I have a goldfish: the best compressors for aerating aquariums 2024

An aquarium is a window to the underwater world, which has a beneficial effect on the physical state of a person, especially children, the elderly, the unhealthy, and mentally disturbed people. Contemplation of hydrobionics pacifies, increases the level of kindness, peace. But when asked about installing a tank in the house, many are stopped by the technical issues of maintaining and caring for the fish. But they require no more attention than cats, dogs, rabbits, even children can take care of them.

In addition to soil, plants that saturate water with oxygen, a home aquarium needs some adaptations. The first of these is a thermometer for measuring temperature. An obligatory attribute will be a filter, with the help of which "transparent and tasteless" light is purified so that the plants emit the required amount of oxygen. Some fish will need heating appliances.

A very important part of the reservoir is the compressor, although some novice aquarists consider it an auxiliary unit. Let's study, see, figure it out.

Why do you need aeration

In natural conditions, water is saturated with oxygen by algae and the contact of the surface with air. A small home "reservoir" cannot boast of this, therefore its inhabitants will need help. For the concentration of the volatile chemical to be uniform and optimal, artificial convection is required. This mixing with a small pumping station that brings air into the aquarium is called aeration.

Why circulation is needed:

• uniform oxygen saturation;
• there is no stagnation of water, it is identical in every corner;
• the temperature is leveled across layers and corners.

The bubbles that rise upward burst, destroying the dusty, bacterial film that constantly appears on the surface of the water. In addition to important vital signs for fish, aeration carries a decorative load: the bubble lift decorates the underwater world, pleasing the eye, moving the plants, forcing the inhabitants to move more actively. As a result, the load on the device is very responsible and significant: the health of the inhabitants of the bio-television set, the beauty of the hydro-world will only benefit from the presence of this installation in it. And it is easier to care for such a reservoir: the space becomes cleaner, fish and plants live longer, algae rotting processes do not occur.

It remains to understand how to choose a device for aeration in the home aqua world. There are, of course, certain species of marine fauna that protrude, breathe the same air as we do (pearl gourami, some types of catfish), but these are exceptions.To do without a compressor or not is determined by several factors:

1. The volume of water and its population. Three goldfish in 200 liters of liquid will have enough oxygen without a blower; in a small pool of 50 liters, they critically need an aerator. There are "capricious" fish, such as cichlids, which cannot be without an air lift.
2. Flow. If the internal filter creates a surface movement of water, it is well saturated with oxygen (the stronger the flow and the larger the area of ​​moving water) - no additional devices are required.
3. Temperature. Cold water has a higher oxygen content than warm water. If the aquarium is home to tropical inhabitants that require warm water, it will be difficult without a compressor.
4. Seaweed. Any plants produce oxygen only when exposed to light. At night, in dense thickets, oxygen will not be enough. The aerator is especially needed at night.
5. Fish behavior. If your aquatic organisms try to swim on the surface, try to swallow air, sticking out their noses - this is oxygen starvation - a pumping station is necessary.

What you need to know about the aquarium compressor

Types and types

According to the operation scheme, the units are divided into piston and diaphragm ones.

	Reciprocating	Membrane
Power	good	low-powered
Price	high	below piston at equal power
Application	any capacity	volume up to 200 liters
Noisiness	low noise level	vibrating noisy

Most household aerators are vibratory, their physics is based on working with an alternating magnetic field. The vibrations of the magnet are transmitted to the membrane, which regulates the air flow. This operating principle is not silent. Manufacturers are working to reduce noise, this increases the price of the product.

The piston units are powered by an electric motor, they delight with power and noiselessness. But the profitability of the design is low, because it is relatively expensive.

There are mobile devices that run on batteries. They are necessary when moving fish or the entire tank. Sometimes this type of aerator saves the underwater world in the absence of electricity. This type can be vibratory or piston. On average, the unit works on batteries for 4-6 hours.

Another type of aerators are internal and external. Outdoor can be installed under the container, behind it, so as not to spoil the "seascape". The inner ones are placed on the bottom or wall of the aquarium - the noise disappears.

