all about aquarium pump

 

All about Aquarium Pump

 

‘Aquarium pump’ is a generic term used for water pumps used in fish tanks. It is the most important accessory of any fish tank. External water pumps also have filters attached to filter debris present in the water. This aquarium pump plays an important role of keeping the fish alive by providing the much-needed oxygen and keeping the environment healthy in the tank.

 

Fish utilize oxygen present in water to breathe and stay alive. Some fishes take in the oxygen by breathing air but not all fishes have such capabilities. Presence of ample amount of oxygen in water is essential for the well-being of fishes. The water in the fish tank can become stagnant if not filtered and circulated in regular intervals of time.

 

Aquarium pump does the task of filtration and circulation of water. The circulation makes the water move to the surface and draw oxygen by interacting with air. The water needs to be moved to the surface, because carbon dioxide collects below the surface and needs to be stirred to move it up. The process in which carbon dioxide present in water is released and oxygen is absorbed in water is called aeration. Aquarium pump displaces the water by creating bubbles. The pump sucks air from the atmosphere and releases it in water causing bubbles, which stirs the water and helps in circulation and aeration.

 

There are two different type of aquarium pump used for water circulation. They are

1) External aquarium pump

2)   Internal Aquarium pump

 

1)   External Aquarium pump draws air from open atmosphere and pumps it from hose attached to pump. The pump is externally fitted on the fish tank. It facilitates the water movement by creating bubbles in the tank. External pumps are used for smaller tanks below 50 gallons. External pumps can clog and become ineffective. Hence, it is necessary to clean and maintain these pumps regularly.

 

2)   Internal Aquarium pump, immersed in water tank, creates currents that move the water to the surface for aeration. Internal pumps are necessary for bigger tanks where large amount of water needs to be moved. Power heads are used in external pumps to create strong currents. Power heads are not suitable for all fishes and their environment.

 

Aquarium Pump needs to be chosen considering the size of the fish tank. Presence of plants and other items in the tanks are some factors that need to be considered while choosing the right aquarium pump. Aquatic plants result in faster depletion of oxygen present in water. A large pump is essential if plants are added in fish tanks.