| What's one of the most important aspects of | | | | through the filter, and pump it back into the |
| keeping your aquarium clean and healthy? A | | | | aquarium, sometimes through other devices. |
| recirculating aquarium water pump helps keep the | | | | These types of pumps are usually quieter than |
| water squeaky clean and sparking clear, leading to | | | | in-line models, and they're easier to install. |
| healthier, happier fish and a beautiful aquarium | | | | However, the pumps are water-cooled, which |
| experience. That means you need to put some | | | | means they could add additional heat to your |
| real thought into choosing the right water pump | | | | aquarium. They also tend to be bulky, so you |
| for your aquarium, because it's the lynch pin that | | | | need to make sure there's room for them in your |
| everything else hinges on. | | | | sump area. |
| A good water pump powers your filtration | | | | In-line pumps sit outside the aquarium, and |
| system in your aquarium, and the size of the | | | | connect to it through an inlet and outlet hose. |
| pump depends on a lot of factors. How far do | | | | These pumps are air-cooled, so they won't alter |
| you have to pump the water? How fast do you | | | | the temperature of your aquarium, and they |
| want the water to flow? Will you use your pump | | | | usually bigger, more powerful pumps than the |
| to power other devices, like a protein skimmer? | | | | submersibles. Most in-line pumps are configured to |
| These are all questions you need to answer | | | | fit into either a pressure or free-flow system, but |
| before you purchase the right pump for your | | | | not both. |
| system. If you have questions, ask them before | | | | Another important aspect of choosing the right |
| you choose a pump, or you could be disappointed. | | | | pump is purchasing it from a reputable dealer |
| You need to know how many gallons per hour | | | | known for their quality and selection of pumps. |
| (GPH) your pump needs to process, and you | | | | Check out any online pet supply merchant for a |
| need to account for any bends or turns in your | | | | huge selection of recirculating aquarium water |
| plumbing system to help determine the size of | | | | pumps of all shapes and sizes, for anything from |
| the pump you need. There is a method to | | | | saltwater to fresh water aquariums large or small. |
| calculate the GPH. Most owners try to recycle the | | | | Look for some of the best-known water pump |
| aquarium volume about four times per hour. For | | | | lines, like Marine Line and Coralife. |
| example, this means your pump should be able to | | | | Most all water pumps can be used in either a salt |
| circulate five times as many gallons as your tank | | | | or fresh water system, but don't forget you |
| holds. If your aquarium holds 10 gallons, your | | | | have to buy things like clamps and hoses |
| pump should flow at a minimum of 50 GPH. If you | | | | separately, because recirculating aquarium water |
| have a lot of plumbing restrictions, it may be a | | | | pumps don't automatically come with these |
| good idea to purchase a pump up one size from | | | | accessories. |
| the size you calculate you need. | | | | Recirculating aquarium water pumps may sound |
| There are two types of recirculating aquarium | | | | complicated, but they're really not that hard to |
| water pumps, submersible and in-line, and each | | | | understand. Just be sure to use a reputable dealer |
| has some advantages and disadvantages. | | | | who can help you choose just the right water |
| Submersibles, as you'd expect, operate | | | | pump for your aquarium. With the right water |
| completely underwater, sometimes in the sump | | | | pump, maintaining your aquarium plants and |
| area of the filtration system. They pull water | | | | animals will truly be a breeze! |