Adding a powerhead to a freshwater aquarium is an excellent way to improve the quality of the water, and it can also enhance the well being of your fish. A powerhead will help circulate the water in an aquarium more completely. They can also keep your water well oxygenated, and the added water flow can help stimulate natural behaviors in certain fish. If you’re looking for the best powerhead for a freshwater aquarium we recommend the AquaClear 70 Powerhead (Buy Online).
Best Powerhead for a Freshwater Aquarium
| Image | Name | Rating | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
 | AquaClear 70 Powerhead |  | |
 | Hydor Koralia Evolution | | |
 | Marineland Maxi-Jet Pro Pump | | |
 | Current USA eFlux Wave Pump Kit | | |
 | Aqueon Circulation Pump |  |
AquaClear 70 Powerhead
The AquaClear 70 Powerhead (Buy Online) is one of the most reliable full featured powerheads on the market. This powerhead can act as a circulation pump, or it can be used to drive an undergravel filter. You can also use this pump to power a range of external filters like media reactors and skimmers.
The AquaClear 70 Powerhead has a flow rate of up to 400 GPH (gallons per hour), and it can be used in tanks as large a 75 gallons. In addition, the AquaClear 70 Powerhead has an adjustable flow rate, so you can dial back the flow if you want to use it in a smaller aquarium.
The AquaClear powerhead will also help oxygenate the tank since it has a venturi system that will increase the amount of agitation on the surface of the water. You can also reverse the flow of this pump to push oxygenated water into an undergravel filter, which will keep your substrate from becoming anoxic, and it will also enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Overall this powerhead offers the most control of any entry level powerhead on the market. That makes it the perfect fit for someone who might be starting out with a smaller tank that doesn’t need a lot of flow. But you will still have the option of dialing it up to full capacity if you get fish that like a stronger current, or if you upgrade to a new tank.
Marineland Maxi-Jet Pro Pump
The Marineland Maxi-Jet Pro Pump (Buy Online) is a very versatile pump that has all the features of three pumps in one. This pump comes with a number of parts and accessories that will allow you to configure it for use as a powerhead, a utility pump, or as a circulation pump.
The Marineland Maxi-Jet Pro Pump comes if four separate sizes and they have different flow rates depending on their use. The Maxi-Jet 400 has a flow rate of 110 GPH in powerhead mode, which makes it suitable for use in a 20-gallon tank. The Maxi-Jet 600 has a flow rate of 160 GPH in powerhead mode, which is good enough for a 30-gallon tank. While the Maxi-Jet 900 and 1200 have a flow rate of 230 GPH and 295 GPH respectively, so they can be used in 40 to 60-gallon tanks.
If you use this pump as a circulation pump then the flow rates are significantly better. When the Maxi-Jet 400 is used as a circulation pump it has a flow rate of 500 GPH, and the Maxi-Jet 600 has a flow rate of 600 GPH. While the Maxi-Jet 900 & 1200 have a respective flow rate of 1000 GPH and 1300 GPH when used as circulation pumps.
This pump can also be used to power undergravel filters and sponge filters. You can also connect this pump to an external canister filter, media reactor or a skimmer. Moreover, this pump can also power fountains and wave makers.
All of the parts and accessories you will need to set this pump up in its multiple configurations are all included in the box. The only thing that isn’t included are any of the hoses or fittings you might need to use it in a more complex filtration setup
Hydor Koralia Evolution
The Hydor Koralia Evolution (Buy Online) is one of the pumps that we recommend to anyone who wants to add extra circulation to either a freshwater or saltwater tank. This pump comes in a wide range of flow rates, so you can easily find the right one that will meet the needs of your tank.
The Hydor Koralia 550 is perfect for someone with a 40 to 70-gallon tank, While the Hydor Koralia 750 will provide more than enough water flow for a 50 to 90-gallon tank. If you have a larger tank, then the Hydor Koralia 1050 is rated for use in 70 to 125-gallon aquariums, and the Hydor Koralia 1400 is made for 90 to 160-gallon tanks.
The Hydor Koralia can be mounted to the side of either a glass or acrylic tank using the included magnet and suction cup support system. The magnet will hold the powerhead to the wall of the tank even if the suction cup fails, so you don’t have to worry about the Hydor Koralia staying in place.
Hydor Koralia powerheads are also extremely efficient since they consume up to 50% less power than comparable pumps. In addition, the newest model outputs 20% more water than previous Hydor Koralia models thanks to improvements in the impeller and the more hydrodynamic design.
Maintaining the Hydor Koralia is a very simple task since you can easily take the unit apart if anything needs to be cleaned or replaced. The front shroud can be removed if you need to clean out any debris from the impeller or the intake grates. You can also easily remove the impeller if you need to clean it, or you can replace it if the blades wear down or break.
