Product: TetraTec Deep Water Pump
Manufacturer: Tetra
Price: $10-(10-20 gal) <--> $70-(50-100 gal)
Pros: If you are looking for a great pump that will not wear out easy and is extremely powerful, this is the pump for you.
Cons: Unfortunately these pumps are far from quiet. They will get the job done, but may not be the best choice for a tank that is in a frequently trafficked room.


Tetra is one of the pioneers in aquarium supplies. They have been part of the marketplace for a very long time and produce a wide range of products. This month, we review one of their more premium products. The deep water series of pumps was first released 5 years ago. If you are looking for a powerful inexpensive pump, or if you have tall aquariums this is a great choice.

Noise (2)

The only real drawback of this pump is the noise it creates. I am not a fan of noise, especially when related to aquariums. In my mind, constant whirring is the antithesis of everything good about aquariums. A good aquarium is quiet, as is a good pump. While the Deep Water series of pumps are not as loud as most air compressor systems, they are much louder than any other pump I have ever run. They are certainly a far cry from the old whisper series of pumps.

Longevity (10)

Fortunately for this pump, it is not only a far cry from its predecessory whisper series in noise, it is also very different in its longevity. The whisper pumps were renown for breaking down quickly. Every pet store carried repair kits for the pumps. I still have many of them...

However, as far as the Deep Water series goes, I doubt you will ever need a replacement. The pump will work for years and the parts seem nearly indestructible. I have abused the pump by placing it on air stones that were clogged and have not yet blown the diaphragm. I am confident that this series of pumps will outlive any other pump you can purchase.

Power (10)

This pump was created specifically to power multiple items in deep aquariums. I would term anything 20 inches or deeper as deep. The most basic pump of the series will be able to deliver air to the bottom of a 29-gallon or 25-gallon high aquarium. I have never seen a more powerful pump on the market. For a tall aquarium there is no better choice.

Overall (8)

Despite my dislike for many Tetra products, the Deep Water pump is an exception. This is a powerful pump that will allow you to run multiple aquarium devices or even multiple aquariums. The pump sets a new standard in longevity as well and will stay running long after your other pumps have failed. The only real drawback is the noise factor, and if that is not important to you when you are picking out a pump, then this is the pump for you.

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