: Filter net inlet, fine mesh can effectively block impurities, and avoid small fish being sucked into the pump, very safe. Leading resin seal, better insulation performance, no need to worry about water leakage or electric leakage, and higher safety level. From the moment of choosing DaToo, a safe and comfortable water environment is no longer a dream.
- 【Super Quiet Working Sound】: Whether for people or fish, it is a wonderful thing to have a quiet night. DaToo adopts sine wave mute technology exclusively, which makes the working sound of the DaToo water pump only 25 ~ 30 dB, greatly reducing the working noise. Easy for you to prepare a quiet perfect night! Great!
- 【Easy To Set & One Year Warranty】: DaToo water pump comes with a 3.3ft free tubing. 2 powerful suction cups, can be installed in any position of your aquarium, very simple! One Year Warranty and 24 Hours Professional Customer Service. Buy DaToo products with confidence. JUST DO IT, Let’t Go!!
$6.79
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 8
hygger 400 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 submersiblewater 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
$25.99
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 9
AQUANEAT Submersible Water Pump, 80GPH Fountain Pump, Small Water Pump, Aquarium Pump for Fish Tank, Outdoor Water Fountain, Hydroponics, Pond
- Adjustable flow rate: With a control knob, the maximal flow rate can be up to 80GPH(300L/H); Recommend maximum lift height: 1 foot. The maximum water flow 80GPH means the biggest flow rate without using a water pipe or without pumping water to any elevation. Every additional inch of the pipe reduces the flow rate a little bit.
- Optional 2 outlets: Fits 5/16"or 1/2"ID (inside diameter) tubing.
- Dimension: 2" x1.75" x1.25"(L x W x H), mini size, easy to hide or disguise; Length of power cord: 6 feet
- Wide application: Perfect for water fountains, pet fountain, aquariums, table fountains, waterfalls, hydroponic systems, irrigation systems and for use in any other water features.
- Note: Must be completely submersed under water. Please clean it regularly in case of debris blockage, the pump would make noises or stop working if blocked by debris.
$6.88
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 10
VIVOSUN 480GPH Submersible Pump(1800L/H, 25W), Ultra Quiet Water Pump with 7.2ft High Lift, Fountain Pump with 5ft Power Cord, 3 Nozzles for Fish Tank, Aquarium, Statuary, Hydroponics Black
- Specifications: Dimensions: 3.5” x 2.7” x 2.3”; The 5-ft. long three-core power cord offers convenient installation wherever you need, and the adjustable flow regulating valve lets you control the water flow rate, so you can get just the amount of water pressure you want; Max. Flow Rate: 480 GPH (1800 L/H); Max. Lift Height: up to 7.2 Feet; Watt: 25W; Voltage: AC110V
- Detachable & Cleanable: This compact water pump is easy to hide or disguise, and no need for any specialized tools to disassemble or clean it
- Optional Outlet Positions: Place the pump flat and rotate the water outlet to a variety of positions; Whatever your heart desires
- Wide Range of Applications: This high performance energy-efficient pump works great in ponds, fountains, waterfalls, hydroponic systems, and irrigation systems and so on; Working Temperature: 39℉ to 95℉
- 4x Suction Cups: The 4x suction cups are strong and require no extra tools to secure; You can affix your pump vertically or horizontally as needed
$17.99
Buy on Amazon
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.