Silent compressors for the 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 necessary for the full existence of all the inhabitants of the aquarium. Some models are very noisy. But progress does not stop, and manufacturers began to produce silent devices for enriching the 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.

An air compressor can be of two subspecies: membrane and piston.

Each type has its own characteristics. A piston aerator generates air flows through the operation of a special piston. Such models are very powerful and suitable for large containers. Are different strength and durability.

The membrane version produces oxygen using a special membrane. The device does not need a lot of electricity, but it has a small capacity. Devices are more suitable for small reservoirs up to 150 liters.

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

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

Silent aerator has the main feature: the device prevents the flowering of water 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 occurs as follows: a special atomizer is attached to the air tubes. It is placed at the bottom of the aquarium. The sprayer releases a large number of bubbles, which creates an additional decoration effect. Bubble sizes also matter. Better to have small bubblessince small bubbles have a large total area.

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

In the choice of a silent compressor for fish, the main role is played by the quality of the device. 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 watts. The compressor is suitable for ponds from 50 to 300 liters. Using universal clamps, you can adjust the air flow. If you have a splitter, you can work in several aquariums at once. For convenience, the aerator has support legs, and if necessary, the device can be suspended. Easy change of prefilter.

• Eheim. The time-tested German company produces durable and reliable equipment. The compressor has a special two-channel design, which pumps up to 400 liters per hour and has the function of adjusting the air and the size of air bubbles. The devices are designed for operation in containers with a volume of 50 to 400 liters. 1 m hose and sprayer included. The device consumes about 5 watts, 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 watts. 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 during transportation. The process is carried out on batteries and allows you to provide a pond with oxygen during a power outage or when the main aerator fails. 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 small power of the device.

• Aquael OxyBoost. Relatively inexpensive reliable device, time-tested. The advantage that distinguishes it from other models is the presence of rubber legs. Rubberized supports noticeably absorb noise. Productivity for pumping water is 100 l / h at a power of 2.5 watts.

• Tetra APS. The device pumps up to 100 liters per hour and is of high quality. Power consumption is 2.5 watts. The device is suitable for aeration of containers from 50 to 100 liters. The specific design of the device with rubber feet provides sufficient sound 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 up to 200 liters. The air flow is very powerful, due to which the compact device can be used at a depth of up to 80 cm. At a depth of 50 cm, it produces a noise level of no more than 10 dB.

The choice of aerator is based on several indicators:

• device power;
• noiselessness;
• lifetime;
• cost.

In mini-aquariums, they put 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 Aquael OxyBoost. A small device is distinguished by quality and optimal cost. The device also allows you to reduce the noise level using rubberized supports.

For large reservoirs with a volume of 300 liters, air aerators are suitable that can pump up to 250 liters of liquid per hour with a power consumption of 5 watts. Best to choose company appliances Schego Optimal. The device has a high lifetime and almost no extraneous sounds.

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

For beginner level fish lovers, models for medium tanks will do. Companies Tetra, Aquael and JBL produce compact and reliable devices characterized by quality and optimal cost.

Before installing the compressor, you should familiarize yourself with its instructions. The arrangement of devices may be different. Some models are immersed in water, while others are attached closer to the surface.

External devices are fixed on the table, on the lid of the container or on a special shelf. It is necessary to arrange the compressor so that the length of the air tube is enough to the bottom of the tank. The lower the location of the spraying site, the more water is enriched with oxygen bubbles.

Models on suction cups are placed on the walls of the tank, while the external air tube is located on the surface.

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

There is often a debate among aquarists about the rules for using a compressor. Some believe that the device can work without interruption. Others argue that the compressor must be turned on only when feeding.

Proper operation of the device is characterized by alternating switching on and off the device. For example, the device can be used for 2/2 hours. This means that oxygen should be provided within 2 hours, and the device should be turned off for the next 2 hours. Alternating compressor operation more favorably affects the health of the inhabitants of the aquarium.

But you should not take too long breaks in the 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 food.

If the aquarium is on a glass surface, or the compressor buzzes about objects, it is necessary to place a sponge for dishes under the device. A soft sponge is capable of absorbing sounds and vibration.

For the device, you can also make wooden or plastic boxes, the inner part of which will be glued with foam. This will partially eliminate the noise.

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

Without a silent compressor, the contents of the aquarium are unacceptable. The purchase of the device should be carried out before the acquisition 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 compressor power, the volume of the reservoir and the population density. A quiet aerator is able to maintain favorable living conditions for all residents of the reservoir.

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