Best Aquarium Pumps For Beginners

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best-aquarium-pumps-for-beginners

The aquarium pump is a basic tool to ensure hygiene and comfort to the fish environment in the tank. It is used to purify the water and oxygenate the living organisms in the tank. When buying a new equipment, it is not always easy to find the right model for your needs.

That’s why we’re offering you these two products that might interest you in your search for the best aquarium pump. Danner Supreme Aqua-Mag Pump is considered to be the most versatile item which can be used submerged in the aquarium and one of the quietest. As an alternative to this pump, the Tetra Whisper Air Pump is prized for its affordability and compact size.

 

Buying guide – what to consider

 

As the aquarium pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment for aquarists, it is necessary to find the right model. During the purchase process, a variety of products await you on the Web, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. Discover these tips summarizing the selection criteria for this type of equipment.

 

Different Models

To determine how to choose the best aquarium pumps in 2020, find out which type suits your needs. There are two categories on the market. You can choose one or more between water pumps and air pumps. It should be noted that their roles are totally different.

 

The first model has the task of circulating the liquid in the tank. It thus promotes water purification. It also lifts the residues from the bottom of the tank. There are two types of water pumps. You have the one that works with the filtration system and the one for mixing.

 

The first one sucks the liquid through the filter and pumps it back into the tank. The second one stirs the water and simulates waves. By using this type of device, you protect your pond from algae.

 

The second type of aquarium pump’s main function is to introduce air into the tank. It provides oxygen to the fish so that they can breathe. It is this device that activates the diffuser and the bubbler.

 

Efficiency

This parameter is included in our buying guide for the best aquarium pumps, as it is of great importance when purchasing. Your investment is worthless if the new equipment is not able to meet your needs.

 

To evaluate the efficiency of the device, you need to take into account its flow rate. An efficient item operates at a high flow rate and the flow level can be adjustable at the same time. To find the right product, you need to choose it according to the volume of the aquarium. Some operate with a flow rate of a few dozen liters per hour. Others, on the other hand, can reach thousands of liters per hour. All you have to do is choose the device that suits you best.

 

Use

So that its use does not become a real chore for you, choose an item that is quick to assemble and adjust. Maintenance is a crucial step to ensure its performance over time. To make your job easier, there’s nothing better than choosing a reference that makes your life easier.

 

Air pumps can be a breeze to maintain because they are installed on the outside of the aquarium. They can be opened and removed in a jiffy. Many models are equipped with hinged lids. They make cleaning faster and more convenient.

 

Noise level

Noise level is a key factor in ensuring that the pump is comfortable to use. To ensure that the use of the pump is always pleasant, opt for a quiet model. Although the noise is not entirely absent, at least its level remains low. This parameter depends on where you install the aquarium. If it’s placed in your bedroom, the equipment may bother you and prevent you from sleeping. On the other hand, if you are thinking of placing it in your living room where you entertain from time to time, a noisy model should not cause you any problems.

 

You should also keep in mind that aquatic animals are among the creatures that do not tolerate noise pollution. To provide them with a comfortable environment, take this parameter into consideration.

 

Accessories

In order for the pump to perform its functions properly, there are many accessories to assemble. Among the indispensable ones, the air filter, the neutral filter and the anti siphon play decisive roles to offer more comfort to fish and other animals.

 

The first one is used to reduce pollution from the outside environment. It prevents odors or gaseous products that can affect the health of organisms living in the tank. The second one filters the dust. Finally, the third one prevents the backflow of the water sucked by the equipment if the system suddenly stops.

 

There are also other accessories that cannot be dispensed with, even if they do not contribute directly to the use of the aquarium pump. In the case of filters, there are many materials that ensure their performance in order to enhance the retention of impurities. These include pre-filtration parts, carbon, particle sieves and many others.

 

Best aquarium pumps for beginners – out top two picks

 

Danner Supreme Aqua-Mag water pump

danner-supreme-aqua-mag-pump

The Danner Supreme will impress you with its variety of uses, whether you’re searching for an in-line pump or a submersible aquarium pump. This adaptable pump can be used in larger aquariums, reef tanks, and hydroponic systems. It can move 350 gallons of water per hour.

The 10′ grounded power cord makes it a safe choice for your house in addition to being energy-efficient. It is one of the quietest aquarium water pumps for its size thanks to the magnetically linked motor’s additional contribution to noise reduction. You may be sure that you’re getting a high-quality product because Danner has been in business for more than 80 years and is a reputable brand in the aquarium industry.

