Based on our experience, we do not recommend Aqueon air pumps. I noticed a trend that other websites dont test the product the recommend. 
This is just a side project and I am happy knowing that it helps out readers like you seriously, it means the world that you stop and comment. A great choice for a tank upgrade. Not all of them are well made or balanced for this application. What a pity. The Ph was at 7,5; there was less than 2 mg/l of Nitrite and around 5mg/L of Nitrate. They were identical in looks and performance. This was 50 years ago, I was a kid and all I remember now is that there were some adjustments that changed both airflow and noise. Same-day delivery is available in most areas. Thank you! Its a screw inside the device (youll need to take it apart) that comes loose. I think that the problem is a sad lack of quality control. It is recommended by another review site although they are not nearly as thorough as yours. Thanks again for the great work and through research. Performance wise they are middle of the road. Treats members receive free shipping on orders over $49.00, prior to taxes & after discounts are applied. Id love to know if the double casing provides equivalent sound dampening to the old fashioned but obviously effective sand. Betta Fish Popeye (Swollen Eyes): Treatment and Prevention, 3 Best small aquarium heaters for tiny tanks 1 10 gallons (20+ Tested). Ian, ran across you page and was impressed with your format and criteria. However, when compared against each other, they cant all be winners. But for the price, you wont find a more consistent pump. Next, we wanted to test the strength of each air pump. 2) It wont make a difference, the only advantage to having it above the tank is that a siphon effect isnt formed if the pump shuts off. It can be a slow process, but its incredibly rewarding when your fish makes a full recovery! As much as I would love to, reviewing these brands wouldnt help my readers. Included in the box are airline tubing and adjustable airstones. What do I do with the extra outlet? I wish I could be more help here, I do not have a whole lot of insight as to what products are available down in Australia. From memory, it would dwarf just about every air pump I tested in this review. What did these measure respectively? Your flow rate table is excellent. The larger your aquarium, the larger the air pump you need. Since a liter of air displaces a liter of water, this gave us our flow rate in liters per minute (LPM), which we then converted to gallons per hour. Finally, a great review of products by the numbers, not hearsay or brand-funded. Some, but not all did state either a psi, mba or Mpa but in most instances, we found that what was stated wasnt an accurate representation of the air pumps power. I want to power a single bubbler, like a Oenn Plax 5 inch rectangular porous stone that is surrounded by a plastic frame. I live in a beach community with a 30-year-old and 30-gallon acrylic tank powered by a single Eheim. If you have inadvertently purchased the wrong-sized air pump for your aquarium, try moving the airstone closer to the surface. During our review, we noticed that depth contributed to the sound that an air pump gave off. Thanks for the kind words Stuart, I really appreciate it. As usual, the larger the air pump, the louder it was. You can also get every module of this Pumps seperatly as spare parts. Truth be told, I recommend this air pump with reservations. But you have to place the battery alongside the air pump, uncovered. Perhaps more importantly, which air pump is right for your aquarium? It is a high quality wastewater pump but also commonly used in Asia for Koi and fish rooms. Let me know in the comments below! The large size and limited power, when used in deeper tanks, was their undoing. After testing over 60 different air pumps, we have come to a conclusion: Small-sized air pumps are much quieter than larger ones, to the point of being virtually unnoticeable. You say you tested 60 pumps (less the two that arrived DOA) for loudness, but I dont see the results here. I will purchase an extra diaphragm set from Kens fish too. I have not seen such a comprehensive review. I have a male betta alone in a 5 Gallon. You noted that the Mylivell pump was the smallest available at 3x3. You see, anything leaning up against your air pump will also rattle. The fluval Q2 is strong but Its also loud and will likely develop a rattle over time, which will make it sound louder. You have the only quantitative testing, which is why I bookmarked your site, not the others. 
Please sign in or create an account to complete your purchase. With over 1,500 stores nationwide, you can find the products, PetSmart Grooming, training, PetsHotel boarding, Doggie Day Camp, and Banfield veterinary services you need. Choose an air pump where the number is higher than the rate at which the end of your airline tubing will sit. Excellent article on air pumps. And dont forget to stock up on all those other essential fish supplies for your fishy friends while youre here! Once the power is cut, the air pump automatically switches over to the internal battery to continue running. I did not review the Hydrofarm, as part of the criteria was not to review generic chinese brands. In most cases, no, as you are creating back pressure that will cause premature wear on the pump. Many Air Pumps works without Filter Felt or it is difficult to change or you are unable to get a new one. However, being international youll need to be mindful that some of these brands create similar products for international markets but are louder or quieter on the dBA rating. After much deliberation, I came to the conclusion that people would buy air pumps on noise levels alone, which does not result in a beginner ending up with an appropriate product. You might not need to buy a quite air pump. 
