Best Aquarium Air Pumps 2023 – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

The requirement for air circulation happens in the summer, when the temperature of the water rises. An aquarium air pump is a machine which produces air for upgrading oxygenation the water in your aquarium. It works utilizing an electromagnet system with rubber diaphragm. It pulls air from the outside and forces it through the water. An air pump gives many favorable circumstances to your aquarium inhabitants and makes a more relaxed life.  For keeping the best aquarium environment for your fish and other inhabitants, we recommend you to use the best aquarium air pumps. 

Right now, the air pump is frequently utilized together with different devices, for instance, filters, skimmers, compressor, cleaning devices. Because of the life action of different aquarium organisms, a considerable amount of carbon dioxide enters the water. For this situation, the air pump is essentially important. To make your choice much easier, we have prepared a list of best aquarium air pumps of 2019. 

You might also read: Best Koi Pond Filter: Review and Buying Guide 2022

Best Aquarium Air Pumps Reviews

To save your lots of money and times I have done deeply research and reviewed some excellent aquarium air pumps which you can try to buy for maintaining accurate air circulation in your aquarium.

You can also take more information about each air pump before buying best one. If you don’t have huge time you can have a look on the table bellow for having a look on the best aquarium air pumps of 2019.

Comparison Table for Best Aquarium Air Pumps

Tetra Whisper Air Pump (Non-UL)

Tetra Whisper air pump is a high quality aquarium pump which is manufactured by Tetra Company. It has dome shaped body that helps to make them the calmest air pump. It is made using improved design with suspended pump engine and rubber feet. The body has thick walls which insulate motor noise.

This pump helps to maintain ideal oxygen levels in your aquarium and keep your fish sound. It can be used with under-gravel filters, air-stones, and bubble wands. There are available model in 4 sizes of tetra whisper air pump which works with different sizes aquarium ranging from 10 to 100 gallons and provide a powerful air flow. The following table shows the differences in the 4 models which might be more useful in choosing the pump for your aquarium.

Model	Aquarium	Outlets	Air Flow	Dimension
Whisper model 10	up to 10 gallons	1	0.5 l/m	3.875″ x 2.75″ x 5.5″
Whisper model 40	20 to 40 gallons	1	1.3 l/m	4.125″ x 2.75″ x 6.25″
Whisper model 60	40 to 60 gallons	2	2.6 l/m	5″ x 3.375″ x 8.375″
Whisper model 100	60 to 100 gallons	2	3.3 l/m	5″ x 3.375″ x 8.375″

Pros

• It is powerful and dependable;
• It provides continuous flow of air;
• Easy installation and efficient;
• It also bears suspended pump motor which eliminate sound from vibration;
• It is made using thick walls to insulate motor noise;
• Two years warranty

Cons

• Algae, floating debris, and mineral deposits can block the pores of pump over time.

Tetra Whisper Air Pump for Deep Water Applications

Tetra Whisper Air Pump for Deep Water Applications is a very powerful and popular air pump among the aquarium enthusiasts. It produces high levels of oxygen in your aquarium and keeps your aquarium inhabitants healthy and happy. It is used for deep water aquarium with up to 8 feet depth ranges.

This pump has improved design with rubber feet that makes them the calmest air pump. This pump comes in two different sizes such as Whisper AP 150 and Whisper AP 300.The following table shows the characteristics and differences of Whisper AP 150 and Whisper AP 300.

Model	Aquarium size	Depth ranges	Outlet	Dimension
Whisper AP 150	Up to 150 gallons	8 feet	1	5.5″ L x 4″ W x 3″ H
Whisper AP 300	Up to 300 gallons	8 feet	2	8.5″ L x 4.5″ W x 3.5″ H

Pros

• It is the most powerful and hardy air pump;
• It is made using improved design with rubber feet;
• It improves the water quality in your tank;
• Long-lasting air pump;
• Lifetime limited warranty;
• Easy installation and efficient;

Cons

• It becomes  little noisy with over time;

Active Aqua Air Pump

The Active Aqua Air Pump is a very popular pump among the pet fish keepers due to its attractiveness, high performance and long-lasting unlimited services. It is made with several outlet size options which make it easier for you to purchase a suitable size air pump for your aquarium.

