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