Great suggestion! Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. If you are experiencing similar problems, grab a piece of foam or rubber for your air pump to rest on. We also noticed inconsistencies during testing. While testing, Petco updated their Imagitarium line, adding an extra air pump to the range and updating the models so that all had two outlets. Buy a dual outlet air pump:Larger air pumps often have more than one outlet (the nozzle that connects to your airline tube). Like any other moving part, the pump diaphragm and valve flaps will wear out eventually. 2 of mine have been running for over 2 years and still perform as new. So what are some reasonably priced ones that you would recommend as quiet? I was about to purchase the Tetra 150 but noticed the ratings in your chart for this model were far less than the Tetra 100 which is a different design. I decided not to list the recorded decibel readings in this guide. But you with your survey can create conditions, that are equal for all your measurements. I remember the Silent Giant! The QuietFlow 60, for example, produced more airflow than the QuietFlow 100, which is supposed to be the larger pump. Next up, we have battery backup air pumps. DespiteToms Stellarrange of air pumps being on the noisy side, their power and small size impressed. I took a water quality test today, and the only alarming stat was GH at over 180ppm. I am an experienced fish keeper, but just upgraded to a discus tank. Hi Ian, 
In hindsight Im not sure it was the right decision. If not it seems odd the 100 performs so much better than the 150. Im not sure if I got a faulty one, but my Hygger was quiet for the first month before making a noticeably loud buzzing sound, almost like an old fluorescent lamp. The higher the reading, the nosier the air pump. At the end of the day, its better to choose an adjustable air pump that delivers more air than you think you need. At PetSmart, we never sell dogs or cats. Yet when Aqueon shifted their manufacturing to China, the very same model had a failure rate that put it among the worst heaters. I have sunk so much time into this that its begun to feel more like work than a hobby. People at my local fish club kept complaining about it so I took it on myself to do something about it. Would it possible to list/describe the alternative mechanisms in use? With high-quality fish tank air and water pumps, including powerheads, submersible water pumps, air stones, airline tubing, bubblers, valves and suction cups, as well as pro-quality magnetic drive pumps, you can aerate their aquarium in the way that suits it best. I am yet to do a sound test with a decibel meter, but based on my ears alone, I can guarantee they do not beat the quietest air pumps on this list. I would look into another aquarium first, you might find it cheaper to buy a new one that it is to reseal, after time and effort is taken into account. Thats a good point you make, although I must admit I have never swapped my intake filter. It too had rubber diaphrams. Simply cut a short length of tubing and attach it to your unused outlets your air pump will immediately sound quieter. He still reacts rather joyfully when I enter my room, but otherwise he seems kinda down He doesnt keep his fins as open as he used to. There is a picture, but I had to open a number of links to figure out what it was called. It is for an 18 to 20 inch deep tank. A single goldfish needs a lot more than a single betta, even if they are the same size. Stephan. Unlike a regular airstone, this one is made of plastic and foam, allowing you to adjust the size of bubbles it gives off. This was one. All battery-operated air pumps we reviewed were noticeably loud. I have an air purifier in the room and have found this to never be an issue. Autoship orders require an account for recurring orders. Not only does a gang valve allow you to split your airline tubing into multiple paths but also control the airflow of each run. Id happily pay more for a premium air pump that was built to last but as of right now, it doesnt seem to exist. New customer? The AP100 has two air nozzles and the number represents the total air available. By a long shot. Also what would be the best back up battery operated pump to run the filter in case of power outage. Turn the dial to low, and it will run on a repeating cycle of 1 minute on/1 minute off. I was wondering if you have experience with Cobalt air pumps. Despite the promises made on the packaging, no air pump is quiet. I've been keeping fish for over 30 years and currently have 4 different aquariums it's an addiction. You can pick up the 60-gallon size for around $10. When in battery mode, you have the option of running the air pump continuously or on a 10 second on/10 second off cycle extending the life of the battery. Quantities may be limited. Filter Media Hi Ian, A reading was taken 6 inches away from each air pump. Lead acid batteries are cheap and easy to stockpile when a storm comes. Hello Ian, The table below lists the output of each air pump in gallons per hour (GPH) at different heights in your adjustable fish tank. 
