Best compressors for aquariums by customer feedback

Not only a beginner, but also an experienced aquarist is not always among the thousands of models offered by manufacturers, able to determine which compressor is the most suitable for his "banks".After all, when buying you have to take into account a lot of criteria: the size and capacity of the aquarium, the height of the water column, the types and number of fish, plants, the availability of additional accessories and even the location of the device. Directly to the compressor is also put forward a number of requirements, the main of which are the performance and the noise figure of the device. In our review, based on feedback from the owners of different compressor models, among the brands that have reliably proven themselves in the market, only worthy options are considered, designed for narrow-band operating conditions.

Which aquarium compressor to choose which one to choose

What is a panacea for a small aquarium or spawning does not fit at allfor a huge glass container or an entire network. Therefore, brand manufacturers offer several models of compressors at once to cover as many consumers as possible, taking into account their needs. Universality is precisely what distinguishes the leading suppliers of the market from less known brethren.

Based on the customer's interest, it is possible to form a top-5 ranking producer, in which the most popular brand of aquarists is led by the list:

1. Aquael

2. Tetratec

3. Schego

4. Eheim

5. Hydor

Howwe see that the geography of suppliers is quite wide. In addition, due to globalization and the processes of creating transnational companies, and therefore products, there is a real chance to purchase the product of a well-known brand that is produced in another country. Therefore, if for you this nuance is important, pay attention to where the production capacity of a particular brand is located.

The best external compressors for aquariums

In general, such compressors are convenient in that they can be installed anywhere. This is especially important with an increased noise figure. The external device of modern design will effectively look in a niche, on a shelf, in a bedside table, it can be placed even in another room or outside outside the window. In addition, the air blower does not require much care, unlike the submersible model.

Aquael Oxyboost Plus 100 for small aquariums

Already at the first glance at the device it is obvious that the manufacturer thought through all the details, including its elegant design, compact and streamlined form. This is a one-channel membrane product of the new generation from the brand with a 30-year history. In it, the presence of rubberized legs not only adds stability, but also helps absorb noise, which is felt during operation. This is the best option for aquariums up to 100 liters.

Advantages of the model:

• low price;
• wide representation in trade networks;
• reliable quality;
• low power consumption at up to 100 l / h;
• uniform air supply;
• light weight.

Disadvantages:

• noise;
• unregulated airflow.

Schego Optimal for indoor installation

The model of this line has a transparent protective casing that allows to consider its device and the mechanism operation principle. Refers to the type of membrane single-channel. The compressor can be used to supply air to the aquarium up to 400 liters, and through the branched network of air ducts to saturate several cultures with a life-giving medium. High air flow capacity helps to maintain optimum water temperature due to convection.

Pluses:

• the maximum productivity of 250 l / h;
• reinforced membrane;
• low noise;
• long service life;
• formed air jet prevents water stagnation;
• availability of the regulator;
• has a dense filter from dust;
• is easily replaced by an air filter;
• designed a special eyelet for vertical suspension of the device.

Disadvantages:

• no check valve;
• use only indoors;
• installation of the device is allowed only in the position above the water level in the aquarium;
• non-budget price.

Tetratec APS 400 - an attractive combination of price and quality

The exterior of the aerator reminds a representative of the underwater fauna, who suddenly decided to settle in an unfamiliar above-water environment. A two-channel compressor with a capacity of 4.5 watts is able to maintain a comfortable stay of fish and other aquarium inhabitants in the volume of 250-600 liters. This modern device ensures uninterrupted supply of air in a constant mode. It uses designs that provide a performance of 400 l / h.

Advantages:

• availability of the patented built-in Silaflexc valve, providing long-term work of the device;
• heavy-duty membrane;
• low noise;
• anti-vibration rubber mounts;
• has a cock for adjusting the air flow;
• air outlet nozzle;
• high performance;
• safety for long-term use.

Disadvantages:

• price;
• no check valve;
• sprayers and hose are purchased separately;
• at full power the device comes out a few hours after turning on.

Eheim Air Pump 200 for horizontal and vertical surfaces

The device is recommended for installation in both freshwater and marine tanks up to 200 liters. Compressor kit allows to avoid additional financial costs, if you do not belong to the excessive category of creative owners of aquariums. The Chinese quality provides quite a decent warranty period of 3 years, although many manufacturers are limited to 12 months. And the design of the model will not leave indifferent fans of minimalism.