Power

The main choice is performance. For an air blower, this is the amount of pumped air (liters) per hour. The minimum rate (without biofiltration) is 0.5 - 0.7 l / h per 1 liter of water. For a 100-liter reservoir, it will be 50 l / h. A 200 l tank can be equipped with a more powerful device - 200 l / h.

Pay attention to the air supply regulation, supply method. NOT all models have a flow control screw. More progressive option: adjustment occurs automatically when the capacity changes. Models with electronic installations are available.

Noisiness

The audibility of the compressor depends on the design and build quality. For an apartment, the rustle of foliage will be a tolerable noise level - up to 15 decibels. Noise pollution up to 40 dB is considered relatively quiet (clock ticking).

The loudest, according to the owners, are the devices made in China.

There is a pattern: the quieter the aerator, the more expensive it costs. In this matter, everyone has their own priorities. If your fish live in the living room, and not in the bedroom, you can put up with some noise by choosing a product at a more comfortable price.

Aquarium Aerator Manufacturers

The list of popular brands changes only internally, every month any of the five most recognizable companies becomes the leader. Compressors of these companies can be taken without hesitation. At the beginning of the 2024 quarter, the TOP-5 looked like this.

• Aquael (Poland). For more than thirty years, the company has been creating goods for aquaristics, constantly expanding the range, inventing new units and devices. This is an undeniable quality that meets European standards. The goods are certified, they delight with functionality.
• Tetra (Germany). Founded 60 years ago, the company has incorporated the best experience of leaders.It produces aqua devices, fish food, and underwater accessories. “Underwater - ahead of everyone else” is the motto of an ambitious company.
• Schego (Germany). The company creates various hydraulic engineering, even medical equipment. They collect and test it at a factory in Germany. The products are famous for German quality, the manufacturer gives a guarantee.
• Eheim (Germany). This year will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its foundation. The company has the longest line of aqua accessories. The whole world uses the products of this manufacturer. Every year, more and more advanced products for aqua worlds are produced here.
• Hydor (Italy). The most famous brand of exclusive products for home aquariums. The company, founded in 1984, quickly achieved decent results in the water market in the country, gained popularity in Europe and the world. Italian hydro products - reliability, safety, uniqueness.

TOP best compressors for aquariums

We select products by quality, price, functionality. It is not difficult to choose the right, useful device from the models named by the best consumers and experts.

Quality at a good price:

1. Schego Optimal is the most productive;
2. Hydor Ario 4 - the best underwater, silent;
3. Eheim Air Pump 200 - quality is confirmed by a long warranty;
4. Tetra APS 300 - innovative technologies;
5. Jbl Prosilent A300 is the most economical.

Public sector models:

1. Aquael Oxyboost 300 Plus - sophisticated, stylish;
2. Jebo Sonic 301 - standalone model (battery operated);
3. Aleas AP-9803 - minimum price with good quality.

Five high-quality and functional

5. JBL PROSILENT A300

Germany

2 690 - 3 036 rubles.

Diaphragm compressor, by installation - external. High performance - 300 liters per hour, while consuming only 3.9 watts. It can be used in a 100-liter reservoir, but it works equally well in a 400-liter aquarium. The power is adjustable. In addition, the model has two tubes for air flows, which improves aeration of large containers and decorates the "interior" of the underwater world with air lifts. With such power, the unit produces a noise level of up to 38.5 dB, that is, it is practically silent. The set includes 2-meter silicone hoses, spherical nozzles, original valves (non-return). The warranty is 4 years.

• quiet model, does not interfere with sleep;
• the guarantee is prohibitive, there will be no wear on the device;
• good equipment, there is everything you need.

• there is no flow regulation, it's a shame.

4. TETRA APS 300

Germany (produced in Poland, China, see by batch)

1,369 - 1,390 rubles.

The company constantly produces innovative products. The know-how of the model is noise reduction chambers, dense supports and walls of the case, which maximally reduces the operating noise level. The original Silaflex valve withstands heavy loads, preventing water from entering. Has porous aerators. Performance does not decrease with the end of the warranty (3 years), this is a reliable device that is ready to work for years.

