PULACO Submersible Pump with Tubing, 400 GPH, 5 ft tubing

It reaches a maximum flow of 400 GPH and lifts water up to 6.6 ft, so a filter outlet below that height stays within reach. A flow valve on the pump lets you set the rate yourself instead of taking the full output.

How the pump is set up and adjusted

The pump goes in the water, and the flow rate is set with the adjustable valve before it runs. If the silicone tubing arrives with a kink, stretch it and lay it flat for several hours, after which it returns to its normal shape.

Cleaning the pump takes no tools, because the body comes apart by hand for that job. Once reassembled, the pump supplies a continuous, stable flow while it runs.

What the 400 GPH output and 6.6 ft lift mean

The 400 GPH figure is the highest flow the PL-1500 reaches, and that number falls off as water has to be pushed upward. 6.6 ft is the maximum lift, so any outlet placed above that height is beyond what the pump can raise water to.

• The adjustable flow valve trims the output down from the full 400 GPH to the rate you want.
• Water can be pushed up to 6.6 ft, which covers an outlet mounted below that height.
• The pump body separates without tools, so the impeller area can be reached for cleaning.
• The silicone tubing in the box can be straightened after kinking by stretching it and leaving it flat for several hours.
• The 9 cm (3.5 in) height and 680 g (1.5 lb) weight are the figures to check against the space in a tank or basin.

Does it fit your tank, pond or water feature?

A medium fish tank is what the pump is intended for, so a small nano tank or a very large tank sits outside the stated size. Beyond the tank, the manufacturer names small ponds, fountains, water spring artworks, gardens, aquaponic systems and aquaculture among the places it suits.

Check the height first: water cannot be raised more than 6.6 ft, so measure from the pump's position to the top of the outlet. The pump measures 12 x 7 x 9 cm (4.7 x 2.8 x 3.5 in) and weighs 680 g (1.5 lb), which is the space it needs where it sits. For a garden or pond above that lift, this pump does not suit the job.

Questions before you buy

How high can this pump push water?

It lifts water up to 6.6 ft, which is the maximum head height. An outlet placed above 6.6 ft cannot be reached by the pump.

What size tank is it meant for?

The pump is intended for medium fish tanks. Small ponds, fountains, gardens, aquaponic systems and aquaculture are also listed as suitable uses.

Can I turn the flow down?

Yes, an adjustable flow valve sets the flow rate below the 400 GPH maximum.

How do I clean the pump?

The pump can be disassembled and cleaned without tools, so the parts come apart by hand.

What do I do if the tubing is kinked?

Stretch the silicone tubing and leave it flat for several hours, and it returns to its normal shape.

What is in the box?

The pump comes with tubing: 5 ft of silicone tubing. The pump itself is the PL-1500 in black, measuring 12 x 7 x 9 cm and weighing 680 g.