This pump is well worth the price even though it is a little more expensive than some of the other options on our list. Hobbyists seeking inexpensive items should look elsewhere, but if you only need a dependable addition to your aquarium system, the Danner Supreme is ideal. With its simple installation procedure, you’ll be up and running in no time.

 

Pros

  • Can be used in-line or submersed
  • Energy-efficient
  • Very versatile
  • Quiet operation

 Cons

  • More expensive than some other options
  • May be too powerful for smaller aquarium

 

 Tetra Whisper Air Pump

terta-whisper-air-pump

The Tetra Whisper is one of the most cost-effective aquarium water pumps on our list because we’re all about saving money here. This pump can be used indoors or outdoors and is made for tiny aquariums up to 30 gallons. If you’ve been seeking for a water pump with little noise, the Tetra Whisper is a perfect choice because it is also quite silent.

 

The small shape of this pump is one of its outstanding features. The Tetra Whisper clearly satisfies the need for submerged water pumps to be as unobtrusive as feasible. Due to its straightforward design, it will blend in perfectly with your aquascape, enabling you to maintain as much of the beauty of your fish’s natural home as you can.

 

Although a great pump for the price, the Tetra Whisper has some drawbacks. First and foremost, it’s not as durable as the other options on the list. This makes sense given the low price, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re looking to invest for the long term. Also, there is no backup battery in case of power failure. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, this may not be the best aquarium water pump for you.

 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Silent operation
  • Compact size
  • Fits easily into small spaces
  • Several size options

 

Cons

  • Not as durable as some other options
  • No backup battery

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Q1: How do I install an external aquarium pump?

It should be placed above the water level to prevent backflow in case of failure. If you can’t raise it, simply install a non-return valve. Admittedly, this position is not an aesthetically pleasing idea. However, it avoids possible siphoning of water by gravity. When your equipment is not equipped with rubber or soft plastic feet, it must be placed on a perfectly stable support. Don’t forget that it can vibrate.

 

 

Q2: Where to put the pump in an aquarium?

There are two types of aquarium pumps. You can choose between internal and external pumps. As the name suggests, the internal pump can be placed anywhere but inside the tank.

 

On the other hand, the second one can be placed outside, but must be connected to a diffuser in the tank. This equipment has the major advantage of being space saving. Since it is located outside the tank, it offers more space for other organisms or materials for the proper functioning of the tank. It can simply be placed on one side or on the back.

 

 

Q3: How long can an aquarium go without a pump?

This equipment plays a vital role not only for the fish, but also for the plants in the tank. These living organisms may not last long without it. In the event of an unforeseen breakdown, to continue to guarantee the comfort and hygiene of the fish environment, another piece of equipment should be installed at all costs. Do not exceed 24 hours after the machine has stopped working.

 

Q4: Is the aquarium air pump mandatory or not?

It is imperative to keep the unit running continuously when the plants in the tank are artificial. Even with real plants, leave the pump running continuously at night when photosynthesis stops. The fish in the pond need as much oxygen as the plants do. And when it’s as hot as 40°C outside as it is inside your house, your animals feel it. The intervention of this device tends to lower the temperature inside the tank.

 

 

Q5: How to empty an aquarium without a pump?

It is important to change the liquid in the tank frequently. Even if you have all the accessories to purify the air or water, don’t neglect this step. To do this, you must first unplug all power tools, namely the air pump, heater and filtration. Many people use a garden hose to empty and refill the tub. Whatever accessory is used, it must be perfectly clean to ensure the health of the aquatic animals living in the aquarium.

 

Q6: How long should I run an aquarium pump?

In the case of an air pump, if the noise bothers you, you can turn it off at night and turn it back on in the morning. If you have a small freshwater aquarium, it can run by itself without the need for a pump if you install it near a window. This advice does not apply to a large tank. It requires more artificial light to grow plants. At the very least, the pump should be on for twelve hours a day.

 

 

Q7: Where should the circulation pump be placed in a freshwater aquarium?

Since it is part of an aquarium water pump, it can simply be installed in the tank. In order to simulate waves and stir the water, its location in the tank can be strategic. If you have a reef aquarium, you should have multiple stirring pumps.

Ben
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