The passport emphasizes that the device has a strong membrane, 2 nozzles that release air, taps for adjusting the air supply, the air intake hole has a filter. The kit even includes a tee for the branching device.

• a worthy firm, known to all aquarists, a successful model;
• two years of trouble-free operation - not a single breakdown;
• reasonable price, good quality.

• must be above level H₂Oh, you need to control (otherwise, when you turn off the water will get into the motor);
• no air supply tube, fine-pored aerator;
• does not make much noise, but it's better not to put it in the bedroom.

3. EHEIM AIR PUMP 200

Germany (made in China)

2450 RUB

A well-assembled unit looks serious and works great. The manufacturer issues a warranty card for 36 months of free service in the event of a breakdown without any risk. The device circulates water in containers of 200-350 liters. It is connected through an aerator, a filter, you can dock equipment with an air drive.

The peculiarity of the device is that it is two-channel, it can saturate two independent aquariums with oxygen at once.Independent regulators can adjust the intensity of air lifts, in each tank in its own way. The maximum head power is 2 meters. The size of the air bubbles is set with a spray gun. If you hang it on the wall (a rubber loop is provided), it will work silently.

• excellent "bubble" design, small bubbles burst quietly;
• quite powerful machine, you can adjust the strength of the flow;
• several options for fixing the device (set, hang), cool suction cups for mounting on a vertical;
• the water can be sea and fresh;
• two years of uninterrupted work are pleasing.

• the membrane is weak, it was not enough for three years, but the service works well;
• no check valve;
• the hose is too short, I had to buy a silicone tube.

2. Hydor Ario 4

Italy

1 226 RUB

The Hydor brand produces the best indoor compressors for the underwater world. They require special care because they work inside the body of water. The model is attached to the bottom and is decorated to match the underwater relief. An important condition is that the water height from above must be at least 50 cm to ensure the declared performance. No noise absorption devices are needed, you can forget about vibration.

The unit serves a reservoir of up to 300 liters, productivity - 200 l / h, power consumption - 11 watts. The air regulator is a great bonus. The set includes a plastic hose, filters (foam rubber).

• convenient electric cord, almost 2 meters;
• small, weighs 450 g, easily hides in algae and decor;
• cool idea for blowing out and getting rid of small snails.

• fixed minimum depth;
• constantly need to be cleaned;
• not suitable for small aquariums - very powerful, scares fish in low water;
• energy-consuming, you have to periodically adjust the power in order to save electricity.

1. SCHEGO OPTIMAL

Germany

1792 - 2246 rubles.

The quietest compressor in the Schego range. A very small device (14 x 6 x 7 cm, weight - 600 g) will not be conspicuous, it is easy to move, deliver from the store. But the impression of its low power is absolutely wrong. The indicated capacity of 250 l / h does not really coincide with reality: with this seemingly ordinary device, reservoirs are aerated by 200-500 liters. The power is only 5 watts.

There is one air duct with a powerful membrane that gives out a water column of 2 meters, which makes it possible to connect several pipes for servicing several aquariums, or to install several air lifts in a large tank. Air flow is adjustable, vibration is minimal, no noise. The device has legs for stability, the ability to hang vertically, the membrane is of high quality, the prefilter is replaceable, it changes quickly and easily. This model is considered the best among powerful air-in-water pumping stations in terms of indicators important to the consumer.

• completely quiet;
• in 5 years everything has changed, even the inhabitants, and the compressor is still the same - durable;
• replaceable air filter, reinforced membrane, dust filter increase service life significantly;
• effortlessly works for two aquariums where antagonist fish live;
• for such a service life, the price is optimal.

• no power regulator;
• there is no check valve.

High quality budget

3. ALEAS AP-9803

China

370 - 742 rubles.

For the most part, Chinese goods are of low quality, due to this, the price is reduced. But even in this host you can find a decent model. One of them is Aleas AP-9803. The main advantage is a completely comfortable price for a device with a capacity of 210 l / h and an air supply regulator.

