Compressor for an aquarium: types, selection criteria, installation of equipment

Why is it needed?

Inexperienced owners are confident that the amount of oxygen released by plants is sufficient for a comfortable life for the inhabitants. Algae produce O2, but in small quantities, which is not enough for large-volume containers.

The formation of the aquatic ecosystem is negatively affected by:

• fish excrement;
• rotten particles of food at the bottom;
• lack of oxygen has a bad effect on the formation of the aquatic ecosystem.

Exotic fish species are picky about their living conditions, so the lack of sufficient air can lead to illness or even death. Also, standing water is subject to the formation of a film on its surface. The air flows supplied by the compressor enrich the tank with oxygen, which is necessary for the healthy development of the inhabitants. This process is called aeration (supplying air into the aquarium). All water layers are mixed together, so the reservoir does not look like a swamp.

Purpose and principle of operation

A home pond, especially one with large fish, requires a constant supply of air. The main purpose of an aquarium compressor is to ensure the aeration process. It is used to solve the following problems:

1. For mixing layers of water. This is important because water is saturated with oxygen only in the upper layers. Therefore, stirring is an effective way to provide the aquarium with the necessary amount of oxygen, especially for exotic fish species.
2. For supplying air containing up to 21% oxygen into a closed reservoir.
3. And finally, a compressor is of course needed in an aquarium as a method of decorating it. With pulsating bubbles, the underwater world becomes more attractive.

The principle of operation of the compressor is based on the injection of air by pressure. Thanks to the sprayers, a stream of small bubbles is created. All compressors are noisy due to vibration.

How does it work

The principle of operation is as simple as the design of the device. Pumps for aquariums are equipped with special tubes through which air enters the tank. The oxygen supply is regulated using valves. At the end of the tubes there are nozzles that emit air bubbles. They are made from an abrasive substance. Sometimes they include a whetstone.

Air bubbles are created using sprayers. They are located at the bottom of the aquarium. During aeration, all layers of liquid in the tanks are mixed, causing the temperature to become uniform. This process helps eliminate the dust film located on the surface.

There are special compressors that simultaneously have a filter - aquarium pumps. We talk about them in more detail in another article.

Adjustable and non-adjustable

Compressors may differ from each other by the presence of a special regulator. He is responsible for controlling the performance of the device and regulating the supply of bubbles in the aquarium. The compressor is equipped with a special device, thanks to which adjustment is made. There are several types of regulation:

• The mechanical type of regulation is based on the action of paws or magnets. And with their help, membrane vibrations are regulated.
• The electronic type limits the movement of the membranes. Among the disadvantages is the high degree of heating of the element.
• One common type is valve overlap. It is located on the tube, between the air duct and the atomizer. To regulate the air supply to the tank, it is necessary to shut off the element.

An unregulated compressor is not equipped with additional elements that regulate it. The design of the device is simple, and the performance remains unchanged. The disadvantage is the constant noise, which cannot be adjusted by reducing the power of the water pump. Consumes a lot of electricity.

Types

By type of device there are:

1. piston;
2. membrane compressor.

The first type is more durable. The principle of its operation is based on the reciprocating movement of the piston, which pushes out air. The compressor makes little noise, which is an advantage of this model. It is well suited for aquariums located in bedrooms or children's rooms. The model can be installed in tanks with a large volume, as it has good power. It is repaired if necessary. Among the disadvantages of a piston compressor are high energy consumption and inflated price.

The membrane compressor is simpler in design. The principle of its operation differs from the first type. This device passes air flow from a chamber that is connected to a membrane. Thanks to the oscillations of the magnet, a pressure difference is achieved, which leads to the process of supplying oxygen to the tank. It is characterized by low cost. Disadvantages include high noise levels and low power. It makes no sense to install it in aquariums with a volume of more than two hundred liters.

There are two types of aerators available. It is recommended to install a membrane pump in an aquarium during daylight hours. It is possible to connect it to several small aquariums at once. The second type is installed at night.

There are aerators that are powered by alkaline batteries. They are low-power and make a lot of noise when operating. The action time is about 5 hours. Used when moving or lacking access to electricity.

