The 6 Best Powerheads for Saltwater Aquariums of 2023

Jessie Sanders, DVM, CertAqV By
Jessie Sanders
Jessie Sanders, DVM, CertAqV
Jessie Sanders
Dr. Jessie Sanders, CertAqV, is an accomplished aquatic veterinary medicine expert with nearly two decades of experience working with private patients and aquaculture facilities. She owns Aquatic Veterinary Services specializing in fish surgery, and she hold the rare certification through the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association.
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Updated on 03/14/23

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In large or crowded saltwater aquariums, consistent water flow is essential for ensuring all of your tank inhabitants have access to clean water and all of their waste is moved to your filtration. Depending on your tank inhabitants, you may need fast water flow for strong swimmers or low flow for slow-growing corals. Choosing the right powerhead or circulation pump can greatly benefit your tank’s environment and health of your fish and invertebrates.

Our favorite is the Uniclife Aquarium Wave Maker for its multiple customizations and size options. From this product line, you can find the powerhead perfect for your saltwater aquarium of any size and inhabitant combination.

Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Uniclife Aquarium Wave Maker at Amazon
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Best Budget:
Aqueon Circulation Pump at Amazon
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Best for Large Tanks:
Freesea Aquarium Circulation Pump at Amazon
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Best for Small Tanks:
Fluval Sea CP2 Circulation Pump at Amazon
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Best Submersible:
Hydor Koralia Evolution Circulation Pump at Amazon
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Best Wavemaker:
Jebao Sine Cross Flow Pump at Amazon
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In This Article

Best Overall

Uniclife Aquarium Wave Maker

Uniclife Aquarium Wave Maker

Amazon
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What We Like

  • Can be used as wave generator or traditional powerhead

  • Three available sizes

  • Can take apart for complete cleaning

  • Adjustable flow

What We Don't Like

  • Magnetic mount can be tricky to adjust

The many customizable options of the Uniclife Aquarium Wave Maker and Submersible Circulation Pump make it a great choice for any saltwater aquarium. This product comes in 3 sizes: 30-60 gallons, 60-100 gallons and 120-300 gallons. Each model can be adapted to making waves at the surface or lower in your tank, or just a standard powerhead flow. The adaptability makes this product a great choice for many tanks and even comes apart easily for quick cleaning.

Price at time of publish: $67 (60-120 gallons)

Flow: 1058 gph, 2100 gph, 3400 gph | Size: 2.4 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches | Tank range: 30-300 gallon models available

Best Budget

Aqueon Circulation Pump

Aqueon Circulation Pump

Amazon
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What We Like

  • Energy-efficient motor

  • Intuitive design

What We Don't Like

  • No customization

  • Limited direction change

  • Suitable for small aquariums only

This line from Aqueon varies from 20 gallons all the way up to 125 gallons for a very reasonable price point. The Aqueon Circulation Pump has a suction cup with a push tab that makes it easy to lock down. The ball and socket joint also makes adjustments to flow direction simple. This is an excellent choice for a simple powerhead in many saltwater aquariums.

Price at time of publish: $20 (950 model)

Flow: 500 gph, 700 gph, 950 gph, 1250 gph | Size: 3.25 x 5.38 x 5.25 inches | Tank range: 20-125 gallons

Best for Large Tanks

Freesea Aquarium Circulation Pump

Freesea Aquarium Circulation Pump

Amazon
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What We Like

  • Double head flow

  • Strong output

  • Magnetic mount

What We Don't Like

  • Two heads cannot be directed individually

  • Not ideal for delicate fish and corals

With a double head and 1600 gph, the Freesea Aquarium Circulation Pump is a great choice for a large system or fish that like fast-moving water. This unit used a magnetic mount and 8 watts of energy to create a highly dynamic environment in your saltwater aquarium.

Price at time of publish: $29 (1600 gph model)

Flow: 1050 gph, 1600 gph | Size: 6.3 x 4.9 x 4.4 inches | Tank range: 75-125 gallons

Best for Small Tanks

Fluval Sea CP2 Circulation Pump

Fluval Sea CP2 Circulation Pump

Amazon
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What We Like

  • Made specifically for small tanks

  • Gentle current

  • Quiet

  • Adjustable flow

What We Don't Like

  • No flow adjustment

  • Not ideal for larger tanks

For small tanks and gentle currents, the Fluval Sea Circulation Pump is your best bet. This pump comes in a range of sizes all the way down to 15 gallons. This pump is a great choice for delicate corals that just require a tiny bit of flow.

Price at time of publish: $27 (CP2)

Flow: 425 gph (CP2) | Size: 3.5 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches | Tank range: 15-25 gallons

Best Submersible

Hydor Koralia Evolution Aquarium Circulation Pump

4.7
Hydor Koralia Evolution Aquarium Circulation Pump

Amazon
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What We Like

  • Variety of sizes

  • Simple to install and use

  • Good flow for size

  • Easy to position and direct

What We Don't Like

  • Wave controller sold separately

  • Larger sizes can be bulky

Submersible powerheads work best when they have some flexibility in flow and positioning. The Hydor Koralia series is a simple set up with a strong suction mount on a ball-in-socket joint, allowing for full rotation once secured. Sizes vary from 600 gph up to 1500 gph, so there is a model that will fit your tank well, depending on its size, shape and inhabitants.

