| Water circulation is essential in any aquarium, to | | | | your tank into a chaotic whirlpool. Usually, the filter |
| ensure proper filtration, prevent the formation of | | | | manufacturer will specify the minimum flow rate |
| anoxic or low-temperature regions, and deliver | | | | needed for the water pump. The selected pump |
| nutrients to stationary organisms. Power heads | | | | should exceed the minimum flow rate, but be |
| and aerators often provide sufficient circulation | | | | comparable to it |
| for a basic aquarium. In a planted aquarium, | | | | 2) Durability. A water pump is one of the few |
| however, the water surface should be left | | | | devices with moving parts in an aquarium, and |
| undisturbed as much as possible to prevent loss | | | | therefore subject to wear and tear. Some pumps |
| of precious carbon dioxide and such devices | | | | (e.g. magnetic drive) are designed without internal |
| should not be used. | | | | seals that can become corroded. This is more |
| Water pumps provide the necessary circulation | | | | important for saltwater tanks, but well worth |
| both within the tank and through the filtration | | | | considering for a planted aquarium. |
| system, without unnecessary gas exchange. In a | | | | 3) Heat generation. The electric motor generates |
| typical planted aquarium, water flows passively to | | | | heat that is transmitted to the water. Too much |
| the pump from a submerged intake where it is | | | | heat may contribute to wear and tear and is |
| then propelled through the filter(s), and returned | | | | undesirable when you need to keep water |
| to the tank through an outlet below the water | | | | temperature below a certain level. |
| surface. The function of a water pump in a | | | | 4) Power consumption. A pump operates |
| planted aquarium is exactly the same as that of | | | | continuously and along with lights it is one of the |
| the heart in the human body: pumping water | | | | main contributors to the energy costs of a |
| rather than blood through a filter instead of the | | | | planted aquarium. Prefer pumps with lower energy |
| kidneys and liver. This analogy underscores the | | | | demands to keep costs down. |
| critical importance of the water pump in sustaining | | | | 5) Noise level. Unless the pump will operate fully |
| the health of a planted aquarium. | | | | immersed, noise from the water pump is not to |
| Not surprisingly, there are several types of | | | | be underestimated as a factor in the enjoyment |
| aquarium water pumps to choose from, suitable | | | | of your planted aquarium. You can often find |
| for different types of tanks and budgets (see our | | | | information on noise levels on the manufacturer's |
| selection at Julie's Pet Market). While perhaps not | | | | web site. |
| a glamorous part of setting up a planted | | | | In general, you should select the best quality |
| aquarium, the selection of a water pump is one of | | | | pump you can afford. There are fewer sources |
| the most crucial tasks to ensure a successful | | | | of headaches in an aquarium worse than a poor |
| experience. Several criteria should be considered. | | | | pump: noise, overheating, and leakages occurring |
| 1) Flow rate. Water pump flows are rated in | | | | at the least convenient time can send you |
| gallons per hour (gph) under free-flow conditions. | | | | scrambling for a replacement. Having to replace a |
| For example, a 100 gph pump will circulate all the | | | | faulty pump - even with another poor one - after |
| water in a 50 gallon tank twice in an hour. The | | | | just a few months of operation makes this choice |
| presence of a filter (and its condition) will reduce | | | | a false economy. The selection of water pumps |
| actual flow. It is important to pick a pump with | | | | offered at Julie's Pet Market includes only quality |
| sufficient flow to ensure proper filtration. | | | | products to avoid you such problems. |
| Conversely, an excessive water flow will turn | | | | |