Quiet Air Pumps?

[martonic]

Hi - what are the quietest air pumps you would recommend for a 55-gallon moderately planted (plus fish) freshwater aquarium?

I am new and setting up a tank for my family and I assume I should pump in CO2 during the day and switch to air at night - isn't that right? But we would like it to stay as quiet as possible - hence my question - thanks!

 

[MadridKid]

I use a tetra whisper for my 22 gallon, and it's fairly quiet...If you were in a seperate room from the tank it would not make a sound.

 

[Lotus]

Welcome to the site

Whisper air pumps are really quiet.

Are you using DIY CO2 or a pressurized system? You should set the air pump on a timer to run opposite the lights. It will depend on your setup on whether the air pump at night is really necessary.

 

[martonic]

Welcome to the site

Whisper air pumps are really quiet.

Are you using DIY CO2 or a pressurized system? You should set the air pump on a timer to run opposite the lights. It will depend on your setup on whether the air pump at night is really necessary.

Hi, thank you!

I am expecting to use "Turbo" CO2 which is a commercialized version of DIY, involving a pump, a canister and replaceable cylinders for CO2 generation.

I have 48 square inches of surface, 55 gallons of water, an XP3 Filstar, Hydor ETH 300W heater and Compact Fluorescent 4x55W lighting - and we are imagining 2 Blue Gouramis, 6 Rainbow Fish and 6 Congo Tetras (when fully stocked) - in a medium planted tank (about midway between lightly planted and fully-planted). Does that sound reasonable?

I am thinking some air bubbles at night will be appropriate.

All advice and suggestions are more than welcome!

 

[Lotus]

I think you will need bubbles at night. One canister filter probably won't give enough surface agitation in a 55g to outgas on its own.

 

[martonic]

I think you will need bubbles at night. One canister filter probably won't give enough surface agitation in a 55g to outgas on its own.

That sounds right - thanks!

 

[MadridKid]

How big of an airstone? Because if you use the big ones, lots of algae will clump up in it after time...You might want to go with a split valve and have two 6in. airstones at each end of the tank...just thinkin'

 

[martonic]

How big of an airstone? Because if you use the big ones, lots of algae will clump up in it after time...You might want to go with a split valve and have two 6in. airstones at each end of the tank...just thinkin'

Hi and thanks again. As a total newbie I need your help to find my way!

I am considering the following purchase:

A) Whisper Air Pump "100GAL" model (is there a reason to get less power?)
B) Lees Elite Airline Tubing (20 feet)

C (if needed): Hagen Ultra Four Way Valve - will this distribute the flow in two directions?

D)Holders:
Airline Suction Cup (10 Pack) by Spot / Ethical Products
(or)
Lees Airline Holders (6 Pack) - same price - is this better?

E) One (long) or two airstones:

Kordon Mist Air (fine or medium?)
(or)
Lees Bubble Cascade (available up to 23 inches long)
(or)
Hagen Aqua Fizzzz (4, 6, & 12 inch models or 5 & 10 inch chainable ones are available)
(or)
Marineland Bubble Wand (available up to 23 inches long)

Any suggestions? Thanks!