Products Archives - Warehouse Aquatics

What is a fish tank pump and why do you need one?

Lottie — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 08:00:45 +0000

Just as humans need air to breathe, fish need water circulation and aeration. And a pump is essential to ensure your fish get the oxygen and nutrients they need.

What are the different types of fish tank pumps?

There are two main types of fish tank pumps:

Air pumps, which oxygenate water to keep fish and plants alive. An air pump adds air to the fish tank through airline tubing in the form of bubbles. The pump sits outside of the fish tank, above the water surface.
Water pumps, which increase water movement in a fish tank or move water from one place to another, like from a sump to a fish tank. These pumps aerate fish tanks by producing a current that allows air to enter the water.

Fish tank water pumps

What is a fish tank water pump and how does it work?

A fish tank water pump aerates and circulates water to keep fish healthy.

The pump creates a current that feeds the water in the fish tank through the filter. The constant flow of the current distributes nutrients evenly throughout the fish tank, which helps prevent disease in fish.

In the middle of a water pump, an electric motor spins an impeller (one or two plates surrounding a series of vanes), producing kinetic energy.

An intake port sucks water in, and the kinetic energy from the impeller transfers to the water. The energy forces the water into the fish tank, and the water circulates into the filter, making its way back into the pump.

The current keeps all the water in motion, preventing stagnant water.

Do you need a fish tank water pump?

Small tanks don’t typically need water pumps, which are usually more beneficial to larger aquariums. So, if you have a small fish tank, an aquarium filter is likely all you need. If you have a larger fish tank, buying a water pump is a good idea.

If you’re not sure whether you need a water pump, keep an eye out for algae growth or sluggish fish. These are signs of low circulation, in which case a water pump may be your solution.

How should you clean your water pump?

To clean your water pump:

Turn off the water pump and unplug the power source.
If you have an external pump, remove the inlet and outlet tubing.
If your pump is in a sump, remove it from the sump and controller.
Remove the main housing from the water pump. You may be able to twist this off, but some pumps contain screws.
Remove the impeller and clean this and the pump housing with fresh water.
If there is calcium on the pump, mix one part muriatic acid with three parts citric acid. Soak the pump in this solution and rinse.
Dry the pump.
Reassemble the pump.
Reconnect the power (and tubing if necessary).

Bonus Tip

You should clean your water pump at least every four to six months. Some pumps require more frequent maintenance, so make sure you check the manual.

If you have a reef tank, you’ll need to clean your pump every two to three months.

Fish tank air pumps

What is a fish tank air pump and how does it work?

A fish tank air pump injects air into the water in your fish tank.

The pump forces oxygen into the water, and carbon dioxide releases into the water (with the help of surface agitation). The pump causes this surface agitation by displacing the water with air bubbles.

Do you need a fish tank air pump?

Small fish tanks don’t usually need an air pump. But the more fish in your aquarium, the higher the chemical imbalance in the water may be, making an air pump a good idea.

Similarly, cold-water tanks don’t typically need an air pump. But oxygen levels in warm water can decrease, so fish that live in warm water can benefit from an increased oxygen flow.

If you have live plants in your fish tank, buying an air pump could also be a good idea. Plants absorb CO2 and release oxygen during the day. But this process reverses at night, which can see plants diminish the oxygen levels in the water while raising CO2 levels. In this situation, an air pump can keep oxygen levels up.

If in doubt, buy an air pump if your fish don’t seem to be getting enough oxygen and show the following symptoms:

Resting more than usual.
Swimming to the top of the tank for oxygen (although this could mean the water contains too much ammonia – test your water to check).
Moving their gills quickly.

An air pump can also agitate some kinds of fish, like bettas, so check before you invest.

Do you need an airstone with an air pump?

When you buy an air pump, you’ll also need an airstone. These stones, made of porous stones or limewood, reduce the size of the large bubbles that the air pump produces to make them a friendlier size for fish.

An airstone:

Increases water circulation.
Increases surface agitation, forcing more oxygen into the tank.
Reduces noise.
Reduces the size of bubbles that come from the air pump.

In short, an airstone improves oxygen levels and reduces stress for fish.

What is a good flow rate for your fish tank pump?

Your pump’s flow rate should be at least three times higher than your fish tank volume. So, if your fish tank holds 180 litres, like the Juwel Rio 180 (which comes with a water pump), you’ll need a water pump that has a flow rate of at least 540 litres per hour.

You’ll also need to accommodate any obstacles in your fish tank that can slow down your flow rate. Consider the height of the pump head, indirect plumbing routes, and the size of the inlet/outlet tubing.

