What is an aquarium water pump?
An aquarium water pump is a device that circulates water within an aquarium. It is essential for creating water movement, oxygenating the water, and supporting filter systems.
Why should i use a water pump?
- Water circulation: Prevents stagnant water areas and improves oxygen levels.
- Filter support: Drives water through filters for efficient waste removal.
- Powerhead function: Can be used to create water currents and simulate natural environments.
- Equipment operation: Provides water flow for other aquarium equipment like protein skimmers or canister filters.
How do i choose the right water pump?
- Tank size: Select a pump with appropriate flow rate for your aquarium.
- Pump head pressure: Ensure the pump can lift water to the desired height.
- Energy efficiency: Consider the pump's power consumption.
- Noise level: Choose a pump with a quiet operation.
Flow Rate:
The pump should be able to circulate the entire volume of water in the tank 3–5 times per hour. For example, a 75-gallon reef tank would need a flow rate of 225–375 gallons per hour (GPH). For fish-only tanks, some recommend a flow rate of 10–12 times the tank's water volume, while mixed reef tanks and SPS tanks may need 15–20 times and 20–25 times, respectively.
Head pressure:
The pump will need to operate against a certain amount of pressure, which can be calculated by adding 1 foot of head pressure for each vertical foot, elbow, and every 10 feet of horizontal pipe. For example, if water needs to be pumped 4 feet vertically, through 2 elbows, and 10 feet horizontally, the pump will be under about 7 feet of head pressure.
What kind of maintenance should i expect?
- Regular cleaning: Remove debris from the pump intake and impeller.
- Impeller inspection: Check for wear and tear on the impeller.
- Shaft inspection: Inspect the pump shaft for damage or corrosion.