The Difference Between Aquarium Bubblers & Water Pumps

Your primary goal in setting up an aquarium is providing a positive, healthy environment for your underwater plants and creatures. Circulating the water in the tank helps create a clean, oxygen-rich atmosphere for your aquarium. Aquarium bubblers and water pumps are forms of equipment that make this happen.

  1. Purpose of Pumps and Bubblers

    • Your fish and plants need oxygen in the water to survive and stay healthy. Water pumps and bubblers move your aquarium water to the surface of the tank so that it can become oxygenated. This process also releases harmful carbon dioxide from the water back into the air. Aquarium water pumps and bubblers -- which run off of air pumps -- also prevent the aquarium water from becoming stagnant and stale through constant circulation. Without a water pump or bubbler, most fish will die.

    How a Water Pump Works

    • Water pumps usually use blades that look like propellers to move the water. Many different types of pumps are available, some featuring filtration, different flow rates, head heights and temperature control. You must consider the type of tank ̵1; saltwater or freshwater ̵1; size of your tank and type of fish you plan to inhabit. Some pumps come with additional features, including protein skimmers and draining and filling devices. Water pumps may be submersible in water while others are used out of the water and connect to your tank via a hose. The type you choose depends on the needs of your tank. Consult a pet store or aquarium specialist for your specific needs.

    How Bubblers Work

    • Bubblers work in synergy with an air pump and also provide oxygen to your fish. You plug an air pump into an electrical outlet and attach an airline tubing from the pump to the bubbler in the tank. As the air is pumped into the water, the water rises and comes in contact with the air and, hence, oxygen. The air hose does not add oxygen to the water, it simply moves the water so that it can rise to the surface. Bubblers add a visual bubbling or fizzing to your tank, while water pumps may not.

    Considerations

    • Bubblers can be used for tanks that are shallow or small, but will not provide enough circulation for tanks larger than 50 gallons. Bubblers move water in a more uneven manner than pumps so the water aerates less effectively. You can combine water pumps with bubblers or air pumps for extra insurance that your marine life are getting enough oxygen. You must have a filtration system in place whether you choose a water pump or a bubbler.