AQUANEAT 480 GPH Circulation Pump Wavemaker

The AQUANEAT circulation pump is a small, submersible wavemaker that moves 480GPH (1850L/H) on just 3W. AQUANEAT recommends it for 60-75gal tanks and warns that it is too strong for small aquariums or tiny fish. An 800 GPH version (3000L/H) is also listed for 75-120gal tanks.

Why add a wavemaker

A filter return only moves water along one path. Corners and the area behind rockwork can turn into dead spots where waste settles and oxygen drops. A circulation pump stirs those areas, lifts debris and leftover food into the water column so the filter can catch it, and ripples the surface to improve gas exchange. Reef keepers use flow to feed corals; planted tanks use it to spread nutrients and CO₂.

Mounting and aiming

The pump holds to the glass with a suction cup on an articulating ball joint. That joint allows a full 360° rotation, so you can aim flow along the back wall, across the substrate or up toward the surface. The pump must be fully under water before you switch it on. Press the cup to the glass and lock the latch.

Picking a size

• 480 GPH: 60-75gal tanks
• 800 GPH: 75-120gal tanks

Start with gentle placement and watch your fish. Slow swimmers and long-finned fish prefer calmer zones, so leave a quiet area near plants or rock.

Power notes

It runs on 110V-120V / 60Hz with a 6 ft cord. AQUANEAT says not to connect it to a timer or controller, as that may cause reversal or malfunction. Leave it on a plain outlet with a drip loop.

Pair it with

A wavemaker works best alongside a solid filter. For a mid-size tank, see the options on our filter pages, and for small tanks consider a gentle AQUANEAT 80 GPH mini pump instead.