Best Aquarium Return Pump – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

If you have an aquarium, you know that having a good return pump is one of the most important aspects of keeping your fish healthy and your water clean. A return pump circulates the water in your aquarium and helps filter out toxins and debris.

There are many different types of return pumps on the market, and it can be tricky to choose the right one for your aquarium. In this article, we’ll review some of the best return pumps on the market and give you a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Comparison Table of the 5 Best Aquarium Return Pumps

What Is An Aquarium Return Pump?

An aquarium return pump is a submersible water pump used to circulate water in an aquarium. The return pump is responsible for moving water from the aquarium to the filter and then back to the aquarium. In doing so, it helps to keep the water in the aquarium clean and fresh.

There are various types of return pumps available on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. Return pumps can be classified into two main categories: internal and external. Internal return pumps are submersible pumps that are placed inside the aquarium. External return pumps are not submersible and are placed outside of the aquarium.

Both types of return pumps have their own advantages and disadvantages. Internal return pumps are less expensive and are easier to install than external return pumps. However, external return pumps tend to be more durable and reliable than internal return pumps.

Return pumps are an important part of any aquarium setup. They play a vital role in keeping the water in the aquarium clean and fresh. In order to choose the best return pump for your aquarium, it is important to understand the different types of return pumps available on the market and the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Types of Aquarium Return Pumps

As previously mentioned, return pumps can be classified into two main categories: internal and external. Let’s take a more detailed look at each type of return pump.

Internal Pumps

When looking at a wide selection of pump types, you might see some models advertised as “internal” pumps. So, what does this mean? Internal aquarium pumps are submersible pumps that are placed directly into the aquarium.

They are sometimes referred to as a “circulation pump” since their primary purpose is to help circulate water throughout the aquarium.

As far as closed loop options go, a submersible pump will likely give you the most flow rate for your money. Internal aquarium water pumps are very popular because they are more affordable than their external counterparts, allowing you to spend more money on other aquarium purchases.

External Pumps

Looking for some of the most advanced pumps on the market? Do you own saltwater aquariums or a coral reef tank requiring specific water parameters? If so, an external aquarium pump might be your best option.

Known for their incredibly powerful pump pressure and top-of-the-line filters, these models are some of the best money can buy – but they come at a cost.

External water pumps are not submersible and are placed outside of the aquarium. Inline pumps are an example of an external aquarium pump. These types of pumps are very popular among owners of saltwater tanks because they are very powerful and can be used to circulate a large volume of water.

While they are more expensive than internal aquarium pumps, external aquarium pumps are known for their durability and reliability. If you have the budget for an external aquarium pump, it is definitely worth considering this type of return pump for your aquarium.

At the end of the day, choosing the correct return pump for your tank is all about finding the right balance of power and price.

Choosing The Right Return Pump

We’ve previously touched on the importance of choosing the right return pump for your aquarium. But with so many different types of aquarium pumps on the market, how do you know which one is right for your tank? Here are some factors to keep in mind.

Factor Head Pressure Into Your Calculations

Figuring out the correct pump pressure for your aquarium can be a bit tricky. Many people make the mistake of only considering the flow rate when choosing a return pump, but head loss calculations are just as important.

Head pressure is the amount of pressure that is required to move water from one point to another. When choosing a return pump for freshwater and reef aquariums, things like plumbing friction & headloss need to be considered.

Powerful flow rates mean nothing when the return pump doesn’t have the power to overcome head pressure. For every foot of height that the water needs to be pumped, there is a 0.433 PSI drop in head pressure. This means that if you have an aquarium that is 4 feet tall, you will need a return pump that can generate at least 1.73 PSI of pump pressure.

In addition to the height of your aquarium, you also need to consider the length of your plumbing. The longer the plumbing, the greater the head pressure loss will be. Most reef aquariums have a sump tank that is located below the main aquarium. This means that the water will need to be pumped up to the main aquarium, which will require a return pump with high head pressure.

If you’re not sure how much head pressure your aquarium will need, it’s always best to calculate the max head height by adding the height of your aquarium to the length of your plumbing. This will give you a worst-case scenario, so you can choose a return pump that can handle it.

Energy Efficiency Is A Good Perk

Energy consumption is another important factor to consider when choosing a return pump. The good news is that many manufacturers have started to produce energy-efficient aquarium pumps. The key to spotting a quality pump with an energy-saving design is to look for one with a low pump wattage rating.

This measures the number of watts of power that the pump uses and is a good way to compare the energy efficiency of different models. In general, you should try to find a return pump that uses as little energy as possible.

Maximizing energy savings is not only good for your wallet, but it’s also better for the environment. DC pumps tend to be more energy efficient than AC pumps because affordable DC power supplies have become more readily available in recent years.

One potential downside of DC pumps is that they can be more expensive than AC models. Another way to reduce the energy consumption of your aquarium return pump is to use a timer. Current time clocks are very accurate and can be used to turn the pump on and off at specific intervals.

This is a great way to reduce energy consumption because you can set the pump to run during the daytime when your aquarium lights are on. This way, the pump will only run when needed, and you won’t have to worry about wasting energy when your aquarium lights are off.

Consider Additional Features You Would Enjoy

Last but not least, you should consider the additional features each return pump offers. For instance, many newer models come with a synchronous motor, which is much quieter than traditional asynchronous motors.

Now that you know more about return pumps, it’s time to start shopping for the perfect model for your aquarium.

5 Best Aquarium Return Pumps

When it comes to choosing an aquarium return pump, there are a lot of factors to consider. But don’t worry – we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the five best return pumps on the market.

