For the health of your fish, an aquarium should mimic the natural world to the best of your ability. In fresh and saltwater environments, the water is constantly moving. Your aquarium’s filter will typically help maintain adequate water movement and surface agitation. But adding a pump to your aquarium can increase surface agitation and eliminate anoxic "dead zones", especially if you have a larger aquarium.
Aquarium Pumps
Aquarium pumps provide multiple functions. A pump can help to distribute nutrients and oxygen throughout an aquarium or paludarium and prevent stagnant areas. You can use an aquarium pump to operate other aquarium equipment like a UVC or filter. Aquarium pumps can also be used in a discreet aquarium sump filtration system to quietly and effortlessly return the filtered water back into the aquarium.
TIP! The basis for selecting an aquarium pump is based on the desired flow rate and head height. In general, it is better to choose a more powerful pump than a less powerful one for your setup and use the flow control to adjust the water flow rate.
TIP! Determine the ideal pump for your aquarium sump by matching the distance of the sump to your aquarium return outlet and match to the pump’s max. head height.
| OptiMax Compact | OptiMax | |||||||
| 85i | 135i | 250 | 285 | 560 | 800 | 1150 | 1420 | |
| Max. flow rate | 85 gph 322 l/h |
135 gph 511 l/h |
250 gph 946 l/h |
285 gph 1079 l/h |
560 gph 2120 l/h |
800 gph 3028 l/h |
1150 gph 4352 l/h |
1420 gph 5375 l/h |
| Max. head height | 1.8 ft. 0.55 m |
2.8 ft. 0.85 m |
3.3 ft. 1 m |
4.6 ft. 1.4 m |
8.2 ft. 2.5 m |
11.5 ft. 3.5 m |
10.5 ft. 3.2 m |
9.5 ft. 2.9 m |
| Power consumption | 4.5 watts | 5 watts | 8 watts | 10 watts | 31 watts | 60 watts | 72 watts | 78 watts |
| Inline Capability | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Air Pumps
An air pump produces a vertical flow of bubbles that increases the CO2 and O2 gas exchange, providing a well aerated environment. These types of pumps also increase surface agitation and eliminate anoxic "dead zones."
| OxyMax 100 | OxyMax 200 | OxyMax 400 | |
| Max. flow rate | 30 gph 100 l/h |
55 gph 200 l/h |
200 gph 380 l/h |
| Power consumption | 3.5 watts | 3.5 watts | 4 watts |
| No. of diffusers | 1 | 2 | |
Stream Pumps
A stream pump produces water currents that circulate the water, creating natural water movement that fish love. These types of pumps also increase surface agitation and eliminate anoxic "dead zones".
| StreamMax Classic | |||
| 2000 | 4000 | 5000 | |
| Minimum Flow Rate | 400 gph | 635 gph | 950 gph |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 530 gph | 1060 gph | 1320 gph |
| Power Consumption | 3.5 Watts | 5 Watts | 6.5 Watts |