Buying Guide for Aquarium Air Pumps
Aquarium air pumps are devices that are used to increase the amount of air in a tank. They provide oxygen, along with a host of other vital accessories for the aquatic species that live within your fish tank. They can be used to get rid of excess CO2 or to make it easier for fish to breathe. They also work great for removing the minute amount of air that comes up through the water, thus preventing evaporation. Depending on the type of pump, they can be simple to put together or can require some moderate expertise in order to construct them correctly.
Benefits of Aquarium Air Pumps
Surface Agitation
A common problem in freshwater tanks is the inability to rid the tank of waste and detritus. Aquarium Air Pumps are the solution to this problem by creating a submerged chamber in the aquarium that allows the surface water to stir the bottom, efficiently aerating the tank, which in turn may help to remove waste and detritus.
Increased Oxygen
Aquarium air pumps are commonly used to supply aerated, oxygenated water to fish tanks. The correct size of the pump and the correct power of the pump determine how quickly the water is aerated. The easiest way to increase oxygen content is to increase the airflow from the pump, but this means the pump has to run faster than it needs to. The result is that the pump does not create enough aerated water for all the fish in the tank. Air pumps for aquariums have a wide range of power and output capabilities, so it is important to know the differences before deciding on the right one for your tank.
Compatible with Sponge Filters
Air pumps are small but powerful devices that can be placed in a sponge filter or canister filter to move air from the filter media to the intake of the aquarium. The pumps create a negative pressure in the water column and move water through the filter media. This is the only way for a sponge filter to function effectively. Without the air pump, the sponge filter will exhaust the water through the media and the sponge will become saturated and unusable.
Ideal for Quarantine Tanks
Aquarium air pumps are a valuable tool for a variety of different reasons. For one, they keep the water in your quarantine tank clean, which is essential for the health of your fish. It's also an essential tool for keeping the water oxygenated and in good condition for your fish. When you add an aquarium air pump to your quarantine environment, you won't have to worry about adding fish to the tank, just fuel, and filter.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Aquarium Air Pumps
Noise Level
If you have a small aquarium, you might have noticed that the air pump is quieter than a typical air compressor. And while it might be quieter, it requires a lot more power to run. The larger the aquarium, the less noise it generates. There are various factors that affect the noise level of the aquarium air pump, including the quality and size of the carting. The noise level also depends on the type of filter the pump is powering.
Filteration Type
There are many of different types of aquarium air pumps available from different brands and each has its own filter media. The filter media affects the speed at which the air is circulated and the size of the bubbles that are created, so it’s important to select the correct type of filter for the pump.
Size Type
The air pump isn't just for marine aquariums! Many aquariums use these types of pumps to inject air into their tanks. The problem is, not many people know what size aquarium pump is needed for how much air. If your pump isn't powerful enough, it won't inject enough air into your aquarium and you'll need to buy a bigger one. If, on the other hand, it's too powerful, you'll blow your aquarium up like a balloon.
Air Flow
The use of an air pump that produces at least 0.033 L/min of airflow is often advised by experts. When you wish to run many ornaments on the same pump or when you're using a filter or protein skimmer that needs a pump, it's a good idea to choose one size larger. It is usually preferable to choose the bigger size if you are unable to decide between two sizes. This is also beneficial if you want to modify your aquarium or add additional fish at a later time.
Conclusion
Everyone needs to keep their fish healthy and happy, and the life expectancy of a goldfish is just 10-12 years. A properly maintained aquarium needs to be kept at the right temperature, containing the right amount of oxygen and has to be cleaned regularly. Air pumps are essential to keeping your fish safe and fit. To know more about your buying choices, head over to our featured section above where have listed the leading air pumps reviewed on the basis of size, mechanism, and user satisfaction.
