Stupid air pump ...

[dbosman]

That air pump is meant to be used near the tank, not on the floor.
The head pressure when it is on the floor, is too much for the small vibrator mechanism in the pump.
With a bit of tinkering, most air pumps can be adjusted for quieter operation.

As to a Whisper air pump running 5 tanks, which Whisper and where will the pump be located in relation to the tank? If you are putting the pump on the floor, you need to size for at least double your needs and you need a check valve to prevent filling the pump up with water in the event of a power outage.

 

[cicrush13]

I use whisper pumps in my tanks and I have at least 4' between it and the tank and the filter is underwater by 12". No problems. Just recommend a larger pump (do a whisper 20 for the 10 gallon, etc.). The whisper XP pumps are good too if you want to run multiple tanks.

 

[tbonedeluxe]

Are you using a HOB filter also?
If so,then you don't need an air pump.
The filter will generate all or most of the oxygen
you will need. Movement of the water will create oxygen
for your fish and other inhabitants.

 

[br553]

I once had air pumps running on all 3 of my tanks. I now only use one on my 20g to try to avoid a dead zone at the opposite end of the tank from the HOB. I've taken out the others mostly because the inline check valves broke on both (they were several years old) and I got tired of having to re-bury the airstones after the goldies and cories decided to rearrange their respective tanks.
If I put CO2 in my 20g, I will retire the last airpump. It's a Top Fin branded air pump and has served me well for nearly 17 years.