The single-channel air blower looks decent, weighs 360 g, power - 4 W. Pumps 4.2 liters of air per minute. Works horizontally and vertically. The manufacturer assures that there is a multi-level sound insulation, the body is made of impact-resistant plastic.The device is new, there are no consumer reviews yet, it is still difficult to confidently confirm the correspondence of the written reality to the experts and to identify the advantages and disadvantages.

2. JEBO SONIC 301

China

RUB 300 - 469

An irreplaceable thing when transporting fish is a mobile compressor. With this single-channel battery-powered unit (two finger-type) you can fight for the life of the underwater kingdom in the event of a power outage, "walk" the fish to the dacha. Of course, it can serve a small capacity - up to 50 liters, but it distills 60 l / h of gas quite quickly. Small, lightweight (300 g), it fits in a jacket pocket. Of course, there is only one air duct, but there is control over the air flow rate. There is a carbon filter in the device that cleans the air during the aeration process.

• mobility and lightness are impressive, as is the price;
• in case of emergency - convenient, inexpensive, safe.

• low-power, you need a lot of batteries;
• poor equipment.

1.AQUAEL OXYBOOST 300 PLUS

Poland

990 - 1 149 rubles.

A high-quality microprocessor, enclosed in an unconventional shape, similar to a "flying saucer", competes with German models. Usually, they try to remove the aerator from the eyes, this one is exposed as part of the decor.

The technical characteristics of the baby are impressive: silent, two air ducts (independent), power adjustment, performance, allowing you to serve aquariums of 200-300 liters. Dual channel, but consumes only 2.5 watts of power. Weight - 630 g.

• uses electricity economically;
• 2 air flow regulators, independent, very convenient, pumps well;
• 2 years warranty;
• affordable price.

• no check valve;
• not suitable for vertical suspension (to make it less noisy);
• the legs are twisted from vibration.

Aerator maintenance

In order for the compressor to perform all the declared functions efficiently, to meet the parameters, you need to properly care for it, understand the principle of operation and perform the necessary preventive work on time.

1. In the course of the device operation, membranes can grind off, break, filters become dirty. Timely need to change air filters, rubber membranes.
2. The tubes are periodically clogged with suspensions, preventing oxygen from reaching the water. If you find a weak flow, few or no bubbles, clean immediately.
3. Sometimes crustaceans spoil the hoses with their claws. You need to have spare on hand (not just hoses).
4. In case of breakdown of the main aerator, power outage, transportation of the underwater world to another place, it is advisable to have a spare mobile mini-compressor (battery).

Aeration tricks

The oxygen saturation of water is not bubbles, this misconception needs to be debunked. Air and water mix on the water surface. For water to flow from the depths to the surface for enrichment, movement is needed. Oscillations, vortices, wiggle and create bubbles, they push the layers of water upward where mixing takes place. Consequently, process continuity is an important aeration point.

Aquatic plants, which produce oxygen during the day, absorb it at night. If you turn off the device at night, the fish will get asphyxiation, algae too, even beneficial bacteria may die, and the biobalance will be disrupted. When the unit turns on in the morning, toxic substances will begin to flow into the aquarium, which have accumulated overnight without "purging".

To increase the oxygen level in the water, you need to cool the water somewhat. The warmer it is, the more oxygen is consumed.

Useful in the aqua medicine cabinet 3% hydrogen peroxide. With its help, you can revive a choking fish, fight unnecessary animals, harmful algae. She also treats fish bacterial infections. Peroxide in N₂It decomposes into oxygen and water, which is absolutely harmless if not overdosed.

Aeration is a vital condition for the life of organisms in water. Live fish scurrying all over the territory, luscious greenery, clean (without film) surface - all this is the result of round-the-clock pumping of water. This requires attention and time, but it will be rewarded to those who master the simple process of caring for the underwater kingdom.

A bio-TV in the house is a fascinating, mysterious world, an unusual corner that will bring peace, add to the atmosphere of friendliness and peace. Relaxation while watching the aquatic world is good for your health. Contemplation of water has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Now you know how to ensure a normal life for all the inhabitants of your personal oceanarium, create your own paradise for relaxation - get an aquarium, aerator, goldfish and be happy.