What flow rate do I need for my aquarium?

For filtration, aim to turn over the tank volume 3–5 times per hour. A 100 L tank wants a filter pump rated at 300–500 L/h. Wave makers are sized differently — match them to tank length, not volume.

What does 'head height' mean on a pump?

Head height is how high the pump can push water. Every 1 m of vertical lift reduces rated flow by roughly 30–50%, so for sump setups choose a pump rated at 1.5–2x the flow you need.

Submersible or external pump?

Submersible pumps sit in the tank, are quiet and simple to install — the default for internal filters and fountains. External pumps suit canisters and sumps with higher pressure but more plumbing.

Are wave makers worth adding to a catalog?

Yes — reef and planted-tank keepers consider them essential. Controllable models with multiple flow modes and magnetic mounts are the most in-demand variants.

How to Choose an Aquarium Water Pump: Flow, Head, and Energy Use

Match the pump to the job, not the wattage

Aquarium water pumps do very different jobs: circulation, filtration, wave-making and fountain duty. The pump that keeps a reef tank moving is overkill for a desktop nano tank — so match the pump to the job first.

1. Flow rate: litres per hour, not wattage

Flow is measured in L/h or GPH, and it is the number importers should compare. As a rule, an aquarium filter pump should turn over the tank volume 3–5 times per hour. A 100 L tank therefore wants a filter pump rated at 300–500 L/h.

2. Head height and pump placement

"Head" is how high the pump can push water. Every 1 m of vertical lift cuts rated flow by roughly 30–50%. If your filter sits below the tank (sump setup), choose a pump rated at 1.5–2x the flow you actually need to compensate for head loss.

3. Submersible vs external

Submersible pumps sit inside the tank, are quiet and easy to install, and are the default for internal filters and fountain duty. External (in-line) pumps run dry-safe plumbing for canisters and sumps, with higher pressure but more installation complexity. Most first-time importers start with submersibles.

4. Wave makers: circulation for reef and planted tanks

Wave makers create the lateral water movement that keeps debris suspended and delivers nutrients to corals. For reef tanks, pick a controllable model with multiple flow modes (constant / wave / random) and a magnetic mount so the position is easy to adjust as the aquascape grows.

5. Voltage, plug and energy efficiency

Confirm 110V (US) or 220V (EU/UK/AU) before ordering. Energy-efficient variable-speed pumps use up to 60% less power at low settings, which matters for buyers running pumps 24/7 — and it is a strong selling point for your retail customers.

6. Materials and warranty

Check that the impeller shaft is ceramic or stainless steel (plastic shafts wear out), seals are replaceable, and the supplier offers at least a 12-month warranty. Ask for spare impellers when you place your first order.

How leafcovenant can help

Our water pump range covers wave makers from 8 W to 60 W, USB nano pumps and variable-speed filter pumps with models up to 1800 L/h, all in 110V/220V variants with EU/US plugs. MOQ starts at 10 pieces — tell us your tank volumes and target market and we will match the flow ratings for you.