Tank Size
Pump
What GPH Pump Do I Need?
One of the first things you will need to do when you get a new aquarium is to figure out how large of a pump you will need. A good rule of thumb to follow is that a pump should have a flow rate of 5 GPH (gallons per hour) for every gallon of water in the aquarium. For example, if you have a 29-gallon aquarium you will need a pump with a flow rate of at least 145 GPH to effectively turnover the tank. If you want to know how large of a pump you need for your tank try the aquarium GPH calculator located at the top of this article.
Aquarium Flow Rate Freshwater
In order to provide the proper amount of water movement in a freshwater aquarium, you will need a pump that has a flow rate of 5 GPH (gallons per hour) for every gallon of water in the aquarium. If you have a freshwater aquarium that is overstocked then you might need a more powerful pump to handle the increased bio-load in the aquarium.
Planted Tank Water Flow
Providing adequate water flow in a planted tank is important for both the plants and the fish. In order for plants to access CO2 (carbon dioxide) and nutrients their needs to be a gentle current in the water. A good flow rate for a pump in a planted tank is around 4 GPH (gallons per hour) for every gallon of water in the aquarium.
While a gentle current is necessary to transport nutrients throughout the tank, that doesn’t mean you need a powerful pump in a planted aquarium. An overpowered pump can actually cause the loss of CO2 due to excessive surface agitation.
A strong flow of water can also harm delicate plants, due to the fact that a powerful current can rip plants out of the substrate. Excessive water flow can also put stress on the plant’s leaves, which can cause damage to the plant, or it can cause the plant to become stunted.
Water Flow in a Saltwater Aquarium
Saltwater aquariums need more water flow than a similarly sized freshwater aquarium. A saltwater aquarium will need a pump with a flow rate of at least 6-7 GPH (gallons per hour) per gallon of water in the aquarium. Saltwater aquariums need a more powerful water flow for both proper filtration and for its inhabitants.
Having a strong current in a saltwater tank mimics the natural environment that most marine fish and invertebrates have evolved for. A strong current gives fish something to swim against which can keep them physically and mentally stimulated in their artificial environment.
How much flow you provide in a reef tank is also important since corals are dependent on water flow to get access to trace elements. Providing a good current in a reef tank will also allow coral to absorb bits of food as the water flows over and through their body and polyps. Water flow is also important when it comes time for coral to spawn since the free-floating polyps are transported through the water.
How to Calculate GPH
Before we go over how to calculate GPH (gallons per hour) we need to review what is GPH. Most aquarium water pumps on the market are rated for how many gallons of water they can move per hour. This rating is based on the pump moving the water without any change in elevation, which means the pump and the water outlet are at exactly the same elevation.
If the pump and the water outlet are at different elevations then the amount of water the pump can move will be a fraction of its rated capacity. For this reason, you should not expect to get the full capacity of a pump in most situations.
In order to get a proper measurement of your pumps flow rate under normal operating conditions, you will need to test it. To do this you will need a bucket filled with 3 to 5 gallons of water, and you will need to attach all the plumbing and equipment you plan on using, and you will also need to situate the pump in its final location.
- GPH = Gallons Pumped per Minute * 60
Once you have the pump and all the plumbing set up, you can pump the water out of the bucket and then measure how long it takes for the pump to move a given amount of water. For example, if the pump moved 3 gallons of water in 30 seconds then your pump has a real-world flow rate of 360 (gallons per hour).
- Aquarium Turnover Rate = GPH / Gallons in Aquarium
Once you know how many gallons per hour your pump actually moves you can then calculate your aquariums turnover rate. For example, say your pump has a real flow rate of 360 GPH, and you have an aquarium that holds 55-gallons of water. Then all you have to do is divide 360 by 55 to get your turnover rate which in this case is 6.54, which means you will be turning over your tanks water 6.54 times an hour.
Aquarium Pump Size
Another aspect that can play a role in how large of a pump you will need is if it is internal or external. Each type of pump has pros and cons which we will go over in the following section.
Submersible Aquarium Pump
An internal submersible pump is as the name implies placed in the water inside an aquarium. An internal pump usually doesn’t need to be as powerful as an external pump since they usually don’t have to move the water up a steep elevation. For the most part, the greatest elevation change an internal pump will have to deal with is the height of the tank in most situations.