Required performance depending on the volume of the aquarium

Compressor performance plays an important role in selection. It may depend on the population of the reservoir, as well as its volume. Performance refers to the amount of air that the aerator moves over a certain period of time. It is calculated based on a value of 0.5–0.8 l/hour per liter of liquid in the tank.

For small aquariums with a volume of up to one hundred liters, an aerator with a capacity of up to 80 l/hour is suitable. Larger tanks will require a device with a capacity of up to 240 l/h.

When choosing an aerator, the height of the aquarium is taken into account. The larger it is, the more powerful the device must be, since the incoming air overcomes the water pressure. They influence the power of the hole in the atomizer. If they are small, the aerator will need more power to supply oxygen.

How long should you work?

Operating hours depend on the population of the aquarium. Small tanks with a small content of plants and fish do not require round-the-clock aeration.

You can regulate the work yourself. This requires observing the behavior of the inhabitants. If the fish rise to the surface, then it is necessary to turn on the apparatus or increase the oxygen supply.

At night, the compressor must be running. There are representatives that are nocturnal. Due to lack of light, plants begin to release carbon dioxide. Lack of oxygen will lead to the death of the tank's inhabitants.

It is impossible to keep the device constantly switched on, as vibration has a negative effect on the condition of the inhabitants. The exception is some species of fish that require round-the-clock aeration.

Each aquarist uses a compressor individually because there are personal requirements for a separate tank.

Popular models

Today, a variety of compressors for aquariums are presented on store shelves. There are a lot of companies that produce this useful device for every taste and budget. The most popular models are:

• Compressor Aquael Oxyboost 150 plus from the Polish manufacturer of aquarium products, the Aquael company. The device has an original round body design. Has a regulator for adjusting the air flow. The single-channel model is distinguished by its low power consumption. The Aquael Oxyboost 150 plus model with a power of 2.2 W is designed for tanks with a volume of 100-150 liters. The membrane type aerator is quite quiet. Noise level no more than 40 dB.

• Membrane type aerator Schego Optimal from the manufacturer of aquarium equipment, the Schego company from Germany. This compact and lightweight pump with a transparent body looks good on the wall where it is mounted thanks to the included mounting. The device with a maximum capacity of 250 l/h is equipped with a regulator that controls the intensity of air flow. The pressure developed by the supercharger is enough to connect two reservoirs to a single channel. Designed for “cans” with a volume of up to 400 liters, it operates almost silently.

• The Collar aPUMP aerator is an original patented development of the Ukrainian company Collar. Today this aquarium pump is considered the smallest and quietest compressor in the world. It is designed for aquariums with a volume of up to 100 liters and a height of up to 90 cm. The device has a low noise level of less than 35 dB. A single-channel aerator with a power of 3 W is attached to the wall of the container using a suction cup.

• The Tetra APS 150 model from the German Tetra brand is distinguished by its innovative housing design. This air blower is renowned for its reliability and quiet operation thanks to its compacted housing walls and rubber mounts that reduce vibration. The single-channel aerator APS 150 has a power of 3.1 W and a capacity of 150 l/h. The air pump is designed for tanks with a volume of 80-150 l.

• Model EHEIM 400 from the German company Eheim, a well-known manufacturer of aquarium equipment. A compact device in a plastic case, the rubber edges of which dampen vibration and prevent movement. This is a two-channel aerator with convenient adjustment for each channel. The device has a power of 4 W and a capacity of 400 l/h. The air blower is designed for containers up to 600 l.

How to choose and 3 best

When choosing a compressor for your aquarium, there are some factors to consider. Not every campaign produces quality products. With a constant supply of oxygen to the tank, aquarium compressors must have good power. When choosing a device, you need to pay attention to its performance and characteristics.

Among the well-known brands of aerators are the following:

1. Compressors from Schego.
2. Collar.
3. Aquael

Compressors from Schego, which produces devices for any type of aquarium. Depending on the volume of the tank, you can purchase a device with different power. We produce portable Schego optimal aerators that run on alkaline batteries. They are convenient when moving or lacking access to electricity. The devices are equipped with special legs that ensure stability. If necessary, they can be hung on the wall. The devices of this manufacturer have a number of positive aspects:

• The device operates silently.
• The device is equipped with a mechanism that allows you to adjust the oxygen level.
• High power allows you to install the sprayer to a depth of up to 5 meters.
• The model can serve several aquariums simultaneously.
• A dense filter helps protect the sprayer from dirt and dust.