First Id like to thank you for makings these reviews. Time and time again, we noticed our reviewers would incorrectly guess which air pumps were loudest. However, following this article I have ordered the Eheim 100 and should be here tomorrow. What one person finds quiet, another person might find annoyingly loud. See www.petsmart.com/help or store associate for more details. I am looking for a small, quiet pump for my small, 1 fish office tank that will not be too conspicuous. Also Ian how often are we required to feed fish thanks much. Each air pump featured in this review has been tested at multiple depths so that you can determine which pump is the best for your tank. Another good example of the quality issue is your experience with the Quiet Flows that were dead on arrival. You can raise happy and healthy fish without an air pump if you choose! What does your test kit measure? At 4 GPH, this will easily power small bubble decorations or an airstone. Offer may not be combinable with other promotional offers or discounts. I would love to see a professional style air pump for those who are willing to sacrifice aesthetics for performance. We plan to test these new Imagitarium air pumps at a future time. If you have a blog where I can see your tests on software and hardware, I would love to read it! Must be signed into your Treats account prior to purchase. Simply place this valve on your airline tubing to solve your problem. I made the swap over to individual air pumps after the pond pump failed and it affected all my tanks. Have a good weekend. The AP300 is the most powerful air pump designed for aquariums on the market. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for a consumer to make a direct comparison between brands when buying off the shelf. Plug-in air pumps do not have an on/off button. I do a lot of testing (in the tech space) of various software and hardware products, and I know a good writeup (and decent testing methodology) when I see one. The costs involved in purchasing every single product make this a labor of love. 
This goes both ways, the Aqueon Pro heater used to be made in Italy when I originally tested it and it was amazing, on par with the Eheim Jager. This review was great. Or, perhaps more specifically, the lack of noise. Im sorry you had the same experience, Im glad to hear the Tetra model is working better for you though. If you were interested in trying one and posting a review I would be happy to ship one to you. 
My experience with the different brands leads me to believe that they are manufactured to be somewhat disposable in nature. If I was to take money directly from readers, I would feel obliged to create more content. I had the Eheim pump open. The best way you can help out is to let me know what you think of any recommendations you buy. Ill try and come up with a way to make this easier to read when I update the guide. Your comparison testing was great. I couldnt figure out why they werent eating until I realized my thermometer was off by 3 degrees! This was especially true of air pumps designed for smaller tanks. This information can easily be found online or through your local fish store (dont go to a big box chain like petco or petsmart, they generally give bad advice). 
Given the inconsistency and failure, we excluded them from the guide. And boy, is this one cheap air pump. Especially, those which will NOT require purchasing spare booties >> WHEN the pump fails. Robert. Youll need to branch your airline tubing into multiple paths. Inside the air pump is a rechargeable battery that continues to run for up to 12 hours when the power turns off. I still have to make my decision but I have narrowed it down between the AP150 and the Fluval Q2. This meant that we couldnt rely on our ears alone to determine how much noise each air pump created. My only concern is the amount of air that this unit can produce. That rule is a bit of a myth. They then swapped manufacturing to China and I can no longer recommend them, 2/5 units I tested failed in under a month. However, since it wont be your primary air pump, this is less of an issue. Before I finish, I want to cover the different accessories youll need before you can use your new pump. Using the power of science, we tested over 60 different aquarium air pumps with one goal in mind: To find the best and quietest on the market! An aquarium air pump is an electrical device that forces air into your aquarium and can be used to drive air-powered equipment such as air stones, bubble decorations and sponge filters. When in doubt, size up! https://thecichlidstage.com/new-air-pump/. What is whisper quiet to some will be loud and obnoxious to others. Unfortunately, I cannot compare it to the Hidom, its not an air pump that is commonly available here in the US. If you have a giant aquarium, then this is as good as it gets. Simply plug it into your power strip, turn the power on, and it will continuously pump air into your aquarium. You have my email address I think. 
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback, I am so glad that you find my articles helpful. Unfortunately, all airpumps are pieces of plastic and rubber that will eventually have an end-life. But. Whatever pump you buy, I do recommend buying a replacement diaphragm with it. Your best option would be to buy the appropriate sized pump. We were able to dampen the noise by placing a foam mat underneath the air pumps similar to those foam mats that come with new glass aquariums. In my opinion Schego make the best pumps for Tanks Up to 200 Gallons. This allows you to connect each piece of airline tubing to its own pump without having to purchase separate air pumps. Apparently they can be quiet when they do work, but they also ship defective units. 
