Silent compressors for aquarium: brands, selection and operation

An aquarium compressor is a device whose principle of operation is to saturate a liquid with air bubbles. Oxygen is essential for the full existence of all inhabitants of the aquarium. Some models are very noisy. But progress does not stand still, and manufacturers began to produce silent devices for enriching liquid with oxygen. When choosing a silent aerator for an aquarium, you should study its features and operating rules. A review of the best brands will help you make the right choice.

The air compressor comes in two types: membrane and piston.

Each type has its own characteristics. The piston aerator generates air currents using a special piston. These models are very powerful and are suitable for large containers. Differ strength and durability.

The membrane version generates oxygen using a special membrane. The device does not require a lot of electricity, but at the same time it has little power. The devices are more suitable for small reservoirs with a volume of up to 150 liters.

The silent aerator has its own characteristics in operation. The compressor tubes are in the water and release a portion of the air in the form of bubbles. The intensity of the air flow is regulated by means of special clips.

The operation of the device creates ripples on the water surface, due to which the area of ​​interaction of water with air increases, and the water is saturated with an additional amount of oxygen.

The silent aerator has the main feature: the device prevents water bloom by mixing layers of liquid. This principle of operation of the device is called aeration. Aeration performs one of the main functions - it provides a comfortable living environment for the population of the reservoir.

Aeration of the tank is as follows: a special spray is attached to the air tubes. It is placed at the bottom of the aquarium. The sprayer releases a large number of bubbles for an additional decorative effect. The size of the bubbles also matters. It is better that the bubbles are small.since small bubbles have a large total area.

Do not use the compressor frequently. It is enough to leave it on a couple of times a day for 20-25 minutes. However, the device should be used much more frequently in the summer. As the air heats up rapidly in summer, the temperature of the water rises. Oxygen is wasted faster than usual. Therefore, in the summertime, the device should be left on for a longer time.

When choosing a silent compressor for fish, the quality of the device plays a major role. The top of the most famous manufacturers will help you make the right decision.

• Schego Optimal. The company produces durable and reliable aerators capable of pumping up to 250 liters per hour and having a power consumption of 5 W. The compressor is suitable for reservoirs with a volume of 50 to 300 liters. With the universal clips, the air flow can be adjusted. In the presence of a splitter, it is possible to work in several aquariums at once. For convenience, the aerator has support legs, and if necessary, the device can be suspended. Easy change of pre-filter.

• Eheim. The time-tested German company produces durable and reliable equipment. The compressor has a special two-channel design that pumps up to 400 liters per hour and has the function of adjusting the air and the size of the air bubbles. The devices are designed for use in containers with a volume of 50 to 400 liters. The package includes a 1 m hose and a spray gun. The device consumes about 5 W and the head power is 2 m.

• JBL ProSilent. The company produces a line of 5 compressor models. The power of compact products is 2.3-5.5 W. Productivity - 50-400 l / h. Of the minuses, it is worth noting the lack of air flow regulation.

• Hagen Marina. The compressor is considered indispensable for transportation. The process of work is carried out from batteries and allows you to provide the reservoir with oxygen in the event of a power outage or in case of failure of the main aerator. The kit includes a spray gun and a hose. The device is capable of pumping up to 50 liters per hour. The downside is the low power of the device.

• Aquael OxyBoost. Relatively inexpensive, reliable, time-tested device. The advantage that distinguishes it from other models is the presence of rubber feet. Rubberized mounts visibly absorb noise. Productivity when pumping water is 100 l / h at a power of 2.5 W.

• Tetra APS. The device pumps up to 100 liters per hour and is of high quality. The power consumption is 2.5 watts. The device is suitable for aerating containers from 50 to 100 liters. The specific design of the device with rubber feet ensures sufficient noise insulation.It is possible to regulate the flow of air bubbles.

• Collar. The products of this company are considered the quietest and are very popular. The device is designed for an aquarium with a volume of up to 200 liters. The air flow is very powerful, due to which the compact device can be used at a depth of 80 cm. At a depth of 50 cm, it produces a noise level of no more than 10 dB.

The choice of an aerator is based on several factors:

• device power;
• noiselessness;
• lifetime;
• price.

Mini-aquariums are equipped with devices that pump up to 100 liters of water per hour and consume electricity up to 2.5 watts. In this case The best aerator for a small aquarium is the Aquael OxyBoost product. The small device is distinguished by its quality and optimal cost. The device also reduces noise levels with rubberized feet.

For large reservoirs with a volume of 300 liters, air aerators are suitable, which are capable of pumping up to 250 liters of liquid per hour with a power consumption of 5 watts. It is best to choose the company's devices Schego Optimal. The device has a long service life and almost does not emit extraneous sounds.

More powerful devices are suitable for densely populated reservoirs. The compressor capacity must be at least 400-500 liters of pumped water per hour. The power consumption of such devices is 5 W. Company aerators Eheim and JBL ProSilent just suitable for large bodies of water. The principle of operation of the devices is absolutely silent... Plus, the compressors are almost invisible in the water.

For lovers of beginner fish, models for medium tanks are suitable. Companies Tetra, Aquael and JBL produce compact and reliable devices that are distinguished by quality and optimal cost.

Before installing the compressor, you should read its instructions. The location of the instruments can be different. Some models are submerged in water, while others are mounted closer to the surface.

External devices are fixed on a table, on a container lid or on a special shelf. Position the compressor so that the length of the air tube extends to the bottom of the container. The lower the spraying point is, the more oxygen bubbles are enriched in the water.

Suction cup models are positioned on the sides of the tank, with the outer air tube located at the surface.

The best way to place the snorkel underwater is location near the heater. Air bubbles will immediately mix layers with different temperatures. This location has a beneficial effect on the health of the fish, since the same water temperature throughout the reservoir is useful for them.

There is often controversy among aquarists about the rules for using a compressor. Some people think that the device can work smoothly. Others argue that the compressor should only be turned on when feeding.

Correct operation of the device is characterized by alternating switching on and off of the device. For example, the device can be used for 2/2 hours. This means that oxygen must be provided for 2 hours, and the device must be turned off for the next 2 hours. The alternating operation of the compressor is more beneficial for the well-being of the inhabitants of the aquarium.

But you should not take too long breaks in work, since the presence of oxygen in the water can be reduced to a minimum.Experienced aquarists also advise use the device after feeding. Fish need a lot of oxygen to digest their food.

If the aquarium is on a glass surface or the compressor hums against objects, place a dish sponge under the device. The soft sponge absorbs sound and vibration.

For the device, you can also make wooden or plastic boxes, the inside of which will be pasted over with foam rubber. This will partially eliminate the noise.

If these methods did not prevent the noise, most likely the matter is in the compressor membrane. In order to solve the problem, you need to carefully open the device. Most often, the sound is emitted by the membrane itself, which, during operation, presses on the air. The interfering parts of the membrane must be carefully cut or sawed off, after which all sounds will disappear.

Maintenance of the aquarium is unacceptable without a silent compressor. The purchase of the device must be carried out before the purchase and settlement of fish. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the device. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the power of the compressor, the volume of the reservoir and the density of the population. A quiet aerator is able to maintain favorable living conditions for all inhabitants of the reservoir.

For an overview of the silent aquarium compressor, see the following video.