Search

*Disclaimer: Tossions earns a commission from qualifying purchases.

The 8 Best external aquarium pumps of 2025

Are you trying to find external aquarium pumps among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling external aquarium pumps on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 26 hours of research and did 28 external aquarium pumps tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best external aquarium pumps you can buy today

No. 1
DC12V Submersible Clear Water Pump with Brass Male Thread Nozzles, 5 Level Adjustable Power (9-15W), 14½ ft High Lift, Max 210 GPH, Fountain Circulation Pumps for Aquarium, Fish Tank, Rockery, Bonsai
  • Voltage: DC 12V (used with Adapter/Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) /Stable DC voltage sources), DC connector, Adater are not included. DC Connector Size: 5.5x2.1mm, adapter are not included.
  • Max lift height: 14' 9" (450cm) NOTE: Lift height is a max height the water goes up, after connecting the water pipe to the nozzle.
  • 5 Level adjustable power (9-15W), Flow Rate: 800L/H (210 GPH), 680L/H(180GPH), 560L/H(150GPH), 440L/H(115GPH), 320L/H(84GPH). Note: Different Wattage, different Flow rate.
  • Working temperature: 0-60°(32~140℉), the outlet/Inlet outside diameter is 20.5 mm, Included 2 piece brass Nozzles, easily connect with a hose . detachable and Cleanable, No need any tools to detach it.
  • Non-self-priming pump. Submersible Water Pump must be completely immersed in water when using.
  • For indoor fountain, pet aquarium, fish tank, solar circulation system, water circulation system, hydroponic systems etc.
No. 2
hygger 800GPH Quiet Submersible and External 24V Water Pump, with Controller (30%-100% Settings), Powerful Return Pump for Fish Tanks, Aquariums, Ponds, Fountains, Sump, Hydroponics (25W, 9.8ft)
  • 🐠【Demension & Specifications】Powerful and ultra quiet water return pump. Input voltage: 100-240V 50/60HZ. Output voltage: DC 24V. Pump Dimension (LxWxH): 6.2 x 3.1 x 5 inch. Cord length from the pump to controller is 6ft, the power cord length is 6.6ft. Wattage/flow/head: 25W/800GPH/9.8ft head. Please look the chart for each models
  • 🐠【 Auto Shut Off When No Water】 Plug the power to turn this water pump on, unplug the power to turn it off. It is protected in case there's no water, the pump will auto shut off when no water is sensed or water gets too low. Comes with 2 kinds of removable water intake screens,1 for normal water level and the other for low water level (higher than 0.8inch)
  • 🐠【Adjustable Flow Speed】This aquarium water pump has an external Led display controller, with 71 flow speed settings, you can control the flow rate from 30% to 100% of the top speed flow. 3 buttons on the controller: "Up" "Down" "Pause"
  • 🐠【Internal & External Use】 Hygger dcp water pump can be ran externally or be submerged. Please note the controller is not waterproof, must be placed indoors. The pond pump comes with screws, o rings, pipe connection fittings. You can connect 1" or 3/4" pipes to this pond pump
  • 🐠【Durable Water Pump】Wear-resistant ceramic shaft and magnetic drive makes this water pump a long service life. No copper element, can be used for fresh water or salt water. Need 10ft extension cord for the controller and pump, please go for ASIN B08CB69DSF
No. 3
Danner Manufacturing, Inc., Supreme 350 GPH Hydro-Mag Recirculating Water & Air Pump with Venturi, 40123
124 Consomer Reviews
Danner Manufacturing, Inc., Supreme 350 GPH Hydro-Mag Recirculating Water & Air Pump with Venturi, 40123
  • Supreme Hydro-Mag water pumps play a pivotal role in Hydroponic setups by ensuring the continuous water flow of essential nutrients, preventing stagnation, and facilitating uniform distribution.
  • Homeowners and Hobbyists are introducing themselves to Hydroponics Gardening since it is a great option for people with little to no space who want to produce numerous herbs, vegetables, and fruits all year round.
  • Supreme Hydro-Mag water pumps are energy-efficient, ideal for use in vertical grow applications. Equipped with a powerful efficient Hybrid Magnetic Induction Motor and a High-Efficiency Vortex Impeller.
  • To calculate if a Supreme Hydro-Mag water pump is the size needed, just estimate how much water you will require to feed the plants every day, or how high a head height the pump needs to pump to.
  • When selecting your Supreme Hydro-Mag water pump, consider the size of your hydroponic system and the number of plants it will support.
  • Choose a pump size with an appropriate flow rate to ensure efficient nutrient distribution and adequate coverage of all plants.
  • Gallons Per Hour (gph (US)) is a unit in the category of Volume flow rate. GPM stands for gallons per minute. Head Height refers to the vertical distance that a pump can lift water above the water surface.
  • The Supreme Hydro-Mag water pumps provide Continuous Duty Operation and are Oil-Free with no seals to wear out. They can be used in either Submersible or Inline applications.
  • Models 2 through 18 feature an adjustable Venturi which adds aeration into nutrient rich water flow, stimulating root growth.
  • Maximum Flow Rate 350 GPH, 10’ Power Cord, Watts/Amps: 35/0.6, 1/2” FPT Inlet and MPT Outlet, includes 1/2" Barb x 1/2" NPT Fitting, Shut off: 10.5’ for a 2x3 flood table size.
No. 4
STAYGROW Aquarium Water Return Pump - Submersible DC 24V 48W 1717 GPH for Saltwater Tank
  • Powerful: Say goodbye to your old aquarium pumps. The DC-6500 can quickly turn over your freshwater, saltwater, fish or reef tank
  • High-Efficiency: Connect a single device to get an 48W max power - enough to refresh a 170-gallon tank 10 times an hour at full speed
  • Controllable: The DC-6500 allows variable speed control, which means you can now control how much water flows out of the pump. The pump starts at a low rpm and ramps up to full speed, potentially reducing broken impellers
