Submersible pumps for an aquarium: what are they and how to choose the right one?

If you have an aquarium with fish at home, then you probably know that additional devices are needed to keep these beautiful little creatures. One of these devices is the pump.

The aquarium pump is a 2-in-1 device that combines the functions of a filter and a compressor. Among the advantages of a submersible pump, it should be noted:

• noiselessness of work;
• combination of several functions - saturation of water with oxygen, filtration, creation of intra-aquarium currents;
• small dimensions;
• attractive appearance.

The disadvantages include:

• quite tangible cost of quality models;
• the complexity of self-repair.

Based on the design, there are three types of aquarium pumps:

• internal (located in the aquarium in the water column);
• external (fixed on the outer wall of the tank);
• universal (the most common type of equipment).

You can also subdivide all devices into freshwater and marine.

Almost all models are designed for 12 volts.

The installation process of a submersible pump is quite simple and is described in detail in the operating instructions, which should be included in the device. Basic safety requirement: the connection to the electrical network must be carried out only after the complete installation of the device! Do not under any circumstances break this order.

Internal vacuum pumping devices are installed in the water column, the immersion depth is determined by the user.

The most convenient are universal models, since you can install them in a place convenient for you - both inside a container with water and outside. The devices do not require special maintenance, the main thing is to regularly rinse and, if necessary, replace the filter elements. To make the device less dirty, use a little trick: turn off the device while feeding the fish.

When choosing a suitable model, it is necessary to take into account many factors, the main of which are:

• the volume of the aquarium;
• the main purpose of the device;
• bandwidth.

The required power of the device depends on the size of the tank: for small aquariums, a low-power pump is enough, but for large ones, the power of the device must be appropriate, otherwise you will have to buy and install several pumps.

For example, if you plan to use a pump to collect and discharge water, pay attention to such an indicator as the height of the liquid rise. This factor varies for different models from 3-5 cm to several meters. This factor is also important if you want to create a waterfall or trickle in your aquarium. The unit for measuring the pump capacity is 1 l / h.

The productivity of the equipment should be several times the volume of your tank. Next, check with the seller for which water the device is intended - for fresh or sea water.

Also an important point is the presence of additional parts or functions: for example, a protective grill that protects the inhabitants of the tank from getting inside the device, as well as the ability to regulate the intensity of the circulating fluid flow.

The most popular brands of aquarium pumps:

• Eheim;
• Aquael;
• Aquarium;
• Hailea.

Each of these manufacturers has a variety of models for different types of tanks. Eheim and Aquarium produce high quality and aesthetic products, but their cost is quite high.... If your finances do not allow you to purchase models of these firms, pay attention to the pumps of other firms. There is a fairly large selection of these devices on the market - both imported and domestic. If you wish, it is quite possible to choose a device according to your capabilities without much loss in quality.

For what an aquarium pump is, see below.