Description
Aqua One Maxi Water Pumps – Submersible Hydroponic & Aquarium Pumps 400L/H to 3200L/H
Reliable Submersible Water Pumps for Hydroponics, Nutrient Reservoirs, Aquaponics & Water Circulation
Aqua One Maxi Water Pumps are compact, reliable and energy-efficient submersible water pumps designed for continuous water circulation and transfer applications.
Although widely recognised for aquarium use, the Aqua One Maxi range is also highly practical for hydroponic nutrient reservoirs, recirculating systems, irrigation systems, aquaponics and general water movement.
With models ranging from the compact Maxi 101 at 400 litres per hour through to the powerful Maxi 106 at up to 3200 litres per hour, growers can select a pump according to both the required flow rate and vertical head height of their system.
The pumps operate completely submerged, feature suction-cup mounting and are designed for quiet, economical operation. Replacement impellers and other genuine spare parts are also available, making the Maxi series a practical choice for long-term use.
Key Features
- Fully submersible water pump
- Excellent for hydroponic nutrient reservoirs
- Suitable for recirculating hydroponics
- Ideal for nutrient solution circulation
- Suitable for aquaponics
- Suitable for freshwater and marine applications
- Useful for water transfer
- Compact design
- Quiet operation
- Energy-efficient motor
- Multiple flow capacities available
- Models from 400L/H to 3200L/H
- Maximum head heights from 0.65m to 3.5m
- Flow adjustment on applicable models
- Suction cups for secure positioning
- Multiple outlet fittings on applicable models
- Venturi functionality
- Genuine replacement impellers available
- Suitable for continuous circulation applications
- 220–240V AC operation
- Wide range of applications from small reservoirs to larger irrigation systems
Aqua One Maxi Pump Range
| Model | Maximum Flow | Maximum Head Height | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi 101 | 400L/H | 0.65m | 6W |
| Maxi 102 | 500L/H | 1.05m | 8W |
| Maxi 103 | 1200L/H | 1.2m | 15W |
| Maxi 104 | 2000L/H | 2.0m | 30W |
| Maxi 105 | 2500L/H | 2.5m | 45W |
| Maxi 106 | 3200L/H | 3.5m | 80W |
Important Specification Note
Some older or third-party listings show slightly different maximum flow figures for the Maxi 105 and Maxi 106. The manufacturer's technical documentation specifies 2500L/H for the Maxi 105 and 3200L/H for the Maxi 106, which are the figures used for this listing.
Designed for Reliable Water Circulation
The Aqua One Maxi range provides continuous water movement in a compact submersible package.
For hydroponic growers, maintaining circulation inside a nutrient reservoir can help keep the solution moving rather than allowing areas of stagnant water to develop.
The pumps can also be used to move nutrient solution from a reservoir into compatible irrigation systems.
Typical applications include:
- Reservoir circulation
- Nutrient solution transfer
- Hydroponic irrigation
- Recirculating systems
- NFT systems
- Drip irrigation
- Aquaponics
- Aquarium circulation
- Water features
- General water transfer
Ideal for Hydroponic Nutrient Reservoirs
Aqua One Maxi pumps are an excellent option for growers requiring a compact hydroponic reservoir pump.
A pump positioned inside the reservoir can be used to circulate nutrient solution, supply irrigation lines or transfer solution between containers.
Reservoir circulation is particularly useful when working with larger nutrient tanks because it helps maintain movement throughout the solution.
Depending on your system, a Maxi pump may be used alongside:
- AQUA-TANK reservoirs
- Rigid nutrient tanks
- Irrigation manifolds
- Drip lines
- NFT systems
- Flood-and-drain systems
- Recirculating hydroponics
- Mixing reservoirs
Choosing the Right Aqua One Maxi Pump
Selecting a water pump based purely on its advertised litres-per-hour rating can result in disappointing performance.
You need to consider both flow rate and head height.
Maxi 101 – 400L/H
A compact 6W pump suitable for smaller reservoirs and gentle circulation applications.
- Maximum flow: 400L/H
- Maximum head: 0.65m
- Power consumption: 6W
Ideal for smaller nutrient tanks and applications requiring relatively little vertical lift.
Maxi 102 – 500L/H
A compact step up from the Maxi 101, providing additional head pressure while maintaining very low power consumption.
- Maximum flow: 500L/H
- Maximum head: 1.05m
- Power consumption: 8W
A useful choice for small hydroponic reservoirs where the water needs to travel slightly further vertically.
Maxi 103 – 1200L/H
The Maxi 103 provides a substantial increase in flow while remaining relatively compact and economical.
- Maximum flow: 1200L/H
- Maximum head: 1.2m
- Power consumption: 15W
An excellent general-purpose option for medium-sized hydroponic reservoirs and recirculating systems.
Maxi 104 – 2000L/H
The Maxi 104 provides significantly greater circulation capacity and a maximum head height of approximately 2 metres.
