PULACO 400 GPH Submersible Pump

The PULACO PL-1500 is a submersible pump rated at 400GPH, with a maximum lift of 6.6ft and an adjustable flow valve. It comes with 5 ft of silicone tubing. PULACO pitches it for medium fish tanks, small ponds, fountains, aquaponics and garden water features.

Good uses in the hobby

• A return pump for a small sump under a tank.
• Extra circulation in a large freshwater tank.
• Driving a DIY canister, fluidized bed or top filter.
• Water changes: pumping new water from a bucket into the tank.

Understanding the numbers

The 400GPH rating is at zero height. Every foot of lift costs flow, and elbows, valves and narrow tubing cost more. A sump return a few feet up will deliver a good deal less than the rating. That is normal for every pump; size up if you need strong turnover at height.

Adjusting flow

The built-in valve lets you dial back output, which helps when a pump is slightly too strong for a small sump or a planted tank.

Cleaning without tools

PULACO designed the pump to come apart by hand. Remove the cover, slide out the impeller and rinse the parts. Do this every few weeks in a pond, or every month or two in a tank.

Quiet running

The motor runs smoothly and quietly when fully submerged. Noise usually means it is pulling in air or debris is rubbing the impeller.

Size options

For a tabletop fountain, the PULACO 160 GPH pump is enough. For taller lifts or bigger ponds, step up to the PULACO 800 GPH pump.

Tubing note

If the silicone tubing arrives kinked, stretch it and leave it flat for a few hours so it straightens. Use a pre-filter sponge on the intake in tanks with small fish or shrimp.

Check the intake and fittings once a month so a slow clog or loose connection never catches you by surprise.