An airpump’s primary role is to provide additional circulation and to disturb the water surface creating a larger area for oxygen exchange as described in the aeration section, (not to mystically force air into the water as is often thought) but this is not the limit to their use.
An airpump is ideal for powering sponge and box filters in breeding aquariums or under gravel filters where a motorised power filter would produce too much turbulence. They can also be used to provide agitation for a brine shrimp hatchery and to drive off chlorine from tap water.
The best aquarium air pumps are available in a wide range of sizes describing their flow rate. This refers to the volume of air it produces in a given time, usually measured litres per hour (lph).
Some more expensive air pumps also have regulators that allow the flow rate to be varied. It is worth considering weather this feature is worth the additional expense as in my experience pumps are generally run at their fullest output.
Choosing the right fish tank air pump for your aquarium or pond is critical to ensuring you maintain a healthy environment for your fish, turtles or other aquatic creatures.
A good fish tank air pump will ensure the water of an aquarium remains aerated, this vital to not only the survival of both marine and tropical fish, but also other aquatic creatures and plants you may keep in your aquarium.
There are now a huge number of air pumps to choose from to suit every size tank. There are externally mounted pumps which push air into the tank and internally mounted units which draw air into the tank, many now contain battery backups which are vital to ensure your pump keeps working even during power outages.
Choosing the correct fish tank air pump ensures your water circulates sufficiently to allow for proper, healthy gas exchange between the water and the air.
Air pumps can be used to enhance the look of the tank, some can give the appearance of juggling stones, others may open and close a clam shell or treasure chest whilst providing vital operations such as providing air to filters which are vital in maintaining the cleanliness and health of your aquarium.
This site will bring your reviews, tips and advice on which fish tank air pump rates the best and which one is right for your aquarium, as well as bring you other tips to keep your fish tank a healthy and pleasant environment for your fish to live in.
The biggest complaint about an aquarium air pump is the constant humming caused by the vibrating bladder within the unit.
Manufactures have however realized that quiet pumps sell and have thus incorporated many sound reducing measures in their design. Sometimes manufactures state the noise level (measured in decibels dB) in the technical specification on the box.
The lower the figure the quieter the pump.
The quietest air pumps for aquarium have rating of 30 decibels or less. At least one manufacture has tried to reduce noise by removing the cause, the bladder, and replacing it with a piston mechanism, which produces a gentle chuffing sound.
Should the noise of an airpump really drive you mad, I know of some aquarists who put the pump in an adjoining room and run the airline through the wall. Never muffle an airpump by placing it in a box or wrapping it in a towel as these methods can cause the pump to over heat.
Remember when positioning an airpump it should be above water level. The reason for this is that if the pump fails, water will back siphon along the airline emptying the aquarium.
If the pump must be sited below the aquarium a non-return valve (check valve) should be fitted although this can reduce the efficiency of the pump.