Best Aquarium Water Pump – Top Picks And Guides

If you have an aquarium, then you know that one of the most important pieces of equipment is the water pump. The water pump circulates the water in the aquarium, so not only does it create clean water for your fish, but it also keeps the water aerated so that your fish can breathe. A healthy environment for your fish is crucial, and that’s why it’s important to choose the best and quietest aquarium water pump.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of aquarium water pumps and what to look for when choosing one. We will also provide a list of our top picks for the best and quietest aquarium water pumps. Keep reading to learn more about choosing the best water pump for your aquarium.

Comparison Table of The 5 Best Aquarium Water Pump

Types of Aquarium Pumps

There are two main types of aquarium water pumps: internal and external. Internal pumps are submersible and can be placed inside the aquarium. External pumps are not submersible and must be placed outside the aquarium. Both types of pumps have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Internal Pumps

An internal or submersible pump is less expensive than external pumps and is easier to install. This type of water pump is also less likely to leak because they are sealed inside the aquarium. However, a submersible water pump can be more difficult to clean and maintain. They can also be noisy because they are in close proximity to the fish.

Examples of submerged pumps include powerhead pumps, sponge filters, and corner filters.

External Pumps

An external type of aquarium pump, on the other hand, can be more expensive. But it’s easier to clean and maintain because it’s not submersible. An external aquarium pump is also less likely to leak. However, they can be noisy because they are not in close proximity to the fish.

Examples of external water pumps include inline pumps, canister pumps, and sump pumps.

When choosing an aquarium water pump, you need to consider the size of your aquarium, the type of fish you have, and the type of pump you want. You also need to consider how much noise you’re willing to tolerate. Check out our buyer’s guide below to learn about the factors you ought to consider when choosing an aquarium water pump.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best & Quietest Aquarium Water Pump

There are several factors you need to consider when choosing an aquarium water pump. Here are the most important factors to consider:

Tank Size

The size of your aquarium is important because it will determine the size of the pump you need. If your aquarium is too small for a certain pump, it will not work properly. Conversely, if your aquarium is too large for a certain pump, it will overwork and could break.

Generally speaking, larger tanks will require pumps with a powerful flow rate ranging from 200 to 1,000 gallons per hour. As a rule of thumb, the minimum and maximum flow rate of your aquarium should be four times the volume of your tank. So, if you have a 50-gallon tank, you’ll need a pump with a flow rate of 200 to 400 gallons per hour.

It’s important to choose something with an appropriate flow rate, rather than opt for the most powerful pump you can find. If the water pressure generated at the outlet hose is too powerful for the fish and plants in the tank, it can cause them to be blown about and even uprooted. Keep your fish safe by choosing a pump with the right flow rate for your aquarium size.

Noise Level

The noise level of the pump is an important consideration, especially if you have a bedroom aquarium. Some pumps operate silently, while others are just loud. If you’re sensitive to loud noises, be sure to read the reviews before purchasing a pump.

Despite what some manufacturers may claim, there’s no such thing as a “silent” aquarium water pump. Even the quietest water pump will make some noise. However, the level of noise will vary from pump to pump. Some pumps produce a low humming noise, while others are louder and sound like a motor running.

Energy Efficiency

You also need to consider the energy efficiency of the pump. Your aquarium water pump will be running 24/7, so you want to choose one that doesn’t use a lot of energy. The good news is that there are many energy-efficient options on the market. Pumps that are Energy Star-certified will yield greater energy savings for you and your wallet, making this an easy way to identify pumps that are right for you.

To find the most energy-efficient option, you should also look for a pump that has an adjustable flow rate. That way, you can lower the flow rate when you don’t need as much water movement and raise it when you do. Doing so will help save energy and money over the long term. The type of power cord or power cable is also important, as some are more energy-efficient than others.

Finally, you might also want to consider a solar-powered water pump. These pumps use energy from the sun to power the pump, so they don’t use any electricity from your home. If you’re concerned about how the potential lack of sunlight may affect your tank, have no fear. Solar-powered pumps generally come with a battery backup, so they’ll still work even if there’s no sun. 

Price

Last but not least, you need to consider the price of the pump. Not all pumps are created equal, and some are more expensive than others. However, there are plenty of cheaper pumps on the market that are still high-quality. When comparing prices, be sure to factor in the cost of replacement parts, such as the impeller, as these can wear down over time.

You also want to look for a durable pump that may cost more upfront, but will save you money in replacement costs over the long run. Pumps that are built with good-quality parts, such as stainless steel, are often more expensive but will last longer than cheaper models.

In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $200 for an aquarium water pump. Of course, the price will vary depending on the features and specs of the pump, but this gives you a rough idea of what you can expect to pay. Learn to delineate between the nice-to-haves and the must-haves, and you’re sure to find the best aquarium water pump for your tank.