But If you use the Schego WS3 in a Tank that ist too little it would bei very loud. Treats members enjoy Free Standard Shipping on orders over $49. Could it be the source of the problem? But if you need to power a sponge filter or require strong surface agitation, you should upgrade to my next pick. Each of these pieces of equipment is air-driven. The lower number is the amount of air required for efficient operation of a single sponge filter. When I update this guide, Ill see if I can add a cc/sec column to the table without making it appear to squashed on mobile phones! I added some ceramic rings, and the water quality is way more stable than before! That exact lifespan depends on how it was stored, temperatures it was exposed to etc. Its highly unlikely we would have any airpump here last over 15 years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But here is where things get interesting: During testing, we noticed a strange phenomenon The amount of sound in dB that an air pump gave off did not correspond to how loud an individual found the pump. The trade-off is typically power which, in my opinion, automatically disqualifies it from recommendation. Explore our complete collection to find fish tank air and water pumps that help your fish live their best lives. When it came to power, its unparalleled. If an account exists for this email, we've sent a temporary link to reset your password. Hi Ian! I was completely unaware of this relationship between rubber and UV and I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge here. Unfortunately, there are so many different fish and each requires its own unique care. I would love to create a review, but it wouldnt be current for long enough to justify it. Listing the DBA is on my to do list, the next time I update this guide. Have you experiment with using a pond air pump for indoor aquariums? But before I reveal the winners, Im going to teach you everything you need to know about choosing the perfect air pump for your tank. My dad used it on one of his tanks, it was a large cylinder. Is the sound of your air pump driving you crazy? The room was so quiet that it was outside the range our decibel meter could measure (30 130 dB). Use an aquarium test kit to ensure ammonia and nitrite are 0 and keep nitrate below 10 ppm by performing regular water changes. A good air pump should be seen and not heard, right? While supplies last. His tail still hasnt grow fully like before, but theres an amelioration. To put it simply, a small air pump that can blow lots of air bubbles in an aquarium thats 10-inches deep might barely make a ripple in one thats 30-inches deep.
This is just a side project and I am happy knowing that it helps out readers like you seriously, it means the world that you stop and comment. A great choice for a tank upgrade. Not all of them are well made or balanced for this application. What a pity. The Ph was at 7,5; there was less than 2 mg/l of Nitrite and around 5mg/L of Nitrate. They were identical in looks and performance. This was 50 years ago, I was a kid and all I remember now is that there were some adjustments that changed both airflow and noise. Same-day delivery is available in most areas. Thank you! Its a screw inside the device (youll need to take it apart) that comes loose. I think that the problem is a sad lack of quality control. It is recommended by another review site although they are not nearly as thorough as yours. Thanks again for the great work and through research. Performance wise they are middle of the road. Treats members receive free shipping on orders over $49.00, prior to taxes & after discounts are applied. Id love to know if the double casing provides equivalent sound dampening to the old fashioned but obviously effective sand. Betta Fish Popeye (Swollen Eyes): Treatment and Prevention, 3 Best small aquarium heaters for tiny tanks 1 10 gallons (20+ Tested). Ian, ran across you page and was impressed with your format and criteria. However, when compared against each other, they cant all be winners. But for the price, you wont find a more consistent pump. Next, we wanted to test the strength of each air pump. 2) It wont make a difference, the only advantage to having it above the tank is that a siphon effect isnt formed if the pump shuts off. It can be a slow process, but its incredibly rewarding when your fish makes a full recovery! As much as I would love to, reviewing these brands wouldnt help my readers. Included in the box are airline tubing and adjustable airstones. What do I do with the extra outlet? I wish I could be more help here, I do not have a whole lot of insight as to what products are available down in Australia. From memory, it would dwarf just about every air pump I tested in this review. What did these measure respectively? Your flow rate table is excellent. The larger your aquarium, the larger the air pump you need. Since a liter of air displaces a liter of water, this gave us our flow rate in liters per minute (LPM), which we then converted to gallons per hour. Finally, a great review of products by the numbers, not hearsay or brand-funded. Some, but not all did state either a psi, mba or Mpa but in most instances, we found that what was stated wasnt an accurate representation of the air pumps power. I want to power a single bubbler, like a Oenn Plax 5 inch rectangular porous stone that is surrounded by a plastic frame. I live in a beach community with a 30-year-old and 30-gallon acrylic