Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Other animals

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

These 4 submersible aquarium pumps are quiet and effective

Rebekkah Adams
By

We know one of the most challenging parts of owning fish is cleaning the aquarium frequently. No one wants to set aside an afternoon to remove each fish, bag him, and then scrub out his poop from a tank. We recommend investing in a submersible aquarium pump that will take care of all this for you. These days, you can find a quiet but effective pump to filter your water without keeping you up at night.

Dmitri Ma/Shutterstock

Tetra Whisper IQ Filter

One of the most important things to think about when choosing your filter will be the noise factor. Lots of aquarium pumps keep both your family and your pets wide awake and disturbed. But many fish are also sensitive to the flow level of the water in their tanks. The benefit of the Tetra Whisper is that you can control the output. If you have a betta or other delicate fish, you can turn the pump down so as not to disrupt their natural current. Replacing the cartridges is easy, which allows you to keep the pump running longer without a full cleaning.

Aqueon Freshwater & Saltwater Circulation Aquarium Pump

As every fish owner knows, once you get your first swimmer, you want to buy 100. The Aqueon pump can filter very large and dirty tanks that host multiple fish species. Because of the high filtration rate, it does require maintenance, but the continuous water flow helps keep your tank squeaky clean. Many fish will prefer this type, and its energy-saving features will ensure you aren’t utilizing too much electricity to maintain your habitat.

Related

Vivosun Submersible Pump

This pump delivers convenience because you can place it almost anywhere in the tank. Attach this filter on the side or bottom of your tank using the suction cups, and it’ll stay in position. The Vivosun is perfect for ponds or aquatic environments where you’re trying to keep everything natural since you can easily disguise it among your plants and other decorations — it’s made to blend in with the surroundings.

Hygger Quiet Submersible and External Water Pump

While this fancy filter is a little higher end than the others on this list, it’s ideal for those who want full control of their aquatic system. This unit can be completely regulated with the external controller, but it can be used only in an indoor environment as the controller is not waterproof. It can also function in low-water habitats, so you can install this pump in a partially filled tank. When the water gets too low, the machine will automatically shut off.

The best aquarium water pump for you will depend on your specific setup and needs, but we bet you’ll find one of these useful. Whether you’re buying a filter for your plants, fish, turtle, or pond, there’s a submersible filter out there that will stay quiet and also get the job done, keeping your pet’s home clean and your pet thriving.

Editors' Recommendations

Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah Adams
Contributor
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
Looking to add corydoras to your aquarium? Here’s what you need to know first
Read this before bringing home a cory catfish to add to your tank
Two cory catfish hang out on the bottom of the tank

One thing you might not know about aquariums until you get one: Every tank needs a janitor, which may wind up just being you. When you first dive into this hobby, it can take a while to realize how much maintenance is really involved — don't think that the filter will do all the work. But if you want a little a help in that department, you can add a catfish to the fray. If you don't have a ton of experience with these bottom feeders, we recommend one of the corydoras since they're generally best for beginners.

What are corydoras?
This is a type of catfish, but there are actually more than 170 species to choose from. These are a well-known group of swimmers who get their name from their barbels, which look a bit like whiskers. While you'll find dozens of options in the pet store, you will likely narrow it down quickly based on the size of your tank, temperature, habitat you've chosen, and the other fish that they'll live with eventually.
Are corydoras friendly?
Yes, corydoras are sweet and gentle fish. They particularly like spending time together, but get along with many others as well. In some cases, you should not buy just one as they'll get lonely. Instead grab a pair of the same type and watch them become best friends. You'll often see them as bottom feeders, well, at the base of the tank, but cory cats also come up to the surface for air or food from time to time.

Read more
Is your fish tank for bettas too small? Here’s are the do’s and don’ts of betta care
Care tips to keep your new betta fish happy in the right size tank
A betta swims with plants in its tank

While the betta craze may have died down a little, you still see many of these beautiful blue fish in homes and in stores. It's true that they make great pets, even for a novice aquarist, since they don't require an overly extensive tank setup and often prefer to be alone. But just because they work well for a newbie doesn't mean you can dive in without any research. We're here with what you need to know about betta fish care and fish tanks for bettas. Here are the do's and don'ts for bettas.

What do I need to know about taking care of my betta fish?
Do research fish breeders
It all starts with the betta egg, and even the mom and dad. Just like with a puppy, you want to ensure your fishy has had a good life from hatching. There are tons of ethical breeders out there, but you can find some shady ones, too. In general, you want to avoid stores that have them crammed into tiny containers and cycled in and out every day. Do your research about local pet fish stores in your area or check out some of the more reputable ones online.

Read more
Aquatic turtles: Care and feeding basics every Testudine enthusiast needs to know
The fundamentals of aquatic turtle care and feeding
Turtle walking on a table

Did you know the difference between turtles and tortoises is that turtles live at least partially in the water, while tortoises live exclusively on land? Both types make great pets, but caring for them can be a time-intensive task. If you’re considering buying an aquatic turtle, you should first know how to best take care of one. You certainly don't want to bring a new turtle home and realize you're in way over your head. Read on to learn the fundamentals of aquatic turtle care.

What is the water vs. land ratio?
Most turtles spend some time on land; even sea turtles venture to dry ground to lay their eggs. Turtles do not need and should not have enclosures full of water. Small floating platforms that turtles can climb onto should suffice for turtles that spend most of their time underwater. However, some aquatic turtles enjoy exploring the land and need more of a dry area. Research the particular species of aquatic turtle you’re interested in to find out how much time they spend in the water compared to on land.

Read more