This submersible water pump from VIVOSUN is designed for reliability and ultra-quiet operation to provide years of service. Measuring just 4.1 x 2.6x 3.5 inches, the small profile size makes the VIVOSUN 800GPH Submersible Pump ideal for use in a wide range of aquariums, ponds, fountains, and hydroponic systems. You can place it in a variety of different positions and angles to meet the specific needs of your application – the possibilities are endless!

To make maintenance a breeze, VIVOSUN has made this return pump easy to detach and clean. Simply remove it from the water, disassemble it, and give it a good rinse in some fresh water. There is no need for specialized tools or equipment. In addition, this reliable return pump is versatile enough to be used in temperatures between 32 to 104 degrees F, which is remarkable considering its budget price point and compact package.

This being a cheaper pump compared to most other options on our list, it is still packed with features that make it a fantastic piece of equipment for your aquarium. However, this might not be the right model for you if you require something with a high max lift or more power. Though it claims to be able to lift water 10 feet high, some customer reviews pointed out that it has trouble reaching that mark in real-world scenarios.

With a max flow rate of 925 gallons per hour and a maximum lift height of 11.5 feet, the Jebao DCP Sine Wave Water Return Pump is one of our most powerful return pumps. These impressive specs are made possible by the pump’s sine wave drive technology, which provides amazing energy efficiency while still delivering high performance. Where typical equipment manufacturers focus on either flow or energy efficiency, Jebao has focused on providing the best of both worlds with this innovative return pump.

One of the most underrated aspects of a reliable water pump is its ability to be controlled and monitored. With the Jebao DCP Sine Wave Water Return Pump, you’ll have complete control over your equipment with the included digital display and wireless remote control. Gone are the days of faulty controllers and displays – with this return pump, you’ll be able to see exactly what’s going on and make changes on the fly. This is handy when you’re using the internal flow control method and want to ensure your equipment is running at peak efficiency.

One potential downside of the Jebao DCP Sine Wave Water Return Pump is that it may leak after extended use. While this isn’t a common issue, it’s something to be aware of if you’re afraid of ending up with a leaky pump over time. In the unlikely event that you receive a faulty unit, simply return or exchange it within 30 days of receipt. It should be in unused condition, and Amazon typically covers shipping charges for a seamless experience.

The Pondmaster Magnetic Drive Utility Pump is a versatile and powerful return pump that’s perfect for a wide range of aquariums. With a max flow rate of 1200 gallons per hour and a maximum lift height of 10 feet, this return pump can handle just about anything you throw at it. The Pondmaster Magnetic Drive Utility Pump will provide more than enough power and performance for most aquariums.

One of the best features of the Pondmaster Magnetic Drive Utility Pump is that it is highly energy-efficient, thanks to its magnetic drive technology. This feature allows the pump to operate at peak efficiency while still delivering high performance, so you can save money on your energy bill over time. Though you’ll have to pay a bit more upfront, this complete package of a pump more than justifies its pump cost.

Despite its impressive features, the Pondmaster Magnetic Drive Utility Pump does have a few potential downsides. First, the pump is not submersible, so you’ll need to install it above your aquarium. Additionally, customer service for this product can be hit or miss, so you may have difficulty getting help if you run into any issues. Overall, however, the Pondmaster Magnetic Drive Utility Pump is a great return pump for most aquariums.

The main difference between an AC and DC return pump is that a DC return pump tends to be more energy efficient. The Current USA eFlux DC Flow Pump is a testament to this, as it’s one of the most energy-efficient return pumps on the market. Its sealed, magnetically-driven DC motor makes it 65% more energy efficient compared to similar AC-powered return pumps, thus saving money on your energy bill over time.

In addition to its energy efficiency, the Current USA eFlux DC Flow Pump is incredibly versatile as it can be installed inside and outside your aquarium. This return pump can handle whether you have a freshwater or saltwater aquarium. Additionally, the Current USA eFlux DC Flow Pump is one of the smallest return pumps on the market, so it’s perfect if you’re working with limited space.

The only potential downside of the Current USA eFlux DC Flow Pump is that it is a little pricey. You are definitely paying for the quality and performance of this return pump, but it may not be within everyone’s budget. Overall, however, the Current USA eFlux DC Flow Pump is one of the very few awesome pumps on the market that delivers on performance, energy efficiency, and ease of installation. You really can’t go wrong with this return pump.

We’ve looked at return pumps on both the higher and lower end of the price spectrum, and now it’s time to find a happy medium between them. The Orlushy DC-5000 Silent Swirl 1320GPH is a great return pump for those who want quality without breaking the bank. This return pump is one of the most silent on the market, thanks to its unique swirl design. This means you won’t have to worry about the pump disrupting your peace and quiet as it does its job.

In addition to being one of the most silent return pumps on the market, the Orlushy DC-5000 Silent Swirl 1320 comes with various modes and settings, such as feed mode, wave mode, and a general steady flow zone. This means you can customize the pump to best suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a gentle or more powerful flow. The fact that this pump comes with 20 different speed settings adds to its versatility, as you can find the perfect flow rate for your aquarium.

As is the case with most mass-produced items, there are bound to be a few lemons in the batch. Unfortunately, this return pump is no exception, as some pumps have been known to malfunction after just a few months of use. However, reviewers generally agree that this is more of an exception than the rule, and that the Orlushy DC-5000 Silent Swirl 1320 is a great return pump for the price.

The Takeaway

Aquarium return pumps are an important part of any aquarium system, as they help to circulate water and keep your tank clean. The key to finding the best return pump for your needs is to first determine what those needs are.

What is the size of your tank? How much flow do you need? Once you have answered these questions, you can narrow down your search to find the perfect return pump for your aquarium.

We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful in your search for the best aquarium return pump. If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences with return pumps, please leave a comment below. And if you know someone in the market for a new return pump, share this article with them!