Price at time of publish: $40 (750-850 gph model)

Flow: 550-1500 gph | Power consumption: 5 watts | Size: 6 x 3 x 3 inches | Tank range: 40-175 gallons

Best Wavemaker

Jebao SCP-150 Sine Cross Flow Pump

Jebao SCP-150 Sine Cross Flow Pump

Amazon
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What We Like

  • Multiple modes and flow settings

  • Allows for customization

  • Works for large systems

What We Don't Like

  • May need multiple for larger or wider systems

  • Not all tank inhabitants like wave action

Looking to make some waves? The Jebao Pump Wave Maker can be customized to many size tanks, but is recommended for larger tanks since it can make waves up to 6 feet away from its base. Dynamic waves can be of great benefit to many fish and invertebrate species, but it may take time for them to get used to all the commotion.

Price at time of publish: $137

Flow: up to 6000-7500 gph crossflow | Size: 13 x 3 x 1.6 inches | Tank range: up to 6 feet in length

Final Verdict

Our overall pick for powerheads for saltwater aquariums is the Uniclife Aquarium Adjustable Wave Maker and Submersible Circulation Pump. It comes in multiple sizes and can play both as a normal powerhead and wave generator, making it a good choice for most saltwater setups. If you’re not sure what exactly you need, this pump allows you to play around with the settings in order to customize what works best in your tank.


If you are looking for a more straightforward powerhead, check out the Hydor Koralia Evolution Circulation & Wave Pump series instead. These pumps come in a variety of sizes for various saltwater tank setups, and you can always add on a wave controller later.

What to Look for in an Aquarium Powerheads

Flow Rates

Flow rates for all pumps are given in gallons per hour (gph). Many powerheads are rated for certain sizes of aquariums, but your setup may not fit the general guidelines. Some powerheads come with adjustable flow, so if you are unsure about your desired flow rate, an adjustable model would be a smart choice. Flow requirements will also depend on the other filtration elements in place and how strong their intakes and returns are.

Tank Size

As per our recommendations for flow rate above, just because your pump is marketed towards a particular tank size, your individual tank may not confirm to those guidelines. Extra long tanks will require additional flow compared to a deep, short tank.

Installation

Consult all manufacturer’s directions for proper installation. Your powerhead should be installed at the opposite end of your aquarium from your filter output. Direct the flow along the diagonal axis of your tank and away from any walls.

Considerations for Corals

All corals benefit from a current to allow them to forage from the water column. Some corals like a heavy flow, while others cannot stand anything but a low flow. There is a tendency to really crank up the flow with corals, especially for beginners, but often, a slow flow is better. An adjustable model will allow you to start slow and then slowly turn up the flow until your corals are content.

FAQ
  • Do I need a powerhead in my aquarium?

    Not all aquariums will require a powerhead. Small tanks without lots of décor can get away without one. A simple test is to take a small leaf from a synthetic aquarium plant and allow it to circulate around your aquarium. Are there any areas it cannot reach? If yes, you should add a pump in the area that it gets stuck to prevent dead spots and promote full tank circulation.

     Saltwater tanks with delicate corals may not benefit from fast moving water. You may need a very small powerhead to circulate but not disturb your corals. The outflow from your filter may be sufficient without an additional powerhead, but will depend on your filter and décor placement.

  • Where do I place powerheads in my aquarium?

    The best place to start with a powerhead is at the opposite end of your tank from your filter return. This is commonly the area of lowest flow. If your filter return is on the top of the water column, place a powerhead lower and vice versa. Try to direct the flow along the diagonal axis of your tank and not against any sides.

  • How is aquarium powerhead flow measured?

    Like most other aquarium pumps, flow for powerheads is measured in gallons per hour or gph. This is a measurement of how many gallons of water can be moved by a pump over an hour. Circulation pumps and powerheads may vary slightly in gph and be suitable for many sizes of aquarium. If you are unsure what gph you need, it is recommended that you select a powerhead that has an adjustable flow setting.

  • What’s the difference between a powerhead and a wavemaker?

    Powerheads are pumps that push water around. Wave makers will also push water, but in an oscillating pattern. Some powerheads and wave makers can be combined into one product.

  • Do powerheads provide oxygen?

    Submerged powerheads to not add any additional aeration unless they have an air intake. Powerheads that are placed to disturb surface water or above water will add in additional oxygen through agitation of the water at the air-water interface along the surface of your tank.

Why Trust The Spruce?

As an all-aquatic veterinary practitioner, I have seen thousands of private tank setups and have personal experience with most of the equipment. Powerheads are an essential component to larger fish systems in order to provide a clean and healthy environment. Water quality is essential to fish health and discussed with every single one of my clients.

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