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| GPH | Dimensions | Max Head | Noise Level | Longevity | Price |
| 793 GPH | 5.4″ x 3.2″ x 5″ | 3m | 127″ | Very Low | 5+ Years | High |
Eheims compact+ 3000 model submersible aquarium pump brings a lot of value rolled into a small pump. It runs fairly quietly, even more so when submerged, and can move water higher than most aquarists could ever need it. The flow stays consistent over the years, but is reduced when nearing the maximum head. Overall Eheim created a solid, reliable pump that manages to produce a good amount of flow without creating a ruckus.
Set-up
There are a few steps you need to follow when setting up the Eheim compact+ pump 3000.
First you will need to attach the two fastening strips to the bottom of the motor. After this you will need to choose either suction cups or the mounting bracket
Suction Cups
The four suction cups simply connect to the bottom of the fastening strips. Ensure they are all in place before attaching the pump to any smooth, well cleaned surface. Any debris will reduce the power of the suction cups and may result in the pump coming loose.
Mounting Bracket
The mounting bracket of the compact+ 3000 will hold the pump in place near the top of the tank. For sumps this is an excellent way to increase the flow when nearing the maximum head. It is also a great choice if you do not have any flat surface to use.
you will be using two stop screws on the mounting bracket. One will hold the pump a set distance away from the glass while the second, higher mounted screw will keep the bracket fixed to the glass or whatever it is you are mounting the pump on.
Tubing
the Eheim Compact+ pump 3000 accepts a tube of 3/4″ ID on both its input and output. The output is always in place, so you will simply slide the tube into place and use the hose strap(12) to secure the tubing in place. The intake can work either submerged or with another tube attached to it.
To use the Eheim Compact+ pump 3000 as an external water pump you will need to remove the front cover(8) and attach the hose connection unit(9). You may then attach the hose and use the second hose strap(12) to secure the tubing in place.
Remember the pump cannot run dry. Doing so will simply damage the impeller. You will need to either submerge the pump or prime the pump via suction. Once the tube has water from the intakes source to the motor of the pump you may plug in and turn on the pump.
Assembly
While there are a ton of parts here, you will only need to disassemble the pump to clean and trouble shoot. To access all parts on the pump you will only need to remove the front grate(7) and pump housing(2).
The front grate simple comes off with a bit of force. This should be removed to replace the sponge filter and clean out the intake of the pump.
The pump’s housing should be removed when you are deep cleaning the pump. Remove the four screws on the sides of the housing before trying to open it up. This will give you access to the impeller and its magnetic housing. For the best cleaning you should soak the impeller in a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar for 15 minutes. Clean off the grate, pump housing and impeller mount while the impeller soaks. Rinse off the impeller. The impeller and mount must be cleaned using a soft, non abrasive material. I use a cotton swab as they are cheap and easy to keep on hand.
Reassemble the pump in reverse order and reset-up the connections of the pump. Remember to prime the pump if you are using it as an external water pump.
Flow & Adjustments
The 3000 model pump puts out 793 GPH and can climb almost 10 feet. For my mid sized aquariums with sumps hidden underneath this is a perfect amount. For example my 75 Gal is just about 5.5′ tall, with the sump only a few inches off the ground. The pump sends the water up 5 feet into the tank, giving me around a 10 times turnover rate. While that’s certainly not the highest turnover rate the tank can use, it more than gets the job done.
The flow can be adjusted down to 400 GPH using the flow control valve, making it an excellent choice for small tanks that need a lot of head. For large tanks you will likely want to look into the larger 5000 model.
Warranty & Lifetime
Eheim offers a 3 year warranty on all of their products. For the most part, no one ever gets to use these warranties, simply because their design is that good.
The average pump owner can expect between 3-5 years, where as those who clean out the pump every month are likely to see over 5 years of service from this pump. Once the pump does inevitably quit you can take it apart and see what the problem is. In most cases it is the impeller, which can be found using Eheim’s official manual. Using the order number it’s easy to find a replacement part and get the pump up and running for a fraction of the cost.
Looking for more information on quiet aquarium water pumps? Read our full guide here.
