The Best Aquarium Air Pumps
Aquarium air pumps are an excellent addition to any aquatic setup. They help oxygenate the water while keeping air stones, sponges, and biological filters functioning correctly. The extra oxygen and enhanced gas exchange can also help your live plants thrive and grow, too. While many fish can live long lives without one, it can still make a big difference in their overall health. It's not really a question of whether or not you need one; it's more about which one will meet your tank's specific needs.
What to Look For
Choosing the right air pump for your aquarium comes down to three key factors. The first, and probably most important, is the size of your tank. From there, you’ll want to consider what type of filtration you plan to use and how many air outlets you need. For example, the single-outlet Tetra Whisper air pump is perfect if you have a ten-gallon tank and a simple sponge filter. On the other hand, if you have a 200-gallon showroom-ready aquarium to oxygenate, you’ll need something bigger, like the four-outlet Aquaneat aquarium air pump. Whether you have a tiny shrimp tank or a huge saltwater aquarium, the air pumps on the list below have you covered.
Tetra Whisper Air Pump
If you’re looking for something simple and reliable, you can’t go wrong with the Tetra Whisper Air Pump. It’s available in four sizes, ensuring you get the coverage you need. You can use it for air stones, sponge filters, and other aquarium accessories. Best of all, the unique dome shape and rubber feet displace and absorb vibrations, minimizing sounds and helping you avoid disruption.
Pros:
- Affordable choice in any size
- It provides plenty of air, especially if you use two outlets
- Reliable and durable for long-lasting use
Cons:
- Tubes and valves are not included
Hitop Aquarium Air Pump
Everything you need to aerate your fish tank comes packaged and ready with the Hitop aquarium air pump, including tubing, air stones, valves, and even a cotton filter for air intake. The dual outlets put out plenty of air, while an easy-to-use dial gives you complete control over the flow. Meanwhile, the ultra-quiet ABS and compact size make it nearly unnoticeable. When it comes to keeping a low profile, this pump is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Nearly silent operation when both outlets are in use
- Dual outlets allow you to run two accessories at once
- Affordable price considering its power
- Easy setup
Cons:
- It’s noisy if you only use one air outlet as opposed to using both
Mylivell Aquarium Air Pump
Compact and quiet
This little aquarium air pump from Mylivell is the ideal solution for small fish tanks. It uses a tiny suction cup to stick to the back of the tank, so you don’t have to worry about finding an empty spot on your stand. It also runs nearly silently, so it won’t disrupt your day. As a bonus, it includes quality air stone and tubing. All you have to do is hook it up.
Pros:
- The compact size and suction cup make it almost invisible once installed
- Robust and reliable airflow for tanks up to 15 gallons
- Requires no vertical storage space
Cons:
- The suction cup may need replacement after a while
Aquaneat Aquarium Air Pump
Workhorse construction
Four outlets and a powerful motor provide enough airflow to oxygenate and filter a tank up to 200 gallons when you use the Aquaneat aquarium air pump. It also has a precise control knob to give you maximum control. You can use it for large fish tanks, small ponds, and hydroponics systems or connect longer tubing to run several tanks simultaneously. Bigger is often better, and this air pump proves it.
Pros:
- Powerful enough to run multiple devices
- You can use it indoors or outdoors
- Quieter than expected, considering its size and power
Cons:
- You need to provide tubing
Kedsum Battery-Powered Aquarium Pump
Wireless operation
A power outage or long trip can present you with a major challenge when it comes to keeping your tanks filtered and aerated. That’s why we turn to the Kedsum battery-powered aquarium pump. It’s available with one outlet or two and comes with tubing, valves, and air stones. You can use it to run sponge filters during storms or to help keep your fish alive and thriving during road trips or cross-country moves.
Pros:
- Works perfectly for fishing bait buckets
- Charges with any USB port, including power banks and laptops
- Long-lasting battery life for extended use
- High air output for the size
Cons:
- Not made for long-term use
Frequently Asked Questions
How do air stones work?
Air stones work to circulate the air and water in your tank, helping displace co2 using surface agitation to add more oxygen. They’re meant to help keep enough oxygen in the water to keep your fish happy and healthy. If you use one for a sponge filter, it will push air down into the filter, which allows the sponge media to suck dirty water through it while agitating the surface for better oxygen circulation.
What accessories require an aquarium air pump?
Air pumps are the power behind sponge filters, air stones, and some decor, like those cute bubbling treasure chests you see in the movies. You can also use them for airstrips, air curtains, and other unique water features that work to aerate the water while adding a little extra flair to the overall look of your tank.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.