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The Air Pump for Your Needs
Air pumps have many different uses. Once you decide what you need an air pump for, selecting the right pump for your application is easy. Aquarium air pumps are an essential part of any aquarium setup. They help stabilize PH as well as provide necessary oxygen for respiration. Aquarium air pumps will also help give your aquarium tank a more dynamic look when used with action aquarium decorations and nice bubbling air stones.
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Oxygenation:
Like all animals, oxygen is essential to the survival of fish. Fish require oxygen to breathe and bacteria require oxygen to break down wastes. Oxygen enters the water primarily through direct diffusion at the air-water interface and from aquatic plant photosynthesis. However, most indoor aquarium systems lack sufficient photosynthesis. Therefore, mechanical means of aeration is the only alternative for supplying oxygen to aquatic animals maintained in these systems. Providing surface agitation to aquarium water through a series of diffusers (airstones) with a small airlift pump or compressor will increase the oxygenation of the water. With a medium-pressure air pump, and an
airstone or bubble wand, you can add a decorative bubble backdrop in your aquarium that also helps remove unwanted gases. |
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Air Pumps |
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Under Gravel Filter |
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Undergravel Filters:
Air pumps with medium to high pressure designed to work at a substantial depth also power undergravel filters. Undergravel filters are commonly found with beginner's aquarium kits and the undergravel filter has been around for a long time. Undergravel aquarium filters can provide good mechanical filtration because it forces the water down through the aquarium gravel where particles are trapped. |
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Foam and corner filters:
Foam and corner filters and some ornaments are run by a small, low-pressure air. These filters allow you to cultivate nitrifying bacteria for superb biological filtration. Operates silently, creating numerous minute bubbles for increased oxygen flow. Dual Action Foam Filters' special open-cell foam construction supplies tremendous surface area for denitrifying bacteria colonization, giving your tank superb biological filtration. No complicated parts and accessories either--the Dual Actions only require an air pump and tubing to work! Great for fry aquariums and brine shrimp hatcheries because they prevent young fry from being trapped in the filter media. |
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Foam and corner filters |
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Wood Airstones |
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Wood airstones:
Wood airstones, often used with protein skimmers, require high-pressure air pumps. Limewood airstones are an extremely durable wood, composed of very fine and straight porous grain. Each airstone is specially cut to maximize the number of minuscule air bubbles that are continuously being released into the water. Wood airstones work great when new/clean; keep your eye on them and have at least two sets, one in use, and the other for cleaning and air-drying to extend their functionality and useful life. We recommend the replacement of wood air stones monthly or better to maintain optimum performance.
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Installation/Operation:
Air pumps, installed outside the aquarium, should be kept close to the aquarium with the shortest possible length of airline tubing for optimal performance, (clear airline tubing is virtually invisible in the aquarium and stays flexible without kinking). You will also need an air control valve, and a check valve, (these important safety devices prevent the siphoning of water into the air pump). These one-way valves are reliable, and can be used with any air pump. To maximize your air pump's efficiency and longevity, clean or replace airstones as necessary. |
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Airline Tubing, Air Control Valve, and Check Valve |
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Battery Backup Air Pump |
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Prepare for Power Outages:
When the power goes out, many things happen silently and invisibly within your aquarium. You need to know what's happening and what steps you can take to minimize the stress on your fish.
1 - Keep Oxygen Flowing
2 - Minimize the Risk of Toxins
3 - Insulate Against Temperature Changes |
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