  • Quiet: The electricity current of DC pumps alternate in a much smoother pendulum than other AC pumps. All you can hear is the sound of water flowing
  • What You Get: Aquarium water pump, controller, power supply, pump accessories. STAYGROW is so confident in our high-quality return pumps that we always stand by our products
No. 5
Pan World 50PX-X-T External Water Pump
  • Pan World 50PX-X-T Compact Magnetic Drive Pump
  • 636 GPH max flow at 6.6 head feet
  • 1092 GPH max flow at 0 head feet
  • 1 inch MPT threaded inlet and outlet
  • Warranty: 2-year full manufacturer warranty
No. 7
Mini Submersible Water Pump Quiet USB Fountain Pump, Electric Brushless Fountain Pump, Powerful Water Pumps for Aquarium Fish Tank, Pond, Fountain, Hydroponics (USB Mini Pump)
  • ⛽【NEAT LITTLE PUMP】The mini submersible water pump, make your fish tank water change a breeze and less messy. Pumping out at 120L/H and shooting out a maximum of 3.28 feet. Light but practice.
  • ⛽【QUIET YET POWERFUL】The small submersible water pump, pumping quietly with 40DB(quiet library) sounds like a babbling brook. Pets and partner friendly.
  • ⛽【EASY TO USE】The USB fountain pump is easy to install. Plug and in, doing great job in moving water and flowing better. Makes cleaning pond tank much easier, especially for fish tank need to filter usually.
  • ⛽【MULTI-OCCASIONS】The water fountain pump, both sea and fresh water are available. Plenty of power for aquarium, fish tank, pond, fountain, hydroponics. Mini submersible water pump, even great for little chicken cool off and drinking pond.
  • ⛽【EXCELLENT VALUE】The aquarium USB water pump, with IP68 waterproof, would not be breakdown because of 100% immersed in outdoor fountain or fish tank. Work well and worth the money.
SaleNo. 8
AMOSIJOY 172GPH Canister Filter, Ultra-Quiet External Aquarium Filter with Free Media for Large Fish Tanks and Aquariums (172GPH)
1,949 Consomer Reviews
AMOSIJOY 172GPH Canister Filter, Ultra-Quiet External Aquarium Filter with Free Media for Large Fish Tanks and Aquariums (172GPH)
  • Amosijoy Canister Filter:AMOSIJOY external aquarium filter runs at 172GPH(650L/H), wattage is 8w, dimension is 12.2’’×7.9’’× 6.1’’. It is recommended for 30 gallon freshwater fish tanks, turtle tank and aquariums.
  • Lift-draw Style Vent Valve & Flow Regulating Handle:After power up, drain the air out of the pump and supply water for the pump by lifting the lift-draw style vent valve, and then the filter will enter proper working condition without the need of additional water adding. By controlling the top water flow regulating handle, the water flow could be adjusted from maximum to minimum, even to zero.
  • Ultra-quiet Operation: With built-in motor in the lid of the canister filter, the filter runs ultra quietly. Low wattage and high flow without air inside the filter, generates no noise. The sound is ≤ 30db, your family life will not be affected, at the same time achieving water purifying effect.
  • Filter Basket: Amosijoy 172GPH external canister filter has one layer of media basket, in which different kinds of filter materials can be placed to purify the water, ensuring the water quality of the living environment for aquatic life. You can add some other filter media depending on your needs. Complimentary bio balls, ceramic bio balls speed up decomposing the fish feces, avoiding frequent change of cotton filter.
No. 9
Eheim Universal Pump 600 (1048-790), 120V,Black
  • World-renowned aquarium pump boasts exceptional quality and reliable performance
  • Package Dimensions: 10.16 H x 14.986 L x 20.828 W (centimeters)
  • Package Weight: 2.2 pounds
  • Made in Germany
No. 10
Orlushy 24V DC Aquarium Water Pump Ultra-Quiett Return Pump with up to 20 Speed Settings and 3 Operation Modes for Submersible or External Use(1056GPH)
  • 【Ultra-Quiet Motor】: Orlushy DC water pump adopts sine wave technology, running super quietly, causing minimum sound effect to daily life of the users.
  • 【 Specification & Dimensions】: Output voltage: DC 24V, wattage: 28w, max flow rate: 1056GPH, max head height: 11.5ft, dimension: 6.7’’×3.3’’×4’’, please choose the right pump according to our size chart.
  • 【 Adjustable Flow Speed And Modes】: Variable speed control with more than 20 different speed settings, offer precise adjustment of water flow to reach the optimum performance. Three operation mode settings: Constant Flow Mode, Wave Mode, Feed Mode.
  • 【Submersible & External】: Orlushy DC water pump can be submersible or external(inline) use, with wear-resistant ceramic shaft is suitable for salt and fresh water aquarium.And it is an ideal water pump for indoor use.
  • 【 Multiple Safe-Protection】: IC electronic detection, and low voltage DC24V power supply. The water pump is Equipped with automatic power-off, the controller displays ERR, the pump stop, preventing the occurrence of faults caused by low water level.

How to choose a good external aquarium pumps

Does the idea of finding a fantastic external aquarium pumps make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in external aquarium pumps. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top external aquarium pumps products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top external aquarium pumps on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top external aquarium pumps brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top external aquarium pumps based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the external aquarium pumps were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good external aquarium pumps, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your external aquarium pumps.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting external aquarium pumps for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our external aquarium pumps. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what external aquarium pumps should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on external aquarium pumps.