The Best Aquarium Pumps in 2022

The Homasy 400 GPH Submersible Pump again is a unit which can be installed within an aquarium, tank and so on. Four suction cups are included with the pump, so it can be fitted stably and securely to any inner aquarium wall, yet is easy to detach when needed.

The maximum flow rate is a generous 400 GPH, but the output of bubbles can be dialed down if needed with a built-in control knob on the side. There are also two differently sized nozzles (0.51” and 0.62”), so using the smaller can decrease the flow rate too if that’s desirable. The power cable is around 5ft9, making it ideal for smaller installations and with a 25W motor, your energy bills won’t leap up either. The unit is relatively quiet while in operation, helped by the fact that it can be submerged within the tank which deadens the noise.

Top of our list is the Simple Deluxe 1056 GPH Listed Submersible Pump. As well as positive reviews on its performance, it’s also packed with features that ensure this is an investment that will last, ensuring you get value for money.

For instance, this pump has a pre-filter included in the price, which helps prevent debris from entering your aquarium pump which could shorten its useful lifespan, as well as impacting on how noisy it is while in operation. The impeller shaft is also constructed from polished Aluminum Oxide Ceramic, which is more than triple the strength of stainless steel and won’t corrode in water either. All working parts are encased in epoxy resin, which ensures they’re protected from corrosion too.

The VicTsing Submersible Water Pump has a maximum flow rate of 80 GPH, but this is flexible as the unit enables you to adjust the water flow to create exactly the degree of pressure you need. In fact, this is a highly versatile pump for a range of uses, as it also comes with four suction cups which are strong enough for you to be able to place it either vertically or horizontally on any stable surface within an aquarium, fountain, hydroponic system or other set-up.

The impeller is made of stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion and will help extend the lifespan of your pump. As an added benefit, the unit is easy to strip down and keep clean when needed – no tools are required to get at the moving parts.

All bodies of water need some cleaning out once in a while. Out in nature, the current does its best to take care of that, but in an aquarium, a water pump helps the filter get it done. With the Homasy 80 GP Submersible Water Pump, small to medium aquariums, the mini fountain as well as water gardens have a sure way of being cleaned out. Thanks to its compact size, it is incredibly easy to conceal in the water, it blends in with the general aesthetic of the fish tank. Installation is also a breeze thanks to the suction cups attached; it can easily be mounted onto any glass surface. There’s no need for any tools, drilling or tinkering, just slap it on the right spot and it is good to go.

The fact that it is has a noiseless motor makes it the perfect indoor fixture, this does not take away from the efficacy of the motor. Additionally, its stellar design is a great perk, it has a knob that makes it incredibly easy to adjust the flow rate to an optimum level.

The MarineLand Penguin is a pump and filter all in one, with a certified flow rate of 200 GPH, making it ideal for aquariums holding around 30 to 50 gallons of water. Smaller and larger sizes are also available in the same range.

The filter feature offers mechanical and chemical filtration of aquariums and the price includes the required carbon filter cartridges (one or two, depending on the size of unit purchased). These can be cleaned periodically and reused. A BIO-Wheel is also included – this ensures biological filtration of your tank, removing nitrites and ammonia. The BIO-Wheel does not need replacement on  regular basis, as it’s designed to help promote healthy bacteria in the water.

The KEDSUM 320 GPH Submersible Pump is a small, neat unit, that’s designed to be easy to conceal and not spoil the overall look of your tank. It can be mounted either vertically or horizontally within an aquarium or other water feature, but naturally should be fully submerged within water for correct operation. It’s low on power consumption too, at 20 Watts, and won’t create excessive noise pollution either – it’s advertised as being an ultra-quiet design. Despite its small size, though, it packs a powerful punch: the maximum flow rate is 320 GPH, or 1500 liters per hour and the maximum lift height is around 4ft.

Water flow can be controlled by using either of the two outlet adapters that come with the unit – you can choose between the 0.51” or 0.63” nozzles, the smaller of which will reduce the maximum flow rate. It’s easy to detach for moving or cleaning, which should be done with any aquarium pump from time to time to remove any debris that might affect its operation or increase the noise it makes while in use.

One of the Vivosun Air Pump’s key features is that it is suitable for outdoor use. It’s also energy efficient and built to resist wear and tear, so can be operated 24/7 once put in place in your aquarium or hydroponics system. It has a massive GPH of 950 which equates to around 60 liters of air per minute. There are six valve outlets, meaning it could work over six separate aquariums or positioned in different places within one to ensure an even flow of bubbles throughout the water volume. Each valve is adjustable so the flow can be altered according to requirements. However, you’ll need to supply your own tubing (1/4” air-line tubing required), air stones and so on.

The power cable stretches around 5ft, so you may also need an extension cord. The unit is relatively quiet for an outdoor pump with a measured low noise generation of under 60 decibels.

Even if it’s coming from a machine, water movement should seem natural, not unruly or simply non-existent. With a water pump like the Hydor Koralia Nano Aquarium Circulation Pump, your fish will experience the realistic motion of oceans and streams, with additional perks. The overall design of this water pump features a portable fixture that comes equipped with a patented magnet suction cup. This makes it incredibly easy to position it safely away from the water, but where it can do the most work. This energy saving aquarium water pump can equally be connected to a controller. This controller can conveniently be used to program intervals by the second, minute or hour. In addition to the timer, it is also equipped with wavemaker systems. To top it all off, every part of this device is well catered for, it comes with a much-needed cable protector as well as suitable instructions for how to position it.