To be on the safe side, you could buy a water pump with a flow rate that is higher than three times your fish tank’s volume.

That said, be careful not to buy a water pump with a flow rate that is too high for your fish tank. An overly high flow rate can cause too much circulation, which can harm fish or force water out of the aquarium.

Lots of pumps have adjustable flow rates and timers so you can set your flow rate in line with your tank size.

Does your fish tank pump need to run constantly?

Whether you have a water or air pump, this should run all the time in your fish tank. The pump offers life support for fish and plants, so leave it turned on.

About Warehouse Aquatics

The Warehouse Aquatics mission is to offer the most choice at the best prices when it comes to your fishes’ wellbeing. We use the products on our website ourselves and are well-versed in all things fish, so we can give you all the advice you need. We’re not just here to sell aquatic supplies. We’re also here to guide you through your journey as a fish owner and enthusiast.

As a small team, we love to hear from our customers, so please do join the Warehouse Aquatics social media community. We’re always up for a chat, and we’d love to share your aquarium photos with our followers.

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Everything you need to know about fish tank backgrounds

Lottie — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:00:18 +0000

If you’re decorating your fish tank, you’ve probably come across fish tank backgrounds. But what are these posters and 3D backdrops? Why are they a good idea? And what do you need to know about them?

What are fish tank backgrounds?

There are two main types of fish tank backgrounds:

1. Posters that you can cut to size and insert into your aquarium. These fish tank posters usually come on a roll and may be double-sided.

2. 3D fish tank backgrounds that you can fit or glue inside your aquarium. These textured backdrops are usually modular, which means you can expand them.

Designs usually feature ocean water, cliff drops, and rockeries. We’ve written another blog post on our top four fish tank backgrounds, where you can find inspo for your aquarium.

Bonus Tip

It’s best to insert your fish tank background before you add fish to your tank. Your aquarium needs to be empty when you install your background, so, if you already have fish, they’ll need somewhere to stay while you install your background.

Why should you buy a fish tank background?

Here are our top six reasons to buy a fish tank background for your aquarium.

1. Create a theme for your fish tank

Your fish tank background can play a huge part in your aquarium theme. For example, our trimmable poster seascape background can help you create an under-the-sea theme. (You’ll need an adhesive like Juwel Decoration Poster Fix to attach a background like this.) Meanwhile, our expandable Juwel Cliff Dark, Cliff Light, and Stone Clay backgrounds can help you create an authentic rock-themed design. (You’ll need an adhesive like Juwel Decoration Conexo to fit these backgrounds.

2. Enhance the appearance of your fish tank

Teamed with rocks, stones, pebbles, shells, plants, coral, and/or ornaments, a fish tank background can help you add depth and a touch of nature to your aquarium.

3. Stop fish from feeling agitated

Some fish feel distressed when they see their reflections in aquarium glass. A fish tank background can prevent this. Put your background on two or three sides of your fish tank to minimise the chances of your fish seeing their reflections.

4. Hide wires and equipment

While fish tanks can be tranquil to look at, they do need equipment like tubes and a filter and pump to keep fish healthy. These aren’t always the prettiest to look at, but an aquarium background can help you hide them. (Alternatively, if you have a Juwel internal filter, you could cover this with a two-piece Juwel filter cover, which is available in cliff- and stone-clay designs.

5. Recreate your fishes’ natural habitat

In the ocean, fish spend a lot of time in a dark blue-black environment. You can recreate this habitat with an authentic fish tank background. (However, this isn’t ideal in a small tank…but more on that later.)

6. Make a small fish tank look bigger

A white fish tank background can make your aquarium appear bigger than it really is. These backgrounds can also accentuate and showcase your fish, helping them stand out.

Is a fish tank background right for your aquarium?

Before you buy a fish tank background, consider these three points to check whether a background is right for your aquarium.

1. Fish tank size

If you have a small aquarium that is already full of plants and ornaments, adding a dark background could limit the amount of light that your fish get. If you have a medium or large fish tank, aquarium backgrounds shouldn’t be a problem, though.

2. Fish tank placement

If the back of your fish tank faces a wall, an aquarium background is probably a good idea. But if your fish tank is in the middle of a room, the reverse side of a fish tank poster won’t give you a great view. In this case, stick to the plants and pretty substrate.

3. Fish health

Make sure you buy a fish tank background that is safe for aquarium life. If you don’t buy a proper background from a reputable shop, you could disrupt the chemical balance in your aquarium. (All of our fish tank backgrounds are safe for fish.)

Ready to choose your fish tank background?