This pump has box-like shape with unique rubber legs which help continuous air flow in your aquarium. It has a pressure control knob and you can control air using this knob in your aquarium.

This type of pump consumes less electricity. It is designed with super noiseless and multi-level suppressor which makes it loudness. The following table shows the characteristics and comparison among different outlet size options.

Outlet size option	Flow Rate	Power	Noise level
1 outlet	3.2 liters/minute	2 watts	40 dB
2 outlet	7.8 liters/minute	3 watts	40 dB
4 outlet	15 liters/minute	6 watts	45 dB
8 outlet	25 liters/minute	12 watts	45 dB

Pros

• High performance and long-lasting device
• Easy installation;
• Low electricity consumption;
• It has 1,2,4 and 8 outlet size options;
• It bears pressure control knob;
• It does not produce high sound;

Cons

• It should be covered during operation to prevent damage with water;

Active Aqua Commercial Air Pump

Active Aqua Commercial Air Pump is a very high quality pump which is suitable for multiple farms. This type air pump has an electrical magnetic air compressor which creates high water pressure and high output. It is a business pump with several outlets and you can utilize it for various water farms or numerous air stones at once with no bother.

This pump creates steady oxygen in the water which helps keep your fish glad. It includes brilliant copper outlets on an exclusively controllable air divider. It is perfect for running various air stones at one time. The air pump is worked to last with its aluminum combination packaging and tear-safe material for the piston and cylinder. The following table shows some outlet size options with their key features.

Size option	Flow Rate	Power	Noise level	Dimension
6 outlet	45 liters/minute	20 watts	45 dB	6.5’’x 4.9’’x 4.3’’
8 outlet	70 liters/minute	60 watts	60 dB	10’’x 5.9’’X 5.3’’
12 outlet	110 liters/minute	112 watts	60 dB	11.5’’x 7.0’’x 6.4’’

Pros

• Several outlets;
• Suitable for several water farms or multiple air stones at once;
• High output and high pressure;
• Super silent with multi-level muffler;
• Easy installation;
• Long-lasting performance;
• It is made with tear-wear safe materials;
• Low power consumption;

Cons

• It becomes hot when it is run for a long time;

EcoPlus Eco Air Pump

EcoPlus Eco Air Pump arrangement are well known pump among the aquarium devotees. It is effective which is appropriate for indoor gardening and hydroponic systems. It has double chamber wavering pump for high output and stable pressure. It features air drivers which go from 4-22 outlets. It is easy to operate and it works viably without oil.

It is ultra-quiet air pump and it doesn’t make high sound. The cylinder and pistons are additionally made of magnificent materials, making the pump strong and long-lasting. The following table shows key features and comparison among different models of EcoPlus Eco Air Pump.

Model	Output	Power	Weight	Dimension(Inch)
EcoPlus Air Eco Air1	44 GPH	2 watts	0.8 lb	5.7 x 3 x 4.5
EcoPlus Air Eco Air2	126 GPH	3 watts	1.6 lb	7.4 x 4 x 4.9
EcoPlus Air Eco Air4	253 GPH	6.5 watts	3.05 lb	6.1 x 4.5 x 9.3
EcoPlus Air Eco Air8	380 GPH	13 watts	5.9 lb	7.5 x 6.7 x 10.9

Pros

• High energy competence;
• It is generally used in aquariums, fish farms and hydroponic systems
• It has several outlets ranging from 4 to 22 outlets;
• Easy installation;
• It is easy to operate;
• It works effectively without oil;

Cons

• It creates some noise issue;

EcoPlus Commercial Air pump

The EcoPlus Commercial Air pump is an astounding pump which is generally used to give oxygen in aquariums, fish farms and hydroponic systems. It is made with 4 distinct sizes making it easier for you to pick the one that is most suitable for your aquarium size. The air pump additionally accompanies several outlets which run from 6-12 outlets.

This kind of air pump can give oxygen to numerous aquariums, fish farms and hydroponic systems without a moment’s delay. The body case is made of amazing aluminum compound. The piston and cylinders are also made of superb materials, making the pump strong and long-lasting. The following table demonstrates the comparisons among four unique sizes pump.