tank powered by a single Eheim. If you have inadvertently purchased the wrong-sized air pump for your aquarium, try moving the airstone closer to the surface. During our review, we noticed that depth contributed to the sound that an air pump gave off. Thanks for the kind words Stuart, I really appreciate it. As usual, the larger the air pump, the louder it was. You can also get every module of this Pumps seperatly as spare parts. Truth be told, I recommend this air pump with reservations. But you have to place the battery alongside the air pump, uncovered. Perhaps more importantly, which air pump is right for your aquarium? It is a high quality wastewater pump but also commonly used in Asia for Koi and fish rooms. Let me know in the comments below! The large size and limited power, when used in deeper tanks, was their undoing. After testing over 60 different air pumps, we have come to a conclusion: Small-sized air pumps are much quieter than larger ones, to the point of being virtually unnoticeable. You say you tested 60 pumps (less the two that arrived DOA) for loudness, but I dont see the results here. I will purchase an extra diaphragm set from Kens fish too. I have not seen such a comprehensive review. I have a male betta alone in a 5 Gallon. You noted that the Mylivell pump was the smallest available at 3x3. You see, anything leaning up against your air pump will also rattle. The fluval Q2 is strong but Its also loud and will likely develop a rattle over time, which will make it sound louder. You have the only quantitative testing, which is why I bookmarked your site, not the others. Please sign in or create an account to complete your purchase. With over 1,500 stores nationwide, you can find the products, PetSmart Grooming, training, PetsHotel boarding, Doggie Day Camp, and Banfield veterinary services you need. Choose an air pump where the number is higher than the rate at which the end of your airline tubing will sit. Excellent article on air pumps. And dont forget to stock up on all those other essential fish supplies for your fishy friends while youre here! Once the power is cut, the air pump automatically switches over to the internal battery to continue running. I did not review the Hydrofarm, as part of the criteria was not to review generic chinese brands. In most cases, no, as you are creating back pressure that will cause premature wear on the pump. Many Air Pumps works without Filter Felt or it is difficult to change or you are unable to get a new one. However, being international youll need to be mindful that some of these brands create similar products for international markets but are louder or quieter on the dBA rating. After much deliberation, I came to the conclusion that people would buy air pumps on noise levels alone, which does not result in a beginner ending up with an appropriate product. You might not need to buy a quite air pump. Great suggestion! Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. If you are experiencing similar problems, grab a piece of foam or rubber for your air pump to rest on. We also noticed inconsistencies during testing. While testing, Petco updated their Imagitarium line, adding an extra air pump to the range and updating the models so that all had two outlets. Buy a dual outlet air pump:Larger air pumps often have more than one outlet (the nozzle that connects to your airline tube). Like any other moving part, the pump diaphragm and valve flaps will wear out eventually. 2 of mine have been running for over 2 years and still perform as new. So what are some reasonably priced ones that you would recommend as quiet? I was about to purchase the Tetra 150 but noticed the ratings in your chart for this model were far less than the Tetra 100 which is a different design. I decided not to list the recorded decibel readings in this guide. But you with your survey can create conditions, that are equal for all your measurements. I remember the Silent Giant! The QuietFlow 60, for example, produced more airflow than the QuietFlow 100, which is supposed to be the larger pump. Next up, we have battery backup air pumps. DespiteToms Stellarrange of air pumps being on the noisy side, their power and small size impressed. I took a water quality test today, and the only alarming stat was GH at over 180ppm. I am an experienced fish keeper, but just upgraded to a discus tank. Hi Ian, In hindsight Im not sure it was the right decision. If not it seems odd the 100 performs so much better than the 150. Im not sure if I got a faulty one, but my Hygger was quiet for the first month before making a noticeably loud buzzing sound, almost like an old fluorescent lamp. The higher the reading, the nosier the air pump. At the end of the day, its better to choose an adjustable air pump that delivers more air than you think you need. At PetSmart, we never sell dogs or cats. Yet when Aqueon shifted their manufacturing to China, the very same model had a failure rate that put it among the worst heaters. I have sunk so much time into this that its begun to feel more like work than a hobby. People at my local fish club kept complaining about it so I took it on myself to do something about it. Would it possible to list/describe the alternative mechanisms in use? With high-quality fish tank air and water pumps, including powerheads, submersible water pumps, air stones, airline tubing, bubblers, valves and suction cups, as well as pro-quality magnetic drive pumps, you can aerate