The 7 Best Powerheads for Saltwater Aquariums of 2024

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Collage of Powerheads for Saltwater Aquariums on a green patterned background

The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

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

Uniclife Aquarium Wave Maker

Amazon

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 three sizes: 30-60 gallons, 60-120 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 it even comes apart easily for quick cleaning.

Flow: 1058 gph, 2100 gph, 3400 gph | Size: 2.4 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches | Tank Range: 30-300 gallons

Best Budget

Aqueon Circulation Pump

Aqueon Circulation Pump

Amazon

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.

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

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

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

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.

Flow: 425 gph | Size: 3.5 x 2.4 x 2.4 inches | Tank Range: 15-25 gallons

Best Submersible

Hydor Koralia Evolution Circulation Pump

Hydor Koralia Evolution Aquarium Circulation Pump

Amazon

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 550 gph up to 1500 gph, so there is a model that will fit your tank well, depending on its size, shape, and inhabitants.

Flow: 550 gph, 850 gph, 1150 gph, 1500 gph | Size: 6 x 3 x 3 inches | Tank Range: 40-175 gallons

Best Wavemaker

Jebao Sine Cross Flow Pump

Jebao SCP-150 Sine Cross Flow Pump

Amazon

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.

Flow: 6000 gph, 7500 gph (crossflow) | Size: 13 x 3 x 1.6 inches | Tank Range: Not listed

Best Low Flow

Fluval FX Spray Bar Kit

Fluval FX Spray Bar Kit

Amazon

What We Like
  • Powerhead alternative

  • Lessens dead spots

  • Can be used under or above water

  • Extendable

What We Don't Like
  • Only works with specific Fluval canister filters

This Fluval FX Spray Bar is an alternative to powerheads that helps keep water circulating and lessens dead spots without a strong directional current. It can be used below the water's surface to move the water lightly and consistently, or above the water to provide more oxygen and a current effect. This spray bar can be extended up to 4.5 feet to cover more area in the tank. It also comes with attachments to connect to a filter outlet/hose adapter, but it is only compatible with canister filters from Fluval, including the Fluval FX2, FX4, and FX6.

Flow: Not listed | Size: 4.9 x 5 x 1.7 inches, extendable from 25 to 55 inches | Tank Range: Not listed

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 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 Pets?

This roundup was written by Dr. Jessie Sanders, an all-aquatic veterinary practitioner. Within Sanders' career she has explore thousands of private tanks with hands-on experience setting up 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 a top priority for Sanders and every single client she has helped.