Model	Flow Rate	Outlet	Power	Weight	Measurement
EcoPlus Commercial Air 1	793 gph (50 liters/minute)	6	18 watts	2.65 lb	159 x 90 x 95 mm
EcoPlus Commercial Air 3	1030 gph (65 liters/minute)	6	35 watts	3.64 lb	182 x 95 x 116 mm
EcoPlus Commercial Air 5	1300 gph (82 liters/minute)	8	80 watts	7.27 lb	232 x 120 x 148 mm
EcoPlus Commercial Air 7	3566 gph (225 liters/minute)	12	200 watts	14.1 lb	307 x 156 x 189 mm

Pros

• High energy competence;
• It is generally used in aquariums, fish farms and hydroponic systems
• Several outlets ranging from four to sixteen outlets;
• Business grade;
• No lubrication require;
• Easy maintenance;
• It is made using high-quality die cast aluminum;
• Easy installation;
• 1 year warranty;

Cons

• It does produce some sound;

Fluval Air Pumps

Fluval air pumps are very attractive and high quality aquarium air pumps which are manufactured by Hagen Company. They are made using the newest and high quality materials. They have double walls with a special noise-suppression barrier chambers which help to eliminate audibility.

They have high quality designs which provide lasting and reliable performance. They are perfect for powering aquarium air-stones, corner filters, under-gravel filters, and ornaments. 

Fluval air pumps have some models. Among them Fluval Q1 and Fluval Q2 have advanced swing-arm and diaphragm design for consistent, reliable air flow for your aquarium application. They are suitable for use in freshwater or saltwater aquariums. The following table shows comparisons between Fluval Q1 and Fluval Q2 air pumps.

Model	Aquarium	Dimension	Power	Noise level
Fluval Q1	Up to 75 g (300 l)	7.6 x 16.5 x 15 cm	4 watts	45 dB
Fluval Q2	Up to 150 g (600 l)	8.1 x 19.8 x 16.3 cm	4 watts	45 dB

Pros

• It produces consistent air flow;
• Long-lasting and reliable performance;
• Double walled construction;
• Low power consumption;
• 6 feet power cord;
• Aquarium for up to: [Q1-300 and Q2-600 liters];
• 2 years limited warranty;

Cons

• It is not fit for larger than 150 gallons tank;

Overall, Fluval air pumps are a very familiar and highly recommended in the fish keeping community due to its high performance air circulation capability. It has high efficient motor with high flow rate and low energy consumption. It provides nearly silent operation with quiet, efficient, reliable, affordable and long term service life. To get unlimited service and performance, it is highly recommended to buy this gorgeous Fluval aquarium pumps for your aquarium.

Aquarium Air Pump Facts

An aquarium air pump is a device which helps to increase the oxygen level in the water. It makes aquarium environment healthy by maintaining good water quality and keeping your fish and plants sound.

Today, many companies offer different types of air pumps, where the capacity of the device directly depends on the volume of the aquarium. The price here will depend on the model of the pumps, its variety, performance, additional functions and other components.

Types of Aquarium Air Pumps

1. Generally, there are two main types of air pumps available in the pet fish business sector. These are:

Vibrator/diaphragm pump: It is the most well-known and famous air pump which is broadly accessible in the market today. It has the easiest design and is quite inexpensive. It has single or numerous air tubing ports. Some of the models have a controller to correct the air flow rate. Here, ports are utilized to connect the air stones with standard size air tubing. A check valve is also utilized with the air tubing between the air stone and pump to prevent back flow of water from the tank to the pump.

Piston/rotary pump: This type of pump is more complex and comparatively more expensive compared to vibrator/diaphragm pump. It is generally used in very large systems.

2. On the basis of power option, there are two types of air pumps. These are:

Electric powered air pump: It is the most popular type pump which runs by electricity. It has one or multiple outlet units for connecting air tubing.

Battery powered air pump: The battery-powered model works great in places having frequent power outages. It is normally used during transportation of fish or during power failure but for a limited time only.

3. On the basis of the size, there are three types of the air pump. These are:

Small Sized Aquarium Air Pump: Small sized aquarium air pump is the most common in the pet fish market. It is compact, light and quite inexpensive to buy. It consumes less power and does not create any sound during operation.

Medium Sized Aquarium Air Pump: It is of medium sized with moderate power. It is not suitable for creating more bubbles in your fish tank.  In this case, we recommend you to purchase a large air pump that has an adjustable knob to adjust flow rate.

