I purchased a via aqua model 480 powerhead pump to help with water changes in my 150. The other day I decided to set it up as a powerhead with the air line connected to the output. I think my fish really enjoy swimming thru the current and bubbles it produces. But this thing is noisey as all get out. Are all powerheads noisey? Thanks Tim
power heads
- Thread starter 750t
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Is your airline connection free air or connected to an air pump? Either way, it will be noisy though. I have mine connected to free air and a valve that controls how much air is going into the input so not a tremendous amount of air is being released and minimize noise.
Powerheads are dead silent when totally submersed with no air involved. every other configuration they are noisy, especially when you use a venturi to add air to the output.
You could try the following to reduce noise:
1) Get a longer tube for the powerhead air intake valve and run it into the cabinet below the tank (if the stand/cabinet is enclosed, this may reduce the "hissing/vacuuming" sound).
2) Hook it up to an air pump (this should reduce air noise).
If the noise is more of a clicking noise rather than a hissing noise, the impeller or its housing may require cleaning (if possible with the powerhead).
Mike
1) Get a longer tube for the powerhead air intake valve and run it into the cabinet below the tank (if the stand/cabinet is enclosed, this may reduce the "hissing/vacuuming" sound).
2) Hook it up to an air pump (this should reduce air noise).
If the noise is more of a clicking noise rather than a hissing noise, the impeller or its housing may require cleaning (if possible with the powerhead).
Mike
Sounds like good ideas for the powerheads. Anyone got any ideas on how to quiet an overflow box. The gurgling noise drives me nuts.... 
You could try running the tube into your cabinet and using a dish rag with some rubber bands as muffler. This can cut down some of the hissing sound.
IME the noise is more cavitation at the output than it is hissing of the air being sucked in. the csavitation cannot be silenced, forcing air in will help reduce it by a bit, but it will always be noisy. Something to think about, is that you really don't need the air bubbles to incease oxygenation, as long as you have circulation and some surface disturbance you are fine. I'd sink the powerhead just low enough to quiet it and chuck the airline altogether.
Hey just a little info here. I was doing my tank maint today and I decided what the heck. I connected an airpump to output of the powerhead. BIG difference. It still makes a little noise but probally 70% less. I can live with that. Thanks for the idea. Tim
Tim