The best place to make use of the Hydor Koralia is in saltwater or freshwater aquariums that need a tad bit more of circulation.

Available for a budget price, the Tetra Whisper Easy to Use Air Pump comes in different sizes depending on the size of your aquarium, from this one (up to 10 gallons) to one that can aerate a 60-100 gallon tank. While this particular model does not include air flow adjustment or multiple outlets, others higher up the range, for larger tanks, do.

The manufacturer boasts about the quietness of the unit, and customer reviews seem to back that up! The design incorporates sound dampening chambers and the housing is dome-shaped, which helps contain and reduce noise. This makes it ideal for indoor use as a fish tank pump, particularly where quiet operation is a bonus, such as aquariums kept in bedrooms. Where there is any excess noise emitted, it’s usually down to a factor that’s easily resolved, such as tightening the plastic housing.

This Uniclife Aquarium Pump is an in-line pump (ie not submersible) great for both salt- and freshwater tanks and can cope with any volume of water from 20 to 100 gallons. The air flow is adjustable via a rotating dial mounted on the side, and with two outlets, you can use it to aerate two separate tanks or position the air stones separately within the same tank for better coverage.

Despite its potential power, though, it’s guaranteed to be a quiet unit that will fit well into indoor environments, with a noise output of around 25 decibels when run at its lowest flow rate. If you find it too noisy when set at higher levels (which still only reach a maximum of 40dB), a small blanket underneath the unit will help deaden noise. Most reviewers, though, comment extremely positively on the quietness of this product, especially in comparison with others at the same price point.

A simple design that works brilliantly for freshwater aquariums (though it is not suitable for saltwater choices), this submersible pump will work anywhere you need it, within your tank. The 5ft long power cord is the ideal length for most tanks, though it won’t stretch quite to where you need it without an extension cord.

It is easy to assemble and disassemble, as well as to split up and clean when required, to help keep your tank in top condition. It is extremely powerful and therefore ideal for larger tanks. That does, of course, mean it’s not a great choice for smaller tanks, as it can be a little too strong for these. Despite this, it’s highly energy efficient and compact, and therefore perfect for the majority of large aquariums.

Safety is key, especially when introducing a new fixture into the aquatic habitat. That is why the COODIA 15W 200GPH Submersible Pump is designed with safety at its core. Not only is it anti-corrosive, it is also equally acid-resisting and long-lasting. Its general design fosters reliability while also being extremely quiet. Additionally, it features a 12RGB LED light ring that creates a pleasing visual effect.

That is not the only attachment it comes with, there are also accompanying blossom and mushroom fountain heads. Their heights are easily adjustable thanks to the generous addition of 3 extensions. With all these handy features, it is quite surprising that this pump is energy efficient thanks to its power-saving capabilities. It makes use of a maximum amount of AC 110V of power while providing 15 Watts of power. On top of all this, it is also easy to take apart when it’s time for some good old cleaning. Based on this its, efficiency is only topped by its user-friendliness.

Oxygen supply is as vital underwater as it is above it. That’s no issue because the EcoPlus 126 GPH Air Pump can ensure that the flora and fauna in your aquarium have access to enough of it. This device is known for its ability to supply the optimum amount of oxygen to the inhabitants of aquariums, fish farms, indoor gardens as well as hydroponic systems. Not only does it run smoothly, but it is easily operated with little to no oil and with even less noise. Its noiseless nature can be credited to the fact that it is fitted with a double damping noise reduction system.

Additionally, this high energy aquarium water pump is fitted with two chambers which provide a well-blended combination of high outputs as well as stable pressure. Despite the fact that this device does not need a whole lot of oil, it is a well-oiled machine in a proverbial sense. The general design of this water pump features a sturdy water-resistant housing because accidents do happen. Also, the cylinders and pistons are made from high-quality materials which work together to make it a strong and durable pump.

It is a hassle to get the right pump for little bodies of water. But the havoc caused by more powerful options is a thing of the past thanks to the stellar workings of the KEDSUM 880GPH Submersible Pump. This is the perfect fit if you are the owner of Nano to medium sized aquariums, a water garden, a small pond, a spout, a hydroponic system or even a desktop water fountain. Big is not always better, thanks to the compact size of this water pump, it is not just easy to hide inside the water tank, but it is also incredibly easy to clean. The fact that it is detachable goes a long way to ensure that the cleaning process is a lot more streamlined. 

This may not have much to do with the size, but it is equally very quiet, so it’s perfect for indoor use. For further convenience, it is fitted with a percolator which effectively ensures that the rotor stays unblocked by rubbish. It also has a total of 3 outlet adapters of different sizes which provide more options for your preferred water flow. This way, there is a hitch-free movement of water through and through.

As astonishing as it may be, the answer to your water aquarium pump needs could simply fit in the palm of your hands. The Aquastation Silent Swirl Controllable DC Aquarium Pump is the embodiment of the term ‘small but mighty.’ With the maximum flow rate of 1056 GPH and a maximum lift head of 11.5 feet, it goes without saying, it is full of pleasant surprises. In addition to all this, it features a total of three pump modes, the steady flow, wave, and feed mode. The great part of it all is that despite being able to achieve so much, it saves up to 65% energy more than most traditional water pumps. It makes use of a low amount of voltage which makes it quite a safe option.

It is also incredibly silent and as such is perfect for indoor use, be it in marine or freshwater tanks. Its versatility does not end there, it is a submersible and inline water pump wrapped up in one. With its run dry protection, it can safely work both on the inside and outside of your fish tank. To top it all off, it offers up 20 different speed settings, while also giving way for specific adjustments to be made to the water flow.