In a way, your fish tank is a simulated ecosystem– to maintain it; you need to recreate what the natural environment will to keep fish alive and healthy. Supplying oxygen to the fish is one of the 2 most important things in recreating the ecosystem, and constantly flowing water is that the other. To simulate the effect of flowing water, fish tank pump is required. A good fish tank pump keeps the water flowing, which is important for the air within the tank to circulate and to allow the water to flow to the filter and take away contaminants.
The two kinds of pumps
Aquarium pump can be either internal or external. Internal or submersible pumps – because the name suggests – are mounted within the tank and encased with waterproof materials. They sometimes placed close to the ceiling and can also be integrated with filters. External pumps are placed outside the tank and a little hose connects to the fish tank, delivering pressure to the water. These are sometimes used for small tanks that have limited areas inside the fish tank.
Size and turnover rate
The size of the fish tank usually determines however powerful the pumps should be. Powerful pumps will generate a great deal of heat and can raise the water’s temperature to unsafe levels. This is why you should fit your tank for the proper size of the pump. Naturally, larger aquariums will require additional powerful pumps. Some may even need 2 pumps in one fish tank. For constant provides of clean water and air, pumps with a high turnover rate are desired. Closed aquariums generally want higher turnover rates than open aquariums.