Large Sized Aquarium Air Pump: It is a monster type of pump that has multiple functions. You can use it for the aquarium, garden or a pond. It consumes more power and more expensive compared to other air pumps.

The basic functions of Air Pump of an Aquarium:

• Air pump makes air circulation in the aquarium;
• It makes ideal flow of water and delivers of the vital amount of oxygen;
• It removes excess amount of different gases, creating normal conditions for living organisms;
• It limits siltation of the reservoir, which has a beneficial effect on its inhabitants;
• Optimization of temperature;
• Destruction of the subsequent film;
• Production of the stream, particularly important for specific types of fish;

Accessories for Air Pumps

Some accessories are used with an air pump to make your air pump more effective.

Airline Tubing: It is a strong but flexible tube that does not bend. It is used to connect the air pump to the air stones, filters, bubblers, and decorations inside the water from outside the aquarium.

T-Valves or T-Fittings: These are the connector which is used for connecting the output ports. When you use multiple air stones then it is mandatory. Generally, it customizes the air flow through the multiple airline tubes.

Check Valve: A check valve is one type of device which is also called return valve and it is basic for each kind of air pump. It enables air to go in just a single route and keeps air or water from going in reverse into the pump outlets. This can be helpful during control blackouts or when the pump loses its energy source.

Gang Valve: It is needed when you utilize more airlines. It needs to connect the air pump to different air stones.

Air stones: Air stones are very important parts of each air pump. It creates numerous small bubbles and thus increases the oxygen level of  aquarium.

For What Reason, Do I Need Air Pump?

• Aquarium air pumps help to remove impurities from your tank water by eliminating dead spots with the help of water circulation and thus improve overall water quality.
• Air pumps provide aeration into aquarium which is helpful to reduce carbon dioxide from the tank water.
• Air pumps also increase the oxygen of aquarium water by circulating the water that is essential for fish respiration and makes water pH stable. It  also helps the beneficial bacteria to survive. 

Where to Put the Aquarium Air Pump?

Before placing your air pump, you should read the instructions manual of your particular air pump thoroughly. Then you have to take the decision where you put your air pump. In this case, you should select the secure place from where it does not fall easily. It should not be placed inside or underneath the tank.

Generally, it should be placed higher than the water level in the fish tank to avoid fall into the water. If you can’t place the air pump in the top position of the tank, this will make vibrations and makes stress to your fish leading to death. If you place it underneath the water level, the pump needs extra power to run causing noise or failure.

You can construct a shelf slightly above just after the fish tank and place the pump.  You can also hang the pump using a well-secured hook just over the water level. 

The pump should be placed in such a way that it does not touch the wall. If it touches the wall, it vibrates the whole fish tank.

You should use a cloth or soft sponge on a shelf to place the pump which will considerably lessen the sound. This is exceptionally vital for a big sized pump.

How to set up an air pump

Connecting the pump to the air tubing: For proper connection, you should use the manufacturer’s instruction manual and know how to link up the air tubing to the fish tank. You should cut the correct length of tubing by using a sharp knife or scissors.

Installing the check valve: You should mount the check valve close to the tank to prevent back flow. It should be done after making a connection the air tubing.

Installing the Y or T valve: When you need more air stones to make more bubbles then you can use a Y or T valve to divide the air tubing into several branches. In this case, you should cut the air tubing again close to the fish tank for placing the valve.

Installing the air stones: For creating bubbles, you should connect air stones to all endings of the air tubing. In this case, it should place on the substrate or hang it into the water beneath the surface level of water wherever you want.

Plugging the pump: After installing all the components, you can connect the pump to power. Then you switch on to run the pump and watch the air stones making bubbles for next few hours in your fish tank.

Final verdict

Aquarium Air Pump is an extremely basic device among the decorative pet fish keepers. It generally produces bubbles during operation which beautify your aquarium display, enhance water quality, and make the aquarium more comfortable for aquarium residents. Besides these, to giving oxygen to fish to breathe in, air pumps play a key part in keeping up proficient biological filtration. To keep your aquarium water quality sound, you may pick the best aquarium air pumps from our above examined brand name air pumps that fulfill your requirements.