I have a goldfish: the best compressors for aquarium aeration 2022

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

In addition to the soil, plants that saturate the water with oxygen, a home aquarium needs some adaptations. The first of these is a thermometer for measuring temperature. A mandatory attribute will be a filter with which the "transparent and tasteless" light is cleared so that the plants emit the right amount of oxygen. Some types of fish will need heaters.

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

Why you need aeration

Under natural conditions, water is saturated with oxygen by algae and surface contact with air. A small home "reservoir" cannot boast of this, because 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 equalized in layers and corners.

The bubbles that have risen to the top burst, destroying the dust, bacterial film that constantly appears on the surface of the water. In addition to important vital indications for fish, aeration carries a decorative load: a bubble lift decorates the underwater world, pleasing to the eye, moving 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-TV, the beauty of the hydroworld will only benefit from the presence of this installation in it. And it’s easier to take care of such a reservoir: the space becomes cleaner, fish and plants live longer, algae decay 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 types 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 supercharger, in a small pool of 50 liters they critically need an aerator. There are “capricious” fish, such as cichlids, who can’t do 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 current 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 tropical inhabitants live in an aquarium that require warm water, it will be difficult without a compressor.
4. Seaweed. All plants produce oxygen only in the presence of light. At night, in dense thickets, oxygen will not be enough. An aerator is especially needed at night.
5. Fish behavior. If your hydrobionts 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 scheme of operation, the installations are divided into piston and membrane.

	Piston	Membrane
Power	good	low power
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 vibrating, their physics is based on working with an alternating magnetic field. The vibrations of the magnet are transmitted to the membrane, which regulates the flow of air. This operating principle is not silent. Manufacturers are working to reduce noise, this increases the price of goods.

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 vibration or piston. On average, the unit runs on batteries for 4-6 hours.

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

Power

The main point of choice is performance. For an air blower, this is the amount of air pumped (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 adjustment of the air supply, the method of supply. NOT all models have a flow control screw. A more advanced option: the adjustment occurs automatically when the performance changes.Models with electronic settings are available.

Noisiness

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

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

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

Manufacturers of aquarium aerators

The list of popular brands changes only inside, 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 quarter 2022, the TOP-5 looked like this.

• Aquael (Poland). For more than thirty years, the company has been creating products for the aquarium hobby, constantly expanding the range, inventing new units and devices. This is an undoubted quality that meets European standards. Goods are certified, please with functionality.
• Tetra (Germany). Founded 60 years ago, the company has absorbed the best experience of the leaders. It produces aquatic devices, fish food, accessories of the underwater element. "Underwater - ahead of everyone" - the motto of an ambitious company.
• Schego (Germany). The company creates various hydraulic engineering, even medical equipment. It is assembled and tested at a factory in Germany. Products are famous for German quality, the manufacturer gives a guarantee.
• Eheim (Germany). This year marks the 70th anniversary of its founding. The company has the longest line of aqua accessories. The whole world uses the products of this manufacturer.Every year more and more perfect 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 hydraulic products - reliability, safety, uniqueness.

TOP of the best compressors for aquariums

We select goods by quality, price, functionality. From the models named by the best consumers and experts, it is not difficult to choose the right, useful device.

Quality at a good price:

1. Schego Optimal - 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 - refined, stylish;
2. Jebo Sonic 301 - standalone model (on batteries);
3. Aleas AP-9803 - minimum price with good quality.

Five 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 pond, it works with no less efficiency in a 400-liter aquarium. The power is adjustable. In addition, the model has two tubes for air flows, which improves the aeration of large tanks and air lifts decorates the "interior" of the underwater world. With such power, the unit produces a noise level of up to 38.5 dB, that is, it is almost silent. The kit includes 2-meter silicone hoses, spherical nozzles, original valves (check valves).Warranty - 4 years.

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

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

4. TETRA APS 300

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

1 369 - 1 390 rubles.

The company constantly releases innovative products. The know-how of the model is noise-reducing chambers, dense supports and body walls, which minimizes the operating noise level as much as possible. The original Silaflex valve withstands heavy loads, preventing water from entering inside. 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, air supply adjustment valves, the air intake hole has a filter. There is even a tee for the branching device in the kit.

