Whether you're a novice aquarist or an experienced hobbyist, your primary objective is to maintain a healthy thriving aquatic environment for your underwater plants and animals. To achieve this goal, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the right pump.

Besides simply powering your filtration system and providing water movement in your aquarium, water pumps can also be used to power other devices such as protein skimmers, to drain or fill your tank, or even to mix up saltwater in holding tanks for water changes.

If you are looking for a pump to power your filtration system, there are two different types of pumps to consider: submersible and in-line. Some of the more versatile pumps, such as the Mag Drive pumps and the Eheim hobby pumps, can be used either submerged or in-line.

When choosing a water pump type and size, there are several factors to include in your decision:

• Filtration type -- What type of filter system is best for the type of aquarium you are planning? The type of filter you choose dictates the type of water pump you need.
• Desired flow rate -- Do the inhabitants of your aquarium require a greater flow rate (saltwater fish), or a lesser one (planted aquarium). Research the flow rate needs of the type of aquarium you are planning.
• Plumbing and head height -- What type of plumbing will be installed? Are you using a lot of elbows, and sharp turns, etc. Where will the filtration system be located? Directly underneath the aquarium? In the basement or another room? Be sure to consider the total distance the pump will be required to move your aquarium water.
• Additional devices-- Will your new aquarium require additional filtration or temperature control devices, such as UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, and chillers, etc.?