Small Air Pump Recommendations

Harlock

Educated Idiot
Dec 15, 2004
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San Angelo, TX
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Hi there folks! I am soliciting opinions on brands as well as specific model numbers or sizes. I don't need a workhorse for sure, but as I've never bought an airpump before, I've no clues what to get.

Job Description: I need an airpump that will serve as the airlift for one sponge filter in a ten gallon QT tank. It will only run from time to time (or at least I should hope!) and just needs to be strong enough to service the one filter.

So, that's simple sounding enough, take it away, clever folks! Also, if there is a reasoning behind your answer, do tell!
 
Kasakato said:
What size of filter are you going to use? I would say a Rena because they are quite, but they dont put out a whole lot of air.
Just a small sponge filter that would suit a 10 gallon aquarium... like my original post said. I knew Rena would get nods for lack of noise, but truth be told, noise isn't an issue as the QT tank will not be anywhere where noise will matter.
 
I had two Tetra Deep Water airpumps that I used for about 2 1/2 years. They had a very high output compared to similar pumps that I had, but were loud for diaphragm pumps.

However, the diaphragms went in my Deep Water pumps at roughly the same time (after about 2.5 years of use).

My recommendation is for one of the Hagen air pumps (Optima, Maxima, Elite 801...). Whichever provides the output you desire. I have an Elite that I recieved used 4 years ago that still runs like a champ (and it's rather quiet). I also have a tiny one, (don't recall the model off-hand, but it was rated for 5-10 gallon tanks) and I've used this to aerate water as deep as 35" w/ no problems.

Whenever I need an air pump, the Hagen line is my first choice. They are an often overlooked workhorse.
 
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