Pumps & Powerheads

Aquarium pumps and powerheads

Water flow brings food and oxygen to corals and carries waste away. Our aquarium pumps and powerheads include return pumps that move water from the sump, wave makers and powerheads that create flow in the display, and quiet, adjustable DC pumps.

How much flow do you need?

It depends on what you keep. For example, many reefers aim to turn their tank's water over 20 to 50 times an hour with powerheads. Soft corals and LPS like gentler flow. SPS corals, on the other hand, like strong flow.

Random, changing flow is better than one steady stream. For this reason, many wave makers have modes that pulse or alternate. Also, aim the flow so it reaches behind and under the rock, where waste collects.

Common questions

How big a return pump do I need?

Most sumps work well when the return pump turns the tank's water over 5 to 10 times an hour, after head loss.

Why is my pump noisy?

It is often air in the pump or a worn impeller. Our replacement parts include impellers for many models.