Pump Performance Shapes Aquarium Success

Pumps: The Backbone of Aquarium Operations

Pumps are the heart of an aquarium system, circulating water to keep oxygen levels stable. They help maintain consistent temperature and nutrient distribution throughout the tank, as well as filter out waste and toxins and aerate the tanks, providing oxygen for aquatic live. Without proper circulation, stagnant water can lead to algae growth, debris buildup, and poor fish health.

In addition to circulation, aeration, and filtration, aquariums rely on a wide range of specialized pump applications to maintain healthy, stable aquatic environments for both marine life and visitors. These include:
• Holding, focus, and isolation tank support
• Wastewater transfer to storage tanks for treatment
• Chemical transfer to prevent or treat disease
• Water testing

In the same way there are multiple applications, each aquarium system has unique operational challenges, making reliable, application-specific pump solutions essential. With Finish Thompson customers, this comes down to four common issues:
• Low heat generation
• Oxygenation
• Ease of maintenance
• Convenient testing

It is critical for pumps to generate very low amounts of heat, as even small changes in water temperature can be stressful, and even potentially fatal, with some fish species. Given the resources aquariums often invest to obtain rare species, it is vital to maintain a stable, healthy temperature. This requires choosing the right pump, such as FTI’s DB series mag-drive centrifugal pump. Thanks to sealless engineering, the DB series helps to protect against rising temperatures due to improper water flow and low heat generation.

For a landmark San Francisco aquarium, oxygen balance is top of mind. Previous pumps added so much air that they harmed the minnows in the tank. With Finish Thompson’s SP series self-priming, sealless, mag-drive centrifugal pump, aquarium operators can draw liquid from an artificial lagoon to the display tank without risk of over-oxygenating the fish and causing damage. The pumps also offer quiet operation for public viewing areas, which is key for maximizing the experience of aquarium visitors.

When your tank houses sharks, maintenance becomes key factor. Many pumps are not only large and cumbersome, but are also located inside the tank. Fortunately, FTI’s SP series pump addresses this concern as well. The SP series is mounted outside of the tank, making access simpler, safer and more economical. And in the event service is needed, it’s easy to detach and remove the pump without donning a scuba suit.

Finally, testing water conditions for sizes of tanks calls for a cordless drum pump, such as the EF series, engineered for light duty and equipped with an S6 lithium ion battery motors. For one bay-side customer, the EF series allows technicians to test different areas quickly and conveniently or even empty a tank if needed.