Since an internal pump won’t have as much resistance on its flow rate, you can trust that the rated capacity will be close to its actual flow rate when it is in operation. Internal pumps are a good choice for less complicated aquariums where you need a cost-effective pump that will provide the most flow per dollar. The only downside is that they do take up some space in the aquarium, and some people don’t like their aesthetics.
Aquarium Water Pump External
External pumps are for the most part used in larger aquariums since they are usually more powerful, and they can be used to drive a number of systems. Even though external pumps are usually rated to move large amounts of water, their placement outside the tank can reduce their rated capacity significantly.
Even in a hobbyists tank, an external pump will usually be located in the tank stand, which will introduce an elevation change of at least double the height of the tank. This added elevation can reduce the flow rate of an external pump by almost half if the elevation change is around 4-5 feet. What this means is that you might need an external pump that has more than double the flow rate your tank needs in order to properly turnover all the water.
Having the pump outside of the tank does come with some benefits though. First, an external pump can be connected to a wide range of equipment like sumps, canister filters, and refugiums. They can also be hidden behind a wall in order to isolate them from a living environment. External pumps can also be connected to complicated plumbing systems that can be used on multiple tanks or to help automate water changes.
What Size Pump for a 55 Gallon Aquarium?
| Freshwater | Planted | Saltwater |
| 275 GPH | 220 GPH | 358 GPH |
A 55 gallon freshwater aquarium will need a pump with a flow rate of at least 275 GPH (gallons per hour). A planted 55 gallon aquarium should use a pump with a flow rate of 220 GPH. If you have a saltwater 55 gallon aquarium, then you will need a pump with a flow rate of at least 358 GPH to properly circulate the water.
What Size Pump for a 75 Gallon Aquarium?
| Freshwater | Planted | Saltwater |
| 375 GPH | 300 GPH | 488 GPH |
A 75 gallon freshwater aquarium should use a pump with a rated flow rate of at least 375 GPH (gallons per hour). A planted 75 gallon tank, on the other hand, will only need a pump that can output 300 GPH. A 75 gallon saltwater tank will need a pump that has a flow rate of at least 488 GPH.
What Size Pump for a 90 Gallon Aquarium?
| Freshwater | Planted | Saltwater |
| 450 GPH | 360 GPH | 585 GPH |
A 90 gallon freshwater aquarium will need a pump that has a minimum flow rate of 450 GPH (gallons per hour). A planted 90 gallon tank can get away with a pump that has an output of 360 GPH. A saltwater 90 gallon tank, on the other hand, will need a pump with an output of at least 585 GPH.
What Size Pump for a 125 Gallon Aquarium?
| Freshwater | Planted | Saltwater |
| 625 GPH | 500 GPH | 813 GPH |
A large 125 gallon freshwater tank will need to use a pump that has a flow rate of at least 625 GPH (gallons per hour). A planted 125 gallon tank will only need a pump that has a flow rate of 500 GPH. A 125 gallon saltwater aquarium should use a pump that has a flow rate of at least 813 GPH.
What Size Pump for a 150 Gallon Aquarium?
| Freshwater | Planted | Saltwater |
| 750 GPH | 600 GPH | 975 GPH |
A 150 gallon freshwater aquarium should use a pump with a flow rate of no less than 750 GPH (gallons per hour). If you have a planted 150 gallon aquarium you can get away with a pump that only has a flow rate of 600 GPH. A saltwater 150 gallon aquarium, on the other hand, will need a pump that has a flow rate of 975 GPH at a minimum.
![Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Oscar fish are voracious eaters that can grow to be up to 14 inches long. They need a lot of space and a big tank, but they also need good filtration. This is because Oscars produce a large amount of waste for their size, which can quickly pollute the water if not managed properly. Read on to see the best filter for an Oscar fish tank. [toc] Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank ***TABLE**** Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 The Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 Filter (Buy Online) has everything you need to keep water clean and healthy for your fish, plus some cool extra features too. It comes with four different filtration stages that remove debris from the water so your tank stays clear and safe for your fish to live in. Plus, it has a built-in heater which keeps the temperature of your tank consistent so you don't have to worry about fluctuations or sudden changes affecting your fish. The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 is a reliable and high-quality filter that will keep your water crystal clear. It has four stages of filtration, including a pre-filter module for particle removal, two main filters to clean detritus from the water before it reaches the pump area, an activated carbon stage with 45 ppi pores to trap organic chemicals and reduce odors, and finally a polishing cartridge which traps any particles left after the other three stages have removed most of the large debris. Plus, it comes with Hel-X Biomedia that has an extremely large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies that break down nitrogenous waste. Overall, this filter can be used on 70 to 160 gallon tanks, and if you want peace of mind about how well your tank is being filtered and heated – this canister filter is perfect for an Oscar tank. Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter The Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter (Buy Online) is the best filter for an oscar fish tank because it’s easy to use and maintain while providing a high level of filtration. It has a self-priming pump that makes starting up very simple, plus its safety hose adapter means you won’t have to worry about any accidents with this unit. We recommend going with their Pro 4+ model which has been designed specifically for tanks containing Oscars and other larger species of fish. This filter comes with everything you need including extra media baskets, spray bars, adjustable flow control valves, and more. Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter 525GPH with 9-watt UV Light The Polar Aurora External Canister Filter (Buy Online) is an affordable yet high-quality canister filter and it has four stages of filtration (biological, mechanical, chemical and UV) that keep your fish tank crystal clear without taking up much space. If you have an Oscar Fish Tank, then you know that they are messy fish. They produce a lot of waste and your tank needs to be cleaned frequently. That's where this filter comes in handy. It can handle tanks up to 200 gallons and has a maximum flow rate of 525GPH from the built in pump. This is more than enough power for even the messiest Oscar Tanks. This unit also comes with three different media trays so you can use any type of filtration media you want - bio balls, sponges or ceramic rings. And not only does this filter provide excellent water filtration, it comes with a built in 9 Watt UV Light that allows it to easily control algae spores/bacteria and maintain clear water in your aquarium at all times. Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter, External Aquarium Filter The Fluval FX4 (Buy Online) is an external filter designed specifically for aquariums housing oscars and other large tropical fish species like cichlids and catfish. There's also three different filtration stages included in this setup which will ensure that all the waste produced by your fish gets filtered out quickly leaving behind crystal clear water every time. The Fluval FX4 is the best aquarium filter on the market because it has a patented self-priming pump that moves 700 US Gal of water per hour. It also comes with all of the media you need to get started filtering your tank immediately after installation - no extra purchases necessary. This external aquarium filter is easy to install, maintain, and clean. With its multi-stage filtration process this canister filter removes harmful toxins from your water while providing superior mechanical filtration through three stages of bio-filtration using BioMax cartridges, activated carbon pads and biological ceramic rings . This powerful filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2650 L) of water per hour so it's perfect for even the largest freshwater or saltwater tanks up to 250 US Gal (900 L) Best Hang On Back Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank AquaClear Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Filter for 60- to 110-Gallon Aquariums The AquaClear 110 (Buy Online) is a hang-on back filter that has an adjustable flow rate, and it'll last you for years. AquaClear filters make it easy, convenient, and affordable to keep your tank clean without all of the complexity and hassle of a canister filter. The AquaClear 110 filter has been designed with the hobbyist in mind; and it provides superior mechanical, chemical as well as biological filtration media at an unbeatable price point. It's ideal for aquariums up to 110 gallons (416 liters) in size and it has a flow rate of 500 U.S. gallons per hour (1,900 L/h). SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 110 Gallon The SeaChem Tidal 110 Gallon Aquarium Filter (Buy Online) is one of the few hang on back filters specifically designed for Oscars and other larger tropical fish tanks (up to 110 gallons). This means that it has more than twice the capacity of other hang on back filters so there's no need to clean out debris as often. It also has an adjustable flow