Why do you need an Air Pump for your aquarium?

In order to maintain a tank of healthy fish, the water must contain oxygen. The process in which oxygen is introduced into the water is known as aeration. Fish “breathe” through their gills. They use their gills to extract oxygen from the water that’s then used and converted into carbon dioxide (just like humans) and then discharged back into the water. To ensure that there is sufficient oxygen in the water for the fish to “breathe”, the carbon dioxide needs to be replaced by oxygen. This process is commonly referred to as “gas exchange” and is generally done by aerating the water. A good aeration system is essential to a healthy aquarium.

Aquarium Aeration

Aeration is accomplished by breaking the surface of the water or by creating turbulence in the water. It can be accomplished in several ways. Many aquariums are aerated using the turbulence created by the pumping action of a power filter or canister filter and the water falling back into the aquarium. This looks similar to an waterfall. The other form of Aeration is with an air pump, which uses a powerhead with an undergravel filter to pump water across the surface of the tank.

Air Pumps

Air pumps introduce air bubbles into the water with an undergravel filter system or solely with airstones. While both methods involve airstones, in an undergravel filter the introduction of air bubbles into the water creates a current which draws water through the undergravel filter bed and up through a lift tube to the water’s surface. Airstones used without an undergravel filter typically provide supplementary aeration to that provided by a canister or power filter.

Selecting an Air Pump

When selecting an air pump, there are two primary considerations – size and power.

• The size of the air pump depends on how much air you need to produce for your aquarium. If you plan to use extra air outlets, such as with action ornaments, bubble walls or decorative air stones, then you should consider a larger air pump. Larger pumps also generally have more outlets, thus alleviating the need for gang valves.
• When using an air pump with a tall (deep) tank, you should select a larger air pump or an air pump designed for deeper tanks. The deeper the water, the more pressure, and thus the harder the air pump has to work to force air through the airstone and into the water

Best Aquarium Air Pump (for small fish tanks)

Tetra Whisper Air Pump $8.99

• Very Cheap
• Cool design that fits into aquarium style
• Very Powerful but still silent: posses sound reducing chambers which minimize turbulence which creates a smooth, quiet stream of air bubbles

Best Aquarium Air Pump (for medium to large fish tanks)

Aqua Culture Air Pump $13.58

• Perfect for 20-60 Gallon Tanks
• Can power up to six air-powered accessories 
• Insulated in rubber for quiet performance

Best Airstone for Aquarium

Moaere Air Stone Bubble Mineral Ball $8.93

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Aquarium Airline Tubing

Airline tubing is the clear plastic flexible tubing that runs air from the air pump to the aquarium. It’s always a good idea to buy extra airline tubing because you’ll need it to hook up any airstones, underground filters or action ornaments. Tubing comes in both extruded plastic and silicon tubing. Silicone tubing is slightly more expensive because it lasts longer and is more flexible. Extruded plastic tubing is stiffer and tends to yellow and crack with age.