their aquarium in the way that suits it best. I am yet to do a sound test with a decibel meter, but based on my ears alone, I can guarantee they do not beat the quietest air pumps on this list. I would look into another aquarium first, you might find it cheaper to buy a new one that it is to reseal, after time and effort is taken into account. Thats a good point you make, although I must admit I have never swapped my intake filter. It too had rubber diaphrams. Simply cut a short length of tubing and attach it to your unused outlets your air pump will immediately sound quieter. He still reacts rather joyfully when I enter my room, but otherwise he seems kinda down He doesnt keep his fins as open as he used to. There is a picture, but I had to open a number of links to figure out what it was called. It is for an 18 to 20 inch deep tank. A single goldfish needs a lot more than a single betta, even if they are the same size. Stephan. Unlike a regular airstone, this one is made of plastic and foam, allowing you to adjust the size of bubbles it gives off. This was one. All battery-operated air pumps we reviewed were noticeably loud. I have an air purifier in the room and have found this to never be an issue. Autoship orders require an account for recurring orders. Not only does a gang valve allow you to split your airline tubing into multiple paths but also control the airflow of each run. Id happily pay more for a premium air pump that was built to last but as of right now, it doesnt seem to exist. New customer? The AP100 has two air nozzles and the number represents the total air available. By a long shot. Also what would be the best back up battery operated pump to run the filter in case of power outage. Turn the dial to low, and it will run on a repeating cycle of 1 minute on/1 minute off. I was wondering if you have experience with Cobalt air pumps. Despite the promises made on the packaging, no air pump is quiet. I've been keeping fish for over 30 years and currently have 4 different aquariums it's an addiction. You can pick up the 60-gallon size for around $10. When in battery mode, you have the option of running the air pump continuously or on a 10 second on/10 second off cycle extending the life of the battery. Quantities may be limited. Filter Media Hi Ian, A reading was taken 6 inches away from each air pump. Lead acid batteries are cheap and easy to stockpile when a storm comes. Hello Ian, The table below lists the output of each air pump in gallons per hour (GPH) at different heights in your adjustable fish tank. First Id like to thank you for makings these reviews. Time and time again, we noticed our reviewers would incorrectly guess which air pumps were loudest. However, following this article I have ordered the Eheim 100 and should be here tomorrow. What one person finds quiet, another person might find annoyingly loud. See www.petsmart.com/help or store associate for more details. I am looking for a small, quiet pump for my small, 1 fish office tank that will not be too conspicuous. Also Ian how often are we required to feed fish thanks much. Each air pump featured in this review has been tested at multiple depths so that you can determine which pump is the best for your tank. Another good example of the quality issue is your experience with the Quiet Flows that were dead on arrival. You can raise happy and healthy fish without an air pump if you choose! What does your test kit measure? At 4 GPH, this will easily power small bubble decorations or an airstone. Offer may not be combinable with other promotional offers or discounts. I would love to see a professional style air pump for those who are willing to sacrifice aesthetics for performance. We plan to test these new Imagitarium air pumps at a future time. If you have a blog where I can see your tests on software and hardware, I would love to read it! Must be signed into your Treats account prior to purchase. Simply place this valve on your airline tubing to solve your problem. I made the swap over to individual air pumps after the pond pump failed and it affected all my tanks. Have a good weekend. The AP300 is the most powerful air pump designed for aquariums on the market. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for a consumer to make a direct comparison between brands when buying off the shelf. Plug-in air pumps do not have an on/off button. I do a lot of testing (in the tech space) of various software and hardware products, and I know a good writeup (and decent testing methodology) when I see one. The costs involved in purchasing every single product make this a labor of love. This goes both ways, the Aqueon Pro heater used to be made in Italy when I originally tested it and it was amazing, on par with the Eheim Jager. This review was great. Or, perhaps more specifically, the lack of noise. Im sorry you had the same experience, Im glad to hear the Tetra model is working better for you though. If you were interested in trying one and posting a review I would be happy to ship one to you. My experience with the different brands leads me to believe that they are manufactured to be somewhat disposable in nature. If I was to take money directly from readers, I would feel obliged to create more content. I had the Eheim pump open. The best way you can help out is to let me know what you think of any recommendations you buy. Ill try and come up with a way to make this easier to read when I update the guide. Your comparison testing