- Maximum flow: 2000L/H
- Maximum head: 2.0m
- Power consumption: 30W
Suitable for larger nutrient reservoirs, higher-flow recirculation and irrigation systems requiring additional vertical lift.
Maxi 105 – 2500L/H
The Maxi 105 is designed for higher-volume applications.
- Maximum flow: 2500L/H
- Maximum head: 2.5m
- Power consumption: 45W
This makes it suitable for larger hydroponic systems where greater flow and head pressure are required.
Maxi 106 – 3200L/H
The Maxi 106 is the highest-capacity pump in the range.
- Maximum flow: 3200L/H
- Maximum head: 3.5m
- Power consumption: 80W
Its higher maximum head makes it particularly useful where nutrient solution must be moved vertically or through more substantial plumbing.
Understanding Head Height
Head height refers to how high a pump can lift water vertically.
This specification is extremely important when choosing a hydroponic water pump.
For example, a pump rated at 2000L/H does not necessarily deliver 2000L/H once it is required to push water upwards.
As vertical lift increases, actual flow decreases.
Flow can also be reduced by:
- Long lengths of hose
- Small-diameter tubing
- Elbows
- Valves
- Manifolds
- Filters
- Restrictions
- Multiple irrigation outlets
The specified maximum head height represents the approximate point where effective water delivery reaches its limit—not a recommended operating height at full advertised flow.
For this reason, choose a pump with additional flow and head capacity above the absolute minimum requirements of your system.
Submersible Operation
Aqua One Maxi pumps are designed to operate completely submerged.
For hydroponic use, position the pump inside the nutrient reservoir while keeping the intake unobstructed.
The suction cups help secure the pump against a suitable smooth surface and reduce unwanted movement.
Never allow a submersible pump to run dry.
Running without adequate water can damage the pump and reduce its service life.
Flow Control
The smaller Aqua One Maxi models provide variable flow control, allowing water output to be reduced where maximum flow isn't required.
This can be particularly useful when:
- Circulating small reservoirs
- Running sensitive irrigation systems
- Adjusting water movement
- Matching pump output to plumbing
- Reducing excessive turbulence
The Maxi 105 and Maxi 106 do not feature the same adjustable flow control, so these larger models should be selected with their higher output in mind.
Outlet Sizes
Outlet configuration varies between models.
| Model | Outlet |
|---|---|
| Maxi 101 | 9 / 13mm |
| Maxi 102 | 9 / 13mm |
| Maxi 103 | 16mm |
| Maxi 104 | 19mm |
| Maxi 105 | 19 / 21mm |
| Maxi 106 | 19 / 21mm |
Always confirm that your selected hose, irrigation line or adaptor is compatible with the chosen pump before installation.
Compact Pump Dimensions
| Model | Approximate Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Maxi 101 | 6.5 × 4.5 × 5cm |
| Maxi 102 | 6.5 × 4.5 × 6.5cm |
| Maxi 103 | 10 × 6 × 8cm |
| Maxi 104 | 11.5 × 7.5 × 9.5cm |
| Maxi 105 | 15.5 × 8 × 12cm |
| Maxi 106 | 17.5 × 10 × 14cm |
Their relatively compact dimensions make Aqua One Maxi pumps easy to position inside many nutrient reservoirs and water tanks.
Hydroponic Irrigation Applications
Aqua One Maxi pumps can be incorporated into many small-to-medium hydroponic irrigation setups.
Depending on the selected model and plumbing configuration, potential applications include:
NFT Systems
Pump nutrient solution from the reservoir to the top of compatible NFT channels before allowing it to return by gravity.
Drip Irrigation
Supply water or nutrient solution to suitable irrigation manifolds and drippers.
Actual flow at each dripper will depend heavily on system pressure, head height and plumbing design.
Recirculating Hydroponics
Move nutrient solution continuously between the reservoir and growing system.
Flood & Drain
Suitable Maxi models may be used for smaller flood-and-drain applications where the required flow and head pressure fall within the pump's operating capabilities.
Reservoir Mixing
Position the outlet to create circulation within a nutrient tank, helping keep the solution moving.
Aquaponics
The Aqua One Maxi series is also suitable for appropriate aquaponic water circulation applications.
Because the pumps are designed for continuous submerged water movement, they can be used to circulate water between compatible tanks, filtration equipment and growing components.
Select the pump according to:
- System volume
- Required turnover
- Vertical lift
- Pipe diameter
- Plumbing length
- Filter resistance
Freshwater & Marine Compatible
The Aqua One Maxi range is suitable for:
- Freshwater
- Tropical aquariums
- Marine systems
This versatility also makes the pumps useful beyond hydroponics for aquarium circulation, water features and other compatible water-moving applications.
Quiet & Efficient Operation
Aqua One Maxi pumps are designed to provide reliable circulation while keeping operating noise and power consumption relatively low for their respective capacities.
The smaller models are particularly economical:
- Maxi 101 – 6W
- Maxi 102 – 8W
- Maxi 103 – 15W
This can be advantageous in hydroponic systems where pumps may operate for extended periods.