The Ukrainian company Collar produces good compressors that are distinguished by their reliability. Designed for a small aquarium with a volume of up to one hundred liters. It can be installed at a depth of up to 1 meter. The use of a high-precision air chamber made it possible to achieve a low noise level during operation of the device. Quite powerful for a compact size.

An air compressor from Aquael is one of the most common devices. It occupies leading positions in compressor ratings. Devices of various capacities are produced, which allows you to choose a model for aquariums of any size. Suitable for freshwater and marine tanks. If necessary, you can replace the prefilter. Equipped with two air channels.

It has the following positive qualities:

• Compact size.
• Low noise level during operation.
• Availability of a valve for power regulation.
• There is an LED indicator to monitor operation.
• Low power consumption.

The choice of an aerator must be approached with care. Some models cannot equip the tank with the required level of oxygen because they do not have the required power. The noise level and dimensions of some models are not suitable for some aquarists. By studying the positive aspects and characteristics of various devices, you select the best aquarium compressor that is suitable for your tank.

What is an aquarium compressor?

In fact, this is a device whose main and only function is to supply oxygen to an artificial body of water (aquarium, pond, etc.), necessary for the normal functioning of all underwater creatures.

Oxygen, although dissolved in water, is a vital aspect for any fish, shrimp, snail, crayfish, etc. Of course, it also gets into the aquarium naturally, but often this is not enough for a comfortable life for pets. Air also comes from natural plants. But this will be enough for the animals only if the aquarium is not overpopulated and is actively planted with all kinds of bushes. If there is not much flora or there is none at all (artificial flora is not taken into account), then a compressor for an aquarium is a necessity.

How to install

You can easily install the pump in the aquarium if you follow the instructions. The mechanism must be placed on a shelf near the tank. If it is not available, attach the device directly to the wall of the aquarium using suction cups. The mechanism must be installed in such a way that the sprayer and check valve can touch the bottom of the container or be closer to it.

Some aerators run on alkaline batteries, but most are powered by a current source, so the device must be installed closer to an outlet.

The sprayer must be attached to the wall of the aquarium or to its bottom. This is done using suction cups. Then attach the tube to the sprayer and compressor.

Varieties

The main classification divides compressors for aquariums into the following groups: membrane, piston and pumps. They differ in operating principle, noise level and price.

Piston

The principle of operation is the movement of the piston, with the help of which air is pushed out. The rotational movements of the piston shaft become oscillatory. Such changes help to achieve the required air supply power. This is an ideal compressor for an aquarium that is located in the bedroom, as it produces minimal noise, but is more expensive than a membrane one.

The advantages are:

• durability;
• almost silent operation;
• high performance;
• can be used for large aquariums.

The disadvantages of these devices are as follows:

• high energy consumption;
• high cost.

Membrane

The principle of operation is the movement of air from a chamber connected to the membrane due to pressure differences, which are created due to vibrations of the magnet.

Pros of this device:

• low energy consumption;
• easy repairs;
• cheapness.

The disadvantages of these devices are as follows:

• low power;
• loud noise during operation.

Flaws

The main disadvantage of compressors is noise. Many tank owners install their aquarium pump in soundproof boxes. This partially helps solve the problem. Some manufacturers make models that are installed directly into the container. During the daytime, their work is almost inaudible.

When installing the aeration device, you must be careful, since the bulk is powered by electricity. Failure to comply with safety measures can lead to a short circuit, which will lead to the death of the inhabitants of the tank.

Alternative

The noise during operation of the aerator causes inconvenience. There is an alternative replacement - an oxidizer. This is a homemade filter aerator for an aquarium. With its help, oxygen is supplied to the reservoir through a chemical reaction. It is based on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen. A catalyst is required for continuous operation. Its role is played by metals. As a result of the reaction, the catalyst is oxidized and releases oxygen into the water. The device is used without electricity. Does not make noise during operation.

How to reduce compressor noise

Let's look at ways to make an aquarium compressor silent.

We will need:

• Styrofoam;
• dish sponge;
• foam;
• tools.

We open the compressor housing, study its structure and the location of all parts. The cause of the cracking sound may be a membrane that is