Do you have an aquarium? If so, you may be considering buying an air pump for it. It’s a common misconception that an air pump increases the amount of oxygen in the water and it’s for this reason that it’s necessary for the
Do you have an aquarium? If so, you may be considering buying an air pump for it. It’s a common misconception that an air pump increases the amount of oxygen in the water and it’s for this reason that it’s necessary for the health of the fish. However, that’s simply not the case. In broad terms, a fish tank air pump is designed to improve the circulation of air in the aquarium by sending small bubbles up to the surface, which then pop. This motion then agitates the surface, increasing the surface area over which gas exchange can take place.
An air pump is often needed to improve the functioning of other features in your tank, such as filters that are driven by air; some ornaments with spinning wheels or turning valves that require air to drive them; and air stones, which create a flow of tiny bubbles that help move air through a filter.
You might also use an air pump to ensure there’s a current in the water, which stops stagnation in specific parts of the tank. If your tank is home to semi-aquatic animals, an air pump will help aerate the whole enclosure.
So the type of air pump you buy will very much depend on the use(s) you’ll put it to. With that in mind, read on to discover some of the features of our pick of aquarium pumps on the market.
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The Homasy 400 GPH Submersible Pump again is a unit which can be installed within an aquarium, tank and so on. Four suction cups are included with the pump, so it can be fitted stably and securely to any inner aquarium wall, yet is easy to detach when needed.
The maximum flow rate is a generous 400 GPH, but the output of bubbles can be dialed down if needed with a built-in control knob on the side. There are also two differently sized nozzles (0.51” and 0.62”), so using the smaller can decrease the flow rate too if that’s desirable. The power cable is around 5ft9, making it ideal for smaller installations and with a 25W motor, your energy bills won’t leap up either. The unit is relatively quiet while in operation, helped by the fact that it can be submerged within the tank which deadens the noise.
If excess noise is produced, this is usually a sign that the impeller shaft and other working parts need cleaning, but as the former is constructed from stainless steel, there will be little in the way of corrosion and you should find this pump lasts well, despite its wet environment.
The product comes with a full year’s warranty and lifetime technical support is available if you experience any problems or have questions about your purchase.
Dimensions: 6.1” x 3” x 4.5”
Maximum Flow Rate: 400 GPH
Maximum Lift Height: 6ft 9”
Power: 25 Watts
Length of Power Cord: 5ft 9”
Good value for money
Incredibly easy to clean
It is as silent as promised
It is not long-lasting
The cord is too short
It is not as powerful as advertised
Top of our list is the Simple Deluxe 1056 GPH Listed Submersible Pump. As well as positive reviews on its performance, it’s also packed with features that ensure this is an investment that will last, ensuring you get value for money.
For instance, this pump has a pre-filter included in the price, which helps prevent debris from entering your aquarium pump which could shorten its useful lifespan, as well as impacting on how noisy it is while in operation. The impeller shaft is also constructed from polished Aluminum Oxide Ceramic, which is more than triple the strength of stainless steel and won’t corrode in water either. All working parts are encased in epoxy resin, which ensures they’re protected from corrosion too.
As it’s a submersible aquarium filter pump – in other words, it sits within the water in the tank itself instead of being mounted on the exterior – the safety of your fish is an important consideration. Here, you’re covered: the unit has no exposed copper and is guaranteed safe for fish.
More than that, the pump is easy to take apart when the impeller and/ or filter need cleaning – no tools are required. The lengthy power cord, a generous 15ft, is also waterproofed and designed to withstand wear and tear from moisture, oil, grease and variations in temperature. The unit comes with three nozzles (0.83”, 1.06” and 1.34”) so you can select the right one for your set-up; and the fittings are threaded to increase stability.
The manufacturer also makes pumps with maximum flow rates of 80 GPH, 160 GPH and 290 GPH.
Dimensions: 8.3” x 4.6” x 7.1”
Maximum Flow Rate: 1056 GPH
Maximum Lift Height: 12ft
Power: 60 Watts
Length of Power Cord: 15 feet
It is very well-built
Well-sealed to avoid electrocuting the fish
The cord is long enough for manipulation
Durability is questionable
It 