Installation
Basic Setup
- Select the Aqua One Maxi model appropriate for the required flow and head height.
- Attach the correct outlet fitting.
- Connect compatible hose or tubing.
- Secure the pump using the supplied suction cups where appropriate.
- Position the pump fully underwater.
- Ensure the intake is unobstructed.
- Check that all plumbing is securely connected.
- Switch the pump on.
- Check water flow throughout the system.
- Adjust flow on applicable models if required.
Never operate the pump without sufficient water.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps maintain maximum flow and extends pump life.
Periodically inspect and clean:
- Pump intake
- Strainer
- Impeller
- Impeller chamber
- Outlet fittings
- Connected hoses
- Plumbing lines
Mineral deposits, root material, growing-media particles and other debris can gradually reduce pump performance.
If flow drops noticeably, inspect the intake and impeller before assuming the pump has failed.
Troubleshooting Low Water Flow
If your Aqua One Maxi pump isn't delivering the expected flow:
- Check the intake for blockages
- Inspect the impeller
- Clean the impeller chamber
- Remove mineral or calcium deposits
- Check hoses for blockages
- Ensure valves are fully open
- Check for kinked tubing
- Reduce unnecessary bends
- Confirm the vertical lift isn't excessive
- Make sure the selected pump has sufficient capacity
Remember that the advertised maximum flow rate is measured under low-restriction conditions. Real-world flow decreases as head height and plumbing resistance increase.
Replacement Parts
One advantage of the Aqua One Maxi range is the availability of genuine replacement components, including model-specific impellers.
Serviceable parts can help extend the useful life of the pump rather than requiring replacement of the entire unit when a wear component eventually needs attention.
Specifications
| Model | Flow Rate | Max Head | Power | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi 101 | 400L/H | 0.65m | 6W | 220–240V AC |
| Maxi 102 | 500L/H | 1.05m | 8W | 220–240V AC |
| Maxi 103 | 1200L/H | 1.2m | 15W | 220–240V AC |
| Maxi 104 | 2000L/H | 2.0m | 30W | 220–240V AC |
| Maxi 105 | 2500L/H | 2.5m | 45W | 220–240V AC |
| Maxi 106 | 3200L/H | 3.5m | 80W | 220–240V AC |
Why You Should Buy Aqua One Maxi Water Pumps
Aqua One Maxi Water Pumps provide a straightforward and reliable way to circulate or transfer water without the complexity of larger external pump systems.
The range covers everything from gentle 400L/H reservoir circulation to 3200L/H high-volume water movement, allowing growers to choose a pump that closely matches their system.
Their combination of submersible operation, compact construction, low power consumption, multiple capacities and readily available replacement parts makes the Maxi range particularly useful for hydroponic growers.
Whether you need to keep a nutrient reservoir circulating, supply a small irrigation system, operate an NFT setup, move water through an aquaponic system or simply transfer water between tanks, there's an Aqua One Maxi model designed for different flow and head requirements.
FAQs
Are Aqua One Maxi pumps suitable for hydroponics?
Yes. Although Aqua One is well known within the aquarium industry, Maxi submersible pumps are also suitable for many hydroponic water and nutrient circulation applications.
What sizes are available?
The Maxi range includes 400L/H, 500L/H, 1200L/H, 2000L/H, 2500L/H and 3200L/H models.
Which Aqua One pump should I choose?
Choose according to both required flow rate and head height. Larger systems, greater vertical lift and restrictive plumbing generally require a more powerful pump.
What is head height?
Head height is the vertical distance a pump can push water. Actual flow decreases as the required lift increases.
Does a 2000L/H pump deliver 2000L/H at a 2m lift?
No. 2m is the Maxi 104's maximum head height, not the height at which it continues delivering its maximum 2000L/H flow. Pump output falls progressively as head pressure increases.
Can I use an Aqua One Maxi pump for nutrient reservoir circulation?
Yes. Positioning an appropriate Maxi pump inside a nutrient tank can provide continuous water movement and circulation.
Can I use one for NFT?
Yes, provided the selected model delivers the required flow at the actual vertical lift and plumbing resistance of your NFT system.
Can they be used with AQUA-TANK reservoirs?
Yes. Aqua One Maxi pumps can be used with suitably sized flexible or rigid reservoirs, provided the pump remains correctly submerged and the system is properly configured.
Can I adjust the water flow?
The smaller Maxi models offer flow adjustment. The larger Maxi 105 and 106 do not provide the same adjustable flow-control feature.
Can the pumps run outside the reservoir?
These Maxi pumps are designed as submersible pumps and should be operated according to their submerged-use requirements.
Can I run the pump dry?
No. Do not operate a submersible Aqua One Maxi pump without water.
Why has my pump lost flow?
Common causes include a blocked intake, dirty impeller, mineral buildup, blocked plumbing, excessive head height or restrictive hoses and fittings.
Are replacement impellers available?
Yes. Genuine replacement impellers and selected spare components are available for the Maxi series.