About Warehouse Aquatics

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Our four favourite fish tank backgrounds

Lottie — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 16:13:41 +0000

There are plenty of ways to decorate and personalise your fish tank. But one of the easiest, most striking ways to transform your aquarium is to buy a fish tank background. These backgrounds offer a unique way to bring depth, colour, and theme to any aquarium.

What are fish tank backgrounds?

While some fish tank backgrounds are like giant posters for your fish, others are 3D textured backdrops that you can fit or glue inside your aquarium.

Our fish tank backgrounds include scenes of ocean water, cliff drops, and rockeries. So, whether you’re after a stick-on ocean backdrop or a 3D rock formation, we have a fish tank background that can help you create your under-the-sea vision.

Not only do these backdrops provide a scene that brings your fish tank to life, but they’re also great for hiding your heater tubes and filter.

Our four favourite fish tank backgrounds

These are just a few of our favourite fish tank backgrounds.

1. Juwel fish tank backgrounds

This stone granite fish tank background from Juwel can help you create a striking rock structure for your aquarium. The natural grey tones and the background’s illusion of depth give this backdrop an authentic feel.

This background measures 60 x 55 cm, and you can cut the background to fit your fish tank, making it easy to install inside your tank. The background also has a modular design, which makes it expandable.

We stock variations of this Juwel fish tank background, including the Cliff Dark, Cliff Light, and Stone Clay designs.

Bonus Tip

We recommend attaching this background with Juwel Decoration Conexo.

2. Juwel rear wall posters

This double-sided fish tank poster from Juwel gives you two backdrops for your aquarium, which you might like to switch between each time you do a water change.

Choose between a natural rocky scene and a bright underwater landscape with mixed vegetation.

This fish tank poster measures 150 x 60 cm. Like the Juwel fish tank backgrounds above, you can cut this poster to size. However, these posters attach to the back wall of your fish tank rather than slotting inside the tank.

We also stock variations of this Juwel rear wall poster, including a:

Bonus Tip

We recommend attaching this poster with Juwel Decoration Poster Fix.

3. Juwel filter covers

If you’re interested in covering your Juwel internal filter without inserting a background that will fill your fish tank, a Juwel filter cover is perfect for you.

We love this two-piece Juwel filter cover, which features a ‘Cliff Dark’ design that replicates the appearance and texture of a cliff.

We also stock variations of this Juwel filter cover, including the Cliff Light and Stone Clay designs.

This filter cover measures 55 x 18 cm.

4. Back to Nature rocks

Fishkeepers who are looking to design a natural fish tank will love Back to Nature’s rock aquarium backgrounds.

These slim backgrounds are approximately 10 mm thick and come in two colours: Red Rock and White Limestone.

These backgrounds are available in heights of 45 cm for 50 cm fish tanks and 55 cm for 60 cm fish tanks. Each height comprises four sections that you can interlock to cover the back of virtually any fish tank.

About Warehouse Aquatics

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Top six aquarium gifts for fish tank lovers on Father’s Day

Warehouse Aquatics — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 10:00:34 +0000

Father’s Day is just around the corner, so we’ve put together our top six aquarium gifts for all fish-loving dads. Whether your dad’s a seasoned fishkeeper or he’s just starting out with fish, we’ve got ideas for you.

So, without further ado, here you go: six of the best aquarium gifts for Father’s Day.

1. A Juwel aquarium background poster

Fish tank background posters are great aquarium gifts. Especially for dads who want to give their fish an awesome backdrop. They’re also great gifts for dads who need to hide ugly cables in their fish tanks. But that’s another story.

Either way, an aquarium background can transform a fish tank. These slot-in aquarium background posters will transport your dad’s fish to another world. We stock a range of designs to suit different themes, including rocky scenes, water effects, and vegetation.

We sell aquarium background posters in different sizes, and Dad can cut the posters to size. Some are even double-sided, so he can chop and change as he likes.

2. Water conditioning filter balls

Most fish-loving dads want to keep their aquarium water crystal clear. And Evolution Aqua Pure Aquarium Water Conditioning Filter Balls will make this much easier. These filter balls contain millions of live bacteria, enzymes, and organic matter that break down ammonia and nitrate in tank water to give water its ultra-clear quality.

Dad can add a couple of these balls per 25 litres of water to his fish tank each week to keep the water healthy. Each pot contains around 50 balls.

3. An automatic fish feeder

Your dad will never forget to feed his fish again if you treat him (well, his fish) to a Juwel EasyFeed Automatic Feeder. This handy feeder is also a great aquarium gift for dads who travel a lot and aren’t always at home to feed the fish.

