Help! Need Quiet Pump

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Fishies

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Feb 20, 2004
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Hi all,

This is my first post here! :)

I am posting because I have a problem. Not so much a problem, but an annoyance. Our aquarium in the living (I believe 50 or 60 gallons, not too sure) has one of those waterfall-type filters and the bubbly type aeration thing. I realize I call things "those" and "things" because I don't know their appropriate names! :D

Anyway, the bubbly-type thing has a pump which has been getting louder and louder. It is one of the generic types we bought from Petco with the fish, with two outputs that feed into the aquarium. The problem is that it is VERY loud. It makes being in the living room very uncomfortable.

So, I ask thee, the experts of the fish kindgom, to tell me if there are quieter alternatives to air pumps. I would prefer to keep it under 50$ and should have a lifespan of at least 5 years or at least have replaceable parts.

I await your responses! :D

Thanks in advance! :)
 
Assuming your power filter (waterfall) is of proper size I have to agree that the air stone and pump its attached to aren't doing anything critical. Try removing it and just watch the fish for a few days. If they seem fine toss the airstone and pump. If they seem a bit listless buy a new pump and airstone. Also if you do need the airstone try changing the stone to a new one every 2 months or so.
 
Thanks for the replies! :)

Actually, it's more than an airstone, I think. Under the entire aquarium (covered by gravel), there is a plastic cage-like thing, which has two vertical tubes connected on either end of it. These go up to just below the waterline. The pumped air is actually fed into one of those stone things and is hung inside both of those vertical tubes. On top of the tubes, there are filters.

So two questions:

1) Is this even a filter? Is it worthwhile to keep it to clean the water?
2) Don't the fishes need air? Wouldn't bubbles help them to breathe better?

Thanks in advance! :)
 
That would be an under gravel filter. Worst filter EVER. How big is the tank and what kind (size and make) is your 'waterfall' filter. If its enough for the tank, remove the airstone, and let the UGF sit there. UGFs work... but not as much as people would like. Also, if you don't clean the gravel enough, they can cause dangerous pockets of bacteria.

If not, go to your lfs and ask for their quietest air pump. It won't be silent, but it will be better.
 
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