For the health of your fish, an aquarium should mimic the natural world to the best of your ability. In fresh and saltwater environments, the water is constantly moving. Your aquarium’s filter will typically help maintain adequate water movement and surface agitation. But adding a pump to your aquarium can increase surface agitation and eliminate anoxic "dead zones", especially if you have a larger aquarium.

Aquarium pumps provide multiple functions. A pump can help to distribute nutrients and oxygen throughout an aquarium or paludarium and prevent stagnant areas. You can use an aquarium pump to operate other aquarium equipment like a UVC or filter. Aquarium pumps can also be used in a discreet aquarium sump filtration system to quietly and effortlessly return the filtered water back into the aquarium.

An air pump produces a vertical flow of bubbles that increases the CO2 and O2 gas exchange, providing a well aerated environment. These types of pumps also increase surface agitation and eliminate anoxic "dead zones."

A stream pump produces water currents that circulate the water, creating natural water movement that fish love. These types of pumps also increase surface agitation and eliminate anoxic "dead zones".