When it comes to knowing what to put in your fish tank, it can get a little bit complex. One thing you'll definitely want to consider buying, including aquarium heaters, aquarium filters and the fish tank itself, is a fish tank air pump.
Made to help with the circulation of oxygen around the tank, as well as helping keep the water clean, air pumps are those little devices bubbling away as seen in pet fishtanks. They come in small compact boxes and can have features like sound-absorbing rubber feet or low-power consumption. Whatever you're looking for, there's sure to be one.
What do I need a fish tank air pump for?
Most fish and fish tanks need an air pump to ensure the healthy flow of oxygenated water. Fish tank pumps are beneficial and allow enough oxygen into the fish tank for your little pets to breathe. If you have a tank air pump, it's likely that you will need to leave it on all the time to ensure good circulation.
As well as this, it helps to avoid algae and encourages the health of your fish tank to stay clean and clear. Because of the surface agitation, you get with the air bubbles in the water, it keeps the water moving and doesn't allow carbon dioxide to sit on the surface.
In some circumstances and with certain species of fish, you may want to keep the water still so an air pump isn't necessary. Most of the time with common pet fish, though, you'll want to invest in an air pump.
Best fish tank air pumps
Best Amazon fish tank air pump
When getting products for our pets, sometimes the best recommendations come from other pet owners. You can trust this NICREW air pump, which has high-rated reviews on Amazon, as suggested by other users who have added it to their aquarium. Including ultra-silent technology, it will keep your fish happy and healthy.
Size: Up to 150l
Includes: Air pump, air hose, check valve, air stone
Features: 3 anti-noise systems, strong housing wall, noise attenuation chamber, integrated rubber feet
Dimensions: 12 x 10.5 x 10 cm
Reviews: "I've had a few of these, (other air pumps). This is by far the most silent. Even turned on its head you'd expect to hear a bad vibration. But it's barely noticeable. I sleep in my room with my air pump running for a fish tank. It's not super strong, but it has two air outlets and two air stones. So, really it would suit anybody whether it be for tanks or hydroponics, it really is a good piece of kit."
Best popular fish tank air pump
If you've bought a fish tank it's likely you've already heard of Tetra. This popular brand does a mass of fish tank products, including this APS50 fish tank air pump, which will keep your aquarium bubbling away silently. With sound-absorbing chambers and rubber feet to stop vibrations, you won't be able to hear this.
Size: 10-60l
Includes: Air pump, air tap, Tetra Water Care app,
Features: Vibration-absorbing rubber feet, sound-absorbing chambers
Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 11 cm
Reviews: "I have had 5 pumps so far as they make a terrible noise. This is not bad at all. You can slow the flow down, which I do for when I’m sitting in the front room, but even when it’s full still the quietest pump so far."
Best fish air pump kit
With a compact design and lightweight features, you'll barely be able to hear this Rifny air pump bubbling in your fish tank. As well as being super silent, you can turn the air pump to adjust the flow rate to your tank size. Have more than one tank you want to power? This also has two outlets so you can run the two ports together.
Size: 1-80 gallons
Includes: Dual Outlet, air pump, two air stones, two check valves, 100cm silicone hose, user manual
Features: Corded, low power consumption, silent and shockproof, adjustable, four rubber feet
Dimensions: 12.7 x 11.71 x 10.69 cm
Reviews: "Best pump ever! It's so quiet, although I have mine turned down. This pump is perfect. Runs both tanks and I hardly know it's there."
Best Pets at Home fish tank air pump
www.petsathome.com
If you're looking for something simple that does the job, this choice from Pets at Home will add to your fish tank. Made with smaller tanks in mind, you can trust Pets at Home for being a large pet store that will always have what you're looking for.
Size: Up to 25l
Includes: Just the air pump
Features: Suitable for small tanks, no other accessories included
Dimensions: 4.5 x 5 x 7.5cm
Reviews: "It's a good little pump that lasts about a year. Can sometimes make noise if it touches something. Definitely worth the price."
Best silent fish tank air pump
Nobody wants to hear the sound of an air pump bubbling away in their home, so make sure to invest in an air pump that's silent. This NICREW aquarium pump is compact and suitable for most tanks and it's easy to set up so you won't find it too complex.
Size: 10-40l
Includes: Single outlet, ceramic plate, suction cup, air pump, air tube, check valve, air stone
Features: Silent activity, compact design, suitable for air-driven accessories
Dimensions: 12.2 x 10.1 x 6.2 cm
Reviews: "Easy to install took approximately four minutes. Put one in a 30ltr tank and another in a 65ltr tank - both working well, look good and best of all fish seem to be loving the moving water."
Best fish tank pump for larger tanks
Have a bigger tank or want to power more? This HITOP Aquarium air pump is extra-powerful, making it a great choice for those with larger aquariums. Reviewers love that it's quieter even though it's large as well as being good value for money.
Size: 60-600l
Includes: Dual outlet, 1,45m cable wire, long air tube, air stones, 2 check valves
Features: Larger size, LED light-up
Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 10 cm
Reviews: "Really impressed with this pump, works brilliantly on my air block along the back of my tank, it’s very quiet as well."
Best starter fish tank air pump
Smaller tanks don't necessarily need the biggest air pumps. So, if you're new to the aquarium game or are just looking for something to kick-start your fish family, this hygger aquarium air pump might be a good choice for you. Silent and easy to fit, it's an ideal starter pump to buy.
Size: Up to 55l
Includes: Air pump, air stone, silicone tube, suction cup and clips
Features: High-efficiency air stone, compact and easy to install, energy saving, no motor or shaft needed
Dimensions: 10.8 x 10.2 x 8.2 cm
Reviews: "Exactly what I needed. A quiet air pump for my cold water tank. I'm very impressed given its size and the cost. I'm sure there are more powerful pumps out there but this pump provides enough output for my tank. Highly recommend."
Best affordable fish tank air pump
Everyone loves a bargain, especially when they do the job well too. This Zacro air pump is only a tenner and is easily added to any tank. Adjust the airflow whether you have a smaller or larger aquarium that can be placed in deeper water.
Size: 35-500l
Includes: Air pump, 1.5m tube, air stone, non-return valve
Features: Adjustable for the size of your aquarium, can be placed in deeper water, magnetic float technology motor
Dimensions: 16 x 12.8 x 6.3 cm
Reviews: "Great pump. Easy to set up and can increase and decrease the pressure for different levels of bubbles. Very quiet pump - can hardly hear it."