control valve - just set the dial where you want it and let the self-priming pump do its job. You can also use any kind of filtration media without worrying about clogging since the patented impeller design keeps everything running smoothly Best Sponge Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Bacto-Surge Hikari Aquarium Solutions Foam Filter, 125 Gallons Bacto-Surge Foam Filters (Buy Online) are made from a durable foam material which allows them to last much longer than traditional sponge filters. They also don't require any electricity or have any moving parts, so you can use these as a cheap and reliable way to supplement the filtration in your Oscar tank. Best Under Gravel Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter, 18-Inch by 72-Inch Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter (Buy Online) is the best you can get for an Oscar fish tank. It has a multi-level plate design made of high-quality plastic, so it lasts longer than standard models. And this under gravel filter can also be used to build an anoxic filter to lower nitrates, which improves overall water quality and it will also help keep your fish healthy and disease free. Best Filter Media for an Oscar Fish Tank Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks (Buy Online) provides two layers of filtration to keep your tank cleaner & running more efficiently than ever before. It's made in the USA from high-quality materials that are safe for both fish and humans alike. It also reduces maintenance time because it lasts 2x as long as other brands on the market today. AQUANEAT Aquarium Filter Sponge Open Cell Foam Sheet Bio Sponge Filter Media Pad Aquaneat's Black Fine Filter Sponge (Buy Online) is made with natural materials that are non-toxic and safe for fish & plants. It provides mechanical filtration by trapping dirt particles in the pores of the sponge material so they do not get through into your aquarium water where they could cause harm to your aquatic pets. The open cell structure of the Aquaneat Sponge means you can simply rinse it under running water when needed instead of having to replace expensive filters every few weeks. And we've tested these pads with many different types of tanks and they are one of the most durable and economical ways to keep the water in a fish tank free of debris. Seachem Matrix, 4 L / 1 gal. Seachem Matrix (Buy Online) removes ammonia, nitrite and nitrate from the water column in freshwater tanks through a process called denitrification. It does this by providing an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive and convert harmful toxins into less harmful forms (even anoxic bacteria that break down nitrates). This process reduces stress on aquarium inhabitants by reducing their exposure to these toxins while also maintaining pristine water quality in your aquarium Eheim AEH2507051 Mech Filter Media for Aquarium, 1-Liter Eheim Ceramic Cylinders (Buy Online) are reusable so you don't have to waste money on disposable filter cartridges or sponges every time you clean your tank. Simply rinse them out in decholorinated water when they get clogged, and you can reuse them indefinitely. Oscar Fish Tank Size A 70 gallon tank will work for an Oscar, but it's better to keep them in a 100+ gallon tank. The bigger the better. More space promotes greater health while also keeping them happier which in turn reduces the risk of stress and disease. Oscar Fish Water Parameters Oscar Fish Water pH Level Oscars prefer water with a pH between 6 and 8, but they prefer slightly acidic water and they can live in water that has a pH as low as 5.5 quite comfortably. Oscar Fish Nitrite Level The nitrite level in your tank should be at 0 ppm once your tank has cycled. Nevertheless, a weekly 10% water change with fresh water from the tap is always good early on in the cycle to reduce nitrites. Oscar Fish Nitrate Level To keep your Oscar healthy you want to keep your nitrate levels between 10-40 ppm. It's important that you test the water with a Nitrate Test Kit (Buy Online) to ensure the nitrate levels in your tank aren't reaching dangerous levels. If the nitrates in your tank stay consistently over 40ppm, it’s time to clean or replace old filters, clean out uneaten food, vacuum the gravel, and do at least a 25% water change. Oscar Fish Water Temperature The ideal water temperature for Oscars is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 - 27 Celcius). It's important to remember that Oscar Fish are from the Amazon Rainforest and they need a heater in their tank especially during the winter time If you want to know what size heater you need for your tank you can use our Fish Tank Heater Calculator (Click Here) Oscar Fish Water Change Water changes are an essential part of fish keeping for any type of fish. This is especially true when you have larger fish like oscars that produce more waste. Water changes, or partial water changes, should be done every 1-2 weeks depending on how many fish you keep in your tank Why Is My Oscar Fish Tank Cloudy Fish tank water can become cloudy for a few reasons. The most usual is that the aquarium is either experiencing a bacteria bloom or there is algae in the water column. If this is the case, you’ll need to do a 50%-75% water change immediately. You can also use an inline UV filter if water changes and regular tank maintenance aren't getting control of your cloudy water problem. How To Keep an Oscar Fish Tank Clean Water Changes Vacuum the Gravel Bed Cleaning the Filter Removing uneaten food from tank Check for any algae growth on plants or glass walls of aquarium and clean as needed Test the water regularly Do Oscar Fish Need a Filter Yes, Oscar fish need a filter because they are messy eaters that produce a lot of waste. The filter helps with this issue and also improves the water quality by converting harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrates.](https://thepetsupplyguy.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Filter-for-Oscar-Fish-Tank-464x290.jpg)