Advantages:

• two-channel;
• includes an air regulator, which makes it possible to control not only the flow of air, but also the size of the bubbles;
• there are 2 diffusers;
• in the presence of a hose of 2 meters;
• low noise due to special rubber edges;
• suction cups for attaching the sprayer;
• capacity of 200 l / h;
• provides a tab for vertical mounting.

Disadvantages:

• no check valve;
• is a non-budget option.

Best internal compressors for

aquariums. Compressors that are installed on the bottom, on walls, inside decorative aquarium compositions, require special care, which should be ready before buying the device. Once a week, it is necessary to check the tightness of the joints in the housing, the connected hose and other equipment, and also to clean the surface of the device. But such devices have one significant advantage - almost noiselessness. Therefore, they can be installed in the bedroom and the nursery without taking additional measures to neutralize the vibration. In addition, the internal compressor itself becomes an element of decorative design of the aquarium.

Hydor Ario 4 - Italian quality

Compact in size and form device, designed for installation on the bottom, makes it possible to camouflage it under a natural underwater terrain. And this does not require any effort. The only limitation is the placement of the device at a depth of up to 50 cm to ensure the manufacturer's declared performance. Now you can forget about noise and vibration, which to some extent accompany external compressors.

Pluses:

• price;
• capacity of 200 l / h;
• aquarium volume up to 300 liters;
• convenient length of electric cord;
• is an air regulator;
• includes an air-ducted plastic hose 0.8 m long;
• is foam filters.

Disadvantages:

• limitation in depth of use;
• increased power consumption.

In addition to the basic model, the manufacturer offers devices with different illumination, which effectively distinguish the column of bubbles and create a special background of the underwater environment. But on this assortment of the leader of the demand of submersible compressors is not exhausted. Especially popular are the models, which additionally include scenery in the form of a volcano, a geyser, miniatures of Egyptian pyramids, Greek temples, dinosaur skulls, bison, etc.

Hydor H2ShOw BUBBLE MAKER - "all inclusive"

This model with green lighting anddecoration in the form of wood allows you to avoid unnecessary costs for the interior decoration of the aquarium. And the number of combinations of accommodation is limited only by your own imagination! In this case, the manufacturer counts on the volume of served capacity of 50 - 200 liters.

Advantages:

• new installation technology on the bottom;
• noiseless;
• H2Show BubbleMaker for the creation of bubbles;
• suction cups for fixing wire and hose;
• availability of air hose;
• safety in use with ordinary gravel;
• power 4 watts.

Disadvantages:

• immersion depth limitation of 45 cm;
• performance is optimal only for small aquariums.

Despite the fact that internal models benefit from noise, today manufacturers are more focused on external devices. This explains the increased number of offers of the latest in online stores. However, it does not always make sense to succumb to the brand's magic. There is a completely reliable submersible product of lesser known companies such as Chinese RS Electrical, which at a price refers to the budget category.

Which compressor for the aquarium to buy

We can not say that there are some absolutely universal models that are equally productive and durable when used in different conditions. Therefore, when choosing you need to rely on your own priorities: what ultimately you want to get - maximum performance, reliability, rich completeness, a long period of trouble-free operation or a cheap accessory for which fish will not be thanked, but the interior will be replenished with a decorative element on the aquarium theme.

We also recommend the following principles:

1. Based on the size, configuration and capacity of the aquarium. It is not necessary to think that a powerful Eheim Air Pump 400 or Tetratec APS 150 compressor will be appropriate for a 30-50-liter "can."Over-saturation of water with air is also contraindicated to the inhabitants inhabiting it, as well as a lack of oxygen.

2. Assigning an aquarium is an additional motivation to make a thoughtful choice. If you have a spawning option or for rearing juveniles, then use models designed for mini aquariums. From the manufacturers it can be Schego or Aquael, which serially cover the needs of almost all categories of buyers, taking into account the combination of price and quality. By noiselessness, competition can be made by products except Eheim.

3. Depending on the location of the aquarium, not only its size is determined, but also the noise figure of the equipment. If the living room, hallway or kitchen where you do not spend a lot of time, the number of decibels is not so important, then for the bedroom and children's room it is necessary to choose external models such as Tetratec APS 150, equipped with a noise reduction camera and special rubber feet, or a line of Hydrom submersible aerators.

4. For the transport of an aquarium or a power outage, you should purchase a stand-alone compressor on batteries or an accumulator. They are produced by ViaAqua, Hagen, Atman, Resun and others.
Choose the best to get the most out of the content of underwater inhabitants at home.