• a worthy company, known to all aquarists, a successful model;
• two years of uninterrupted operation - not a single breakdown;
• affordable price, good quality.

• must be higher than H₂Oh, you need to control (otherwise, when you turn off the water will enter the motor);
• no air supply tube, fine aerator;
• It doesn't make much noise, but it's better not to put it in the bedroom.

3. EHEIM AIR PUMP 200

Germany (manufactured in China)

2450 rub.

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

A feature 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 power of pressure is 2 meters. The size of the air bubbles is set using the atomizer. 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 flow force;
• several options for fixing the device (put, hang), cool suction cups for mounting on a vertical;
• water can be sea and fresh;
• two years of uninterrupted work please.

• the membrane is rather weak, it was not enough for three years, but the service works clearly;
• no non-return valve;
• the hose is short, I had to buy a silicone tube.

2. Hydor Ario 4

Italy

RUB 1,226

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

The unit serves a reservoir of up to 300 liters, capacity - 200 l / h, consumes power - 11 watts. An excellent bonus is the air regulator. The kit includes a plastic hose, filters (foam rubber).

• convenient electric cord, almost 2 meters;
• small, weighs 450 g, easily hides in seaweed and decor;
• cool idea to blow and get rid of small snails.

• fixed minimum depth;
• constantly need to be cleaned;
• not suitable for small aquariums - very powerful, scares away fish in low water;
• energy-consuming, it is necessary 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 catch the eye, it is easy to move it, deliver it 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. Power at the same time - 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 to serve several aquariums, or to install several air lifts in a large tank. The airflow is adjustable, vibration is minimal, and there is no noise. The device has legs for stability, the ability to hang vertically, the membrane is of high quality, the pre-filter is replaceable, it changes quickly and easily. This model is considered the best among powerful air-to-water pumping stations in terms of indicators that are important for the consumer.

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

• no power regulator;
• no check valve.

Quality budget

3. ALEAS AP-9803

China

370 - 742 rubles.

For the most part, Chinese goods sin with low quality, due to this, the price decreases. 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, and has a power of 4 watts. Pumps 4.2 liters of air per minute. Works horizontally and vertically. The manufacturer claims 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 conformity of what is written with reality to experts and identify advantages and disadvantages.

2. JEBO SONIC 301

China

300 - 469 rubles.

An indispensable 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 during 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, light (300 g), it fits in a jacket pocket. Of course, there is only one air duct here, but there is an air supply speed control. There is a carbon filter in the device that purifies the air during aeration.

• 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 set.

1.AQUAEL OXYBOOST 300PLUS

Poland

990 - 1,149 rubles.

A high-quality microprocessor, enclosed in a non-traditional case, similar to a "flying saucer", competes with German models. Usually they try to remove the aerator from the eyes, this one is put up as part of the decor.

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

• saves energy;
• 2 air supply regulators, independent, very convenient, pumps well;
• 2 year warranty;
• the price is affordable.

• no non-return valve;
• not adapted for vertical suspension (to make less noise);
• Legs buckle due to vibration.

Aerator Maintenance

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

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

Aeration Tricks

Oxygen saturation of water is not bubbles, this misconception needs to be debunked. Air and water mix on the water surface. In order for water to flow from the depths to the surface for enrichment, movement is needed. Vibrations, whirlwinds, stirring and create bubbles, they push the layers of water to the top, where mixing occurs. Therefore, an important point of aeration will be the continuity of the process.

Aquatic plants that produce oxygen during the day, absorb it at night. If you turn off the device at night, the fish will get asphyxia, algae too, even beneficial bacteria can die, the biobalance will be disturbed. When the unit turns on in the morning, toxic substances accumulated without “purge” during the night will begin to enter the aquarium.

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

Useful in the aqua first aid kit 3% hydrogen peroxide. With its help, you can revive suffocating fish, fight unnecessary living creatures, harmful algae. It also treats fish bacterial infections. Peroxide in N₂O breaks down into oxygen and water, which is absolutely harmless if not overdone.

Aeration is a vital condition for the life of organisms in water. Live, scurrying around the territory, fish, lush greenery, a 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 bewitching, mysterious world, an unusual corner that will bring peace, add friendliness and peace to the atmosphere. Relaxation while watching the water world is good for 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 enjoy.