was great. I couldnt figure out why they werent eating until I realized my thermometer was off by 3 degrees! This was especially true of air pumps designed for smaller tanks. This information can easily be found online or through your local fish store (dont go to a big box chain like petco or petsmart, they generally give bad advice). Given the inconsistency and failure, we excluded them from the guide. And boy, is this one cheap air pump. Especially, those which will NOT require purchasing spare booties >> WHEN the pump fails. Robert. Youll need to branch your airline tubing into multiple paths. Inside the air pump is a rechargeable battery that continues to run for up to 12 hours when the power turns off. I still have to make my decision but I have narrowed it down between the AP150 and the Fluval Q2. This meant that we couldnt rely on our ears alone to determine how much noise each air pump created. My only concern is the amount of air that this unit can produce. That rule is a bit of a myth. They then swapped manufacturing to China and I can no longer recommend them, 2/5 units I tested failed in under a month. However, since it wont be your primary air pump, this is less of an issue. Before I finish, I want to cover the different accessories youll need before you can use your new pump. Using the power of science, we tested over 60 different aquarium air pumps with one goal in mind: To find the best and quietest on the market! An aquarium air pump is an electrical device that forces air into your aquarium and can be used to drive air-powered equipment such as air stones, bubble decorations and sponge filters. When in doubt, size up! https://thecichlidstage.com/new-air-pump/. What is whisper quiet to some will be loud and obnoxious to others. Unfortunately, I cannot compare it to the Hidom, its not an air pump that is commonly available here in the US. If you have a giant aquarium, then this is as good as it gets. Simply plug it into your power strip, turn the power on, and it will continuously pump air into your aquarium. You have my email address I think. Thank you so much for the lovely feedback, I am so glad that you find my articles helpful. Unfortunately, all airpumps are pieces of plastic and rubber that will eventually have an end-life. But. Whatever pump you buy, I do recommend buying a replacement diaphragm with it. Your best option would be to buy the appropriate sized pump. We were able to dampen the noise by placing a foam mat underneath the air pumps similar to those foam mats that come with new glass aquariums. In my opinion Schego make the best pumps for Tanks Up to 200 Gallons. This allows you to connect each piece of airline tubing to its own pump without having to purchase separate air pumps. Apparently they can be quiet when they do work, but they also ship defective units. But If you use the Schego WS3 in a Tank that ist too little it would bei very loud. Treats members enjoy Free Standard Shipping on orders over $49. Could it be the source of the problem? But if you need to power a sponge filter or require strong surface agitation, you should upgrade to my next pick. Each of these pieces of equipment is air-driven. The lower number is the amount of air required for efficient operation of a single sponge filter. When I update this guide, Ill see if I can add a cc/sec column to the table without making it appear to squashed on mobile phones! I added some ceramic rings, and the water quality is way more stable than before! That exact lifespan depends on how it was stored, temperatures it was exposed to etc. Its highly unlikely we would have any airpump here last over 15 years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But here is where things get interesting: During testing, we noticed a strange phenomenon The amount of sound in dB that an air pump gave off did not correspond to how loud an individual found the pump. The trade-off is typically power which, in my opinion, automatically disqualifies it from recommendation. Explore our complete collection to find fish tank air and water pumps that help your fish live their best lives. When it came to power, its unparalleled. If an account exists for this email, we've sent a temporary link to reset your password. Hi Ian! I was completely unaware of this relationship between rubber and UV and I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge here. Unfortunately, there are so many different fish and each requires its own unique care. I would love to create a review, but it wouldnt be current for long enough to justify it. Listing the DBA is on my to do list, the next time I update this guide. Have you experiment with using a pond air pump for indoor aquariums? But before I reveal the winners, Im going to teach you everything you need to know about choosing the perfect air pump for your tank. My dad used it on one of his tanks, it was a large cylinder. Is the sound of your air pump driving you crazy? The room was so quiet that it was outside the range our decibel meter could measure (30 130 dB). Use an aquarium test kit to ensure ammonia and nitrite are 0 and keep nitrate below 10 ppm by performing regular water changes. A good air pump should be seen and not heard, right? While supplies last. His tail still hasnt grow fully like before, but theres an amelioration. To put it simply, a small air pump that can blow lots of air bubbles in an aquarium thats 10-inches deep might barely make a ripple in one thats 30-inches deep.