Aqueon Circulation Pump
The Aqueon Circulation Pump (Buy Online) is a good entry level pump for a freshwater tank. No matter what size aquarium you have you will be able to find an Aqueon Circulation Pump that will work well in your tank. That’s because the Aqueon line of circulation pumps will work in aquariums that range in size from 20 gallons all the way up to 250 gallons.
The 500 GPH model will handle tanks up to 20 to 40 gallons. The 700 GPH model is rated to work in 30 to 55-gallon tanks. The 950 GPH model, on the other hand, is made for 55 to 90-gallon tanks. While the 1250 GPH model is good for 75 to 125-gallon tanks, and the 1650 and 2400 models will provide enough flow for 125 to 250-gallon tanks.
The Aqueon Circulation Pump has a simple suction cup mounting system that will allow you to attach this pump anywhere inside your tank. This pump does lack an external magnetic mounting system though. If you think you need the extra grip a magnetic mount offers then the Hydor Koralia would be a better option in that case.
The Aqueon Circulation pumps are also very efficient with the lower power models only consuming 1 watt of power. While even the most powerful models only consume a maximum of 14 watts of power.
Current USA eFlux Wave Pump Kit
The Current USA eFlux Wave Pump Kit (Buy Online) comes with everything you need to customize the water flow in your tank. This wave-maker kit includes a wave pump with an included magnetic mounting bracket. The Current USA eFlux Wave Pump Kit also comes with an eFlux wavemaker controller and wireless remote.
This pump comes in three different output capacities, so you can easily find one that will meet the needs of your tank. There is the 660 GPH model that will be powerful enough for 50 to 70-gallon tanks. While the 1050 GPH model is a great choice for a 90 to 120-gallon tank. The 2100 GPH model, on the other hand, is powerful enough to work in 200-gallon tanks.
The real stand out feature of this kit is the eFlux controller. This controller is fully programmable, so you can configure it to run different flow patterns throughout the day. The eFlux controller can also individually address up to 3 pumps, so you can create a mix of flow conditions at different levels in your tank.
The eFlux controller also comes with an IR remote control. The remote can be used to program the controller, or it can be used to override the programmed settings, so you can set any flow style you like from the comfort of your couch.
There are a number of flow options you can choose from when you run this system in your tank. You can choose from continuous waves, surge, pulse, stream and feeding modes. The different flow types will allow you to more accurately simulate the native habitat of your fish. While the feeding mode will turn off the pump at set times, so your fish can eat their food without it being blown all over the place.
Overall the Current USA eFlux Wave Pump Kit offers professional level features at a very affordable price. If you want the ultimate control of the water flow in your aquarium you won’t find a pump that beats this one.
Benefits of a Powerhead in a Freshwater Tank
Water Flow
One of the main reasons people add a powerhead to their freshwater tank is to increase the turnover rate. This can help reduce “dead spots” that your filter might not be powerful enough to reach. By reducing pockets of stagnant water you reduce the risk of harm befalling your fish, and adding a powerhead can also help increase the number of nitrifying bacteria in a freshwater tank.
Stimulate Fish
Another good reason to put a powerhead in a freshwater tank is to provide your fish with a more natural environment. A lot of fish we commonly keep in aquariums come from streams and rivers. In these moving bodies of water, they constantly have to swim against a current to seek out mates and to find prey. By adding a powerhead to an aquarium you can keep your fish active throughout the day, which can help bolster their overall mental and physical health.
Remove Debris
If you run your powerhead close to a gravel substrate it can help stir up some debris from the bottom of your tank. This debris can then float towards your filters intake, so it can more easily be removed from the tank. This can be especially helpful in planted tanks where you can’t easily use a gravel vacuum, or if you are just looking for an easy way to get some of that detritus out your tank.
Visual Effect
The current a powerhead generates also can add a nice amount of movement to your tank. Not only will your fish be more active, but your plants and other decorations will also respond to the water flow as well. Long leaf plants like Java Fern or Hornwort will react the most to a powerhead, but even small to medium plants like anubias will also move around in your tank.
What Size Powerhead Do I Need
If you plan on getting a powerhead for a freshwater aquarium then you will need a powerhead that has a flow rate of 10 GPH (gallons per hour) for every gallon of water in your tank. That means if you have a 20-gallon aquarium you will need a powerhead with a flow rate of 200 GPH in order to properly circulate your tank.
Aquarium Circulation Pump Placement Freshwater
The optimal powerhead placement in a freshwater tank is towards the top of your tank. This will create the most surface agitation, which will help oxygenate the water. Placing a powerhead higher in your tank will also limit the amount of debris the pump stirs up. Moreover, if you use a sand substrate, then you definitely want to keep the power head as high up as possible since you don’t want it to blow sand particles all over the place.
![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)