The automatic fish feeder is suitable for any Juwel aquarium, and your dad can use it to serve flake, pellet, and tablet food. The feeder is easy to install and ready for immediate use.

The Juwel EasyFeed has the capacity to serve food for approximately 30 days (or 60 feedings). And, if the standard automatic feeder isn’t big enough for your dad’s tank, its big brother, the Juwel SmartFeed 2.0, could be the perfect fit.

4. An aquarium syphon

The least fun, least glamorous part of fishkeeping is cleaning the fish tank. But what if you could make this easier for Dad?

Introducing our fourth aquarium gift idea: a Python No Spill Clean-and-Fill Aquarium Syphon. Get your dad one of these handy devices, and he won’t need jugs and buckets to clean his fish tank again. No more spills. Instead, Dad can use the syphon to remove the old fish tank water, clean the gravel, and refill the tank.

Bonus Tip

You can see how aquarium syphons work in Python’s how-to-use video.

We sell aquarium syphons in three lengths: 25 foot (7.5m), 50 foot (15m) and 100 foot (30m). We also offer a variety of low-price gravel cleaners if this top-of-the-range syphon is out of budget.

5. Aquarium ornaments

There are infinite ways to decorate a fish tank with aquarium accessories. And one of the easiest ways to stamp dad’s personality on his aquarium is to buy him a fish tank ornament.

From vintage cars and aircrafts to mini Stonehenges, and rock displays, you’ll find the perfect fish tank ornament for dad in our collection. We also supply artificial corals; skulls, skeletons, and fossils; trees, plants, and roots; vehicles; starfish; mini amphitheatres; air-action clams; castles; telephone boxes; television character figures; space dogs; animals; planet earths; barrels; and colour balls.

6. A beginner fish tank

Finally, if your dad’s been thinking about buying a fish tank, now is the perfect time to help him take the first step. Our recommended beginner tanks cost just £62.99 and come in both white and black.

Your dad will also have our blog to refer back to as he sets up his tank and enjoys the simple pleasures of fish-keeping.

About Warehouse Aquatics

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Sicce

Warehouse Aquatics — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 14:44:32 +0000

Here at Warehouse Aquatics we are excited to introduce an exclusive new range of circulation and stream pumps for aquariums, manufactured by the leading Italian brand Sicce. Sicce have been around for over forty years, and it’s fair to say they have been pioneering in developing aquatic technologies and have come to be renowned for producing high quality products that work seamlessly with your aquarium.

Sicce have come to produce a great number of products over the years, from filters & aquariums to water treatments and plant nutrition. One of the things they are so well known for is their diverse range of pumps capable of working in a number of aquatic situations. The main aim of any pump manufacturer is to juggle the difficult task of a producing a quiet pump, but not compromising on the quality or construction of the product. Sicce have worked hard for many years researching and developing the best ways to manufacturer ultra-quiet pumps and powerheads with low consumption but are still extremely powerful.

Pumps are extremely important in circulating the water to avoid it becoming stagnant and ensure that a sufficient amount of oxygen is present in your tank so that your live stock remains healthy. There are a number of factors you may wish to consider when buying an air pump and we have tried to highlight some of the main features that make Sicce, a brand to consider when buying a pump.

Features

One of the most important things about purchasing a pump is its functionality and the ability to install this quickly & efficiently. For this reason many of the models come with strong suction cups, or powerful magnets which attach with ease to your aquarium, and there is no complicated connecting, everything can be controlled at the pump or with the use of a wave controller (specific to certain models)

A lot of the models are multipurpose and have the ability to perform various functions throughout your aquariums making them excellent value for money. They have the ability to work as filter pumps, circulation pumps and also low water level pumps in vivarium setups. The stream and wave models are designed to create brilliant ripple and wave effects that replicate natural marine water currents. Each one is also designed to be compact to keep your aquarium as a clutter free as possible.

One of the biggest things about these pumps, are their ability to function at a quiet level. They use lower amounts of energy to run and in turn this reduces the amount of noise that the device emits. This is probably one of the main design features hobbyists look for when purchasing an aquarium pump, and “seen but shouldn’t be heard” is never been more relevant.

Because Sicce produce water technology for different purposes (swimming pool, water gardens & features etc.) their pumps are all designed to be suitable for freshwater, marine or tropical settings. Models such as the Xstream have a unique rotating motor that will allow you to adjust the flow by a full 360^o which is easily controlled on the pump itself.

Overall, the models themselves are crafted beautifully and are exceptional value for money. They make the art of fish keeping easier which as hobbyists; this is something to strive for, without compromising the safety and wellbeing of your live stock.

If you would like further information on any of the Sicce products we stock then please check out our website.

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