5 Best Aquarium Water Pump

Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for in an aquarium water pump, it’s time to choose the right one for your tank. Here are our top five picks for the best aquarium water pumps on the market:

Whether you’re looking for a submersible aquarium pump or something that can be used in-line, the Danner Supreme will wow you with its wide range of applications. This versatile pump is capable of handling 350 gallons of water per hour and can be used in larger aquariums, reef tanks, as well as hydroponic systems.

In addition to being energy-efficient, the 10′ grounded power cord makes it a safe choice for your home. The magnetically coupled motor also helps to reduce noise, making it one of the quietest aquarium water pumps for its size. Danner has also been in business for over 80 years and is a trusted name in the aquarium industry, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality product.

Though it’s a bit more expensive than some of the other options on our list, this pump is well worth the price tag. Hobbyists looking for something at a budget price point will want to look elsewhere, but if you’re simply looking for a reliable addition to your aquarium setup, the Danner Supreme is perfect. Its straightforward installation process will have you up and running in no time.

We’re all about saving money here at AquariumInfo, and the Tetra Whisper is one of the most affordable aquarium water pumps on our list. This pump is designed for smaller aquariums up to 30 gallons and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The Tetra Whisper is also an extremely silent water pump, so if you’ve been looking for something that emits minimal noise, this is a great option.

One of the best things about this pump is its compact design. The goal of submerged water pumps is to be as unobtrusive as possible, and the Tetra Whisper definitely hits the mark. Its simple design means that it will blend in seamlessly with your aquascape, allowing you to stay true to the aesthetics of your fish’s natural habitat as much as possible.

Although it’s a great pump for the price, the Tetra Whisper does have a few drawbacks. First and foremost, it’s not as durable as some of the other options on our list. This is to be expected given its budget price point, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a long-term investment. Additionally, it does not come with a backup battery for power outages. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, this may not be the best aquarium water pump for you.

Looking for a reliable return pump that can do it all? Check out the Oslushy DC-4000! Not only is this a reliable pump for fish tanks of most sizes, it is also energy-saving and boasts ultra-quiet operation. For the uninitiated, this means that the Orlushy will maintain healthy oxygen levels without racking up high utility bills or making too much noise.

This highly efficient pump also comes with three operation modes: steady flow mode for when you need a constant flow of water, wave mode for when you want to create gentle ripples on the surface of your aquarium, and feed mode for when you want to temporarily shut off the flow of water. This is a great feature for fishkeepers who want maximum control over their aquarium’s water movement.

Additionally, the Orlushy DC-4000 is designed with safety in mind. It comes equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that kicks in when the water level gets too low. The only thing that we don’t love about this pump is that it might leak when used as a return pump, so be sure to place it on a flat surface and keep an eye on the water level in your fish tank.

Like it or not, power outages are a fact of life. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, it’s important to have a backup plan for your fish tank. The Penn Plax Silent Air is a battery-operated aquarium air pump that monitors the oxygen levels in your fish tank and kicks into action when the power goes out. This pump runs on 2D batteries, so it’s important to keep a few fresh batteries on hand at all times.

Although the Penn Plax Silent Air is designed for small aquariums, it’s a great option for larger tanks as well. This pump is extremely powerful and can move a lot of water, making it a great choice for return pumps. If you have a larger tank, simply purchase additional pumps as needed. And if you need further clarification, their ever-helpful customer service team is just an email or phone call away.

Because the Penn Plax Silent Air is designed for use in small aquariums, it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of some of the other options on our list. However, it more than makes up for this with its simple design and ease of use. This pump is an excellent choice for first-time fishkeepers or anyone who wants a no-fuss way to keep their fish tank oxygenated when the unexpected happens.

We’re rounding out our list with the PULACO 95GPH 5W Mini Submersible Water Pump. This diminutive pump is one of the smallest on our list, making it a great choice for small aquariums or tight spaces. Despite its small size, this pump packs a real punch. It’s capable of moving 95 gallons of water per hour, making it a great choice for both fresh and saltwater aquariums.

The PULACO 95GPH 5W Mini Submersible Water Pump is also one of the most versatile options on our list. It can be used in a hydroponics setting, in a fish tank, or even in a small garden. This pump also comes with adjustable knob attachments so that you can customize the flow of water to suit your needs. This will prove incredibly helpful when you’re first setting up your aquarium as you experiment with different water flow rates.

One downside of this pump is that it can be a little loud for some people’s taste. However, we think that the pros far outweigh the cons and that this pump is a great choice for anyone in the market for a small, versatile water pump.

Conclusion

This concludes our list of the best and quietest aquarium water pumps. We hope that you found our guide helpful and that you were able to find a pump that’s right for your needs. Remember to always do your research before making any major changes to your fish tank set-up, because this will make sure that your fish stay healthy and happy for years to come.

If you found this guide helpful, we’d appreciate it if you could share it with your fellow fishkeepers. And be sure to check back often for more helpful guides and tips on all things fishkeeping! We’d love to hear from you, so feel free to leave a comment below or contact us directly. Until next time, happy fishkeeping!