An air pump’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 air pump is ideal for powering sponge and box filters in breeding aquariums or under gravel filters where a motorized power filter would produce too much turbulence. They can also be used to provide agitation for a brine shrimp hatchery and to drive off the chlorine from tap water.
The quietest aquarium air pumps typically operate between 25 to 40 decibels (dB). To put that into perspective, a whisper is around 30 dB, while a quiet library is about 40 dB.
10 Quietest Aquarium Air Pumps
Here are 10 of the quietest aquarium air pumps available on the market, along with their benefits:
- Tetra Whisper Air Pump – This pump is virtually silent and features a unique dome shape that reduces noise. It also has an adjustable airflow control for customization.
- Eheim Air Pump – This pump operates quietly and has adjustable airflow rates. It is also energy-efficient and produces very little heat.
- Hygger Quiet Mini Air Pump – This pump is designed specifically for small aquariums and operates silently. It also has low power consumption and is energy-efficient.
- Mylivell Quietest Aquarium Air Pump – This pump has a unique design that reduces noise and vibration. It also has adjustable airflow and is suitable for both small and large aquariums.
- Uniclife Aquarium Air Pump – This pump is very quiet and has a durable construction. It also has a compact design and adjustable airflow control.
- VIVOSUN Air Pump – This pump is whisper-quiet and has a powerful output. It also has a multi-level muffler and is energy-efficient.
- Penn-Plax Silent Air B11 – This pump operates silently and has a compact design. It also has adjustable airflow control and is suitable for small to medium-sized aquariums.
- Pawfly Aquarium Air Pump– This pump is very quiet and has a powerful output. It also has adjustable airflow control and is suitable for both small and large aquariums.
- JW Pet Fusion Air Pump – This pump is ultra-quiet and has a compact design. It also has an airflow control knob and a built-in air filter.
- Fluval Q2 Air Pump – This pump is designed with advanced sound suppression technology and produces only 10 decibels of sound. It also has a powerful output and is suitable for large aquariums.
As you can see, there are many great options available for a quiet aquarium air pump. These pumps offer a range of benefits, including noise reduction, adjustable airflow control, and energy efficiency. So, choose the one that suits your needs and enjoy a peaceful underwater world!
Availability
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 whether this feature is worth the additional expense as in my experience pumps are generally run at their fullest output.
Choosing the Best Aquarium Air Pump for The Money
Choosing the aquarium 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 aquarium air pump will ensure the water of an aquarium remains aerated, this is 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 quiet air pumps to choose from to suit every size tank. There are externally mounted pumps that push air into the tank and internally mounted units that 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, and others may open and close a clamshell 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.
Why Choose the Quietest Aquarium Air Pumps?
Aquarium air pumps are measured in decibels (dB), a unit that gauges the intensity of sound. The quietest aquarium air pumps typically operate in the range of 25 to 40 dB, which is comparable to the soft rustle of leaves or a whisper.
In the quest for silence, several brands have made waves with their ultra-quiet air pumps. The Eheim Air Pump 100, for instance, boasts a noise level of just 26 dB. Another notable mention is the Tetra Whisper Air Pump, designed with sound-dampening chambers that minimize turbulence and produce a near-silent operation.
The biggest complaint about an aquarium air pump is the constant humming caused by the vibrating bladder within the unit.
Manufacturers have however realized that quiet pumps sell and have thus incorporated many sound-reducing measures in their design. Sometimes manufacturers 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 aquariums have a rating of 30 decibels or less. At least one manufacturer 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 air pump 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 air pump by placing it in a box or wrapping it in a towel as these methods can cause the pump to overheat.
Remember when positioning an air pump 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.
Some methods for maximizing your pump’s output are: –
- To keep noise from an aquarium air pump at the bare minimum, place your air pump on a soft surface, like a sponge or foam pad. Ensure the air pump is above the water level of your tank to prevent back-siphoning, which can cause not only noise but also potential damage to your pump.
- Regular maintenance can help keep your air pump running quietly. Clean or replace air stones and check tubing for blockages. A well-maintained pump not only operates more quietly but also extends the lifespan of the device, ensuring your aquarium’s heart keeps beating softly for years to come.
- Keep runs of airlines as short as possible.
- Place the pump above the water level to avoid using an airline non-return valve (check valve).
- Keep runs of the airline free from kinks and avoid using any connectors, taps, etc.
- Regularly replace airstones. They clog and cause back pressure.
- Check and replace air pump bladders and filters periodically.
