10 Awesome Aquarium Air Pumps

Aquarium air pumps keep your tanks oxygenated and your fish healthy. They are also used to power aesthetic accessories, such as bubble wands. If you are looking for the ideal option for your tank, then check out these pumps.

1. Tetra Whisper Easy to Use Air Pump for Aquariums (pictured above)

The Tetra Whisper has a dome-shaped design with sound-dampening chambers to minimize the sound produced when the pump is in operation. Its suspended motor and rubber feet reduce vibration and noise further. They can be installed in aquariums ranging from a few gallons to one hundred gallons, depending on the air pump’s model. The larger models come with two air outlets for improved efficiency. There are no accessories provided in the package, so you will have to purchase those separately.

2. Penn Plax Air-Pods Aquarium UL Air Pump

The Penn Plax Air-Pods sports a dome that absorbs the sound from the diaphragm assembly and reduces noise. The rubber feet on the bottom prevent skidding and dampen vibration. You can adjust the airflow as per your requirements using a control knob. Penn Plax Air-Pods air pump is available in four variants that will suit aquariums having a capacity of up to 10, 20, 30, 55, 75, and 100 gallons. Their 30-gallon air pump consumes 2.7 watts of power and can pump 1900cc of air per minute. The pump models with a 55-gallon or higher capacity have two air outlets.

3. Pawfly MA-60 Aquarium Air Pump

The Pawfly MA-60 will best suit small fish tanks up to 10 gallons. It has a flow rate of 1.8 liters per minute to keep the aquarium oxygenated, consuming two watts of power and producing less than 40db of noise (which is relatively on the quieter side). There are rubber feet on the bottom to dampen vibration. It comes bundled with a five-foot air tube, an air stone, and a flow check valve.

4. Hygger Quiet Mini Air Pump for Aquarium HG-881

The Hygger Quiet HG-881 lives up to its name by using a thin, piezoelectric ceramic plate. Importantly, it doesn’t require a motor, so the pump is hardly audible. It's great for aquariums placed in offices and bedrooms. The Hygger Quiet HG-881 pump consumes only 1.5 watts of power, and is compact and lightweight. It has a flow rate of 420ml/min and is suitable for one- to 15-gallon fish tanks. The package includes a power adapter, an air tube (3.6ft), a double-sided sucker, and an air stone. It comes with a one-year warranty.

5. Uniclife UL40 Aquarium Air Pump Dual Outlet

The Uniclife UL40 has two outlets with a total flow rate of 4 liters per minute. You can also combine the two ports using a T connector to create a single channel. The pump is suitable for fish tanks ranging from 20 gallons up to 100 gallons. An adjustable dial on it allows you to set the airflow depending on the size of the aquarium. Uniclife UL40 air pump consumes 4 watts of power. It comes with all the required accessories including two meters (6.5ft) of airline, a T connector, and a pair of return valves, air stones, and connectors each.

6. Homasy Upgraded Aquarium Air Pump

This Homasy has two air outlets that can be used individually or combined using a T connector. Its rated flow rate varies from 1000cc/min to 1450cc/min, depending on whether the outlets are used individually or combined. It uses 1.5 watts of power and is relatively quiet with less than 35db noise level. It will be suitable for tanks with a capacity of up to 30 liters (7.9 gallons). The package comes with all the required accessories including a pair of air stones, an adjustable air valve, two 1-meter tubings, and a flow check valve.

7. Mylivell Quietest Aquarium Air Pump Ultra Silent YDQB4106

This Mylivell is a low-noise offering that also employs a thin, piezoelectric ceramic plate, unlike electromagnetic pumps that use a motor. The pump has a flow rate of 240ml/min and is designed for fish tanks up to 13 gallons. It is highly energy-efficient and consumes only 1 watt of power. The compact design occupies very little space, which is ideal for small aquariums. A suction cup keeps it stable and makes it easy to install. It comes in black and white colors. Another air pump model is also available from Mylivell that is suitable for up to 40-gallon tanks.

8. Tetra Whisper AP300 Aquarium Air Pump

The Tetra Whisper AP300 is a powerful offering capable of pumping air up to eight feet deep with its superior backpressure. You can use the pump in aquariums with a capacity of up to 300 gallons. A single AP300 pump can deliver air to ten accessories and keep oxygen levels optimum in the biggest aquariums. It is designed for heavy-duty operation and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. An AP150 variant of the Tetra Whisper aquarium air pump is also available that is suitable for tanks up to 150 gallons.

9. Aquaneat Aquarium Air Pump

Owners of large aquariums will find this Aquaneat to be another suitable choice. It's for aquariums up to 300 gallons. There are two outlets provided on the pump, each of which has a flow rate of 125 gallons per hour. You can connect a pair of 48” air bubble wands, one to each outlet, or eight 1.5” air stones when the pump is used in a 50-gallon tank. Aquaneat aquarium air pump has a dual-housing structure to minimize noise, as well as rubber feet to dampen vibration during operation.

10. Hydrofarm AAPA45L Active Aqua Commercial Air Pump

The Hydrofarm AAPA45L is a commercial air pump designed for heavy-duty usage. The pump is capable of pushing 45 liters of air per minute (700 gallons per hour) while consuming only 20 watts of electricity. It comes with an air divider made of copper that has six individually controllable air outlets. You can connect multiple air stones to the pump. Hydrofarm also manufactures the pump in 1100gph (8 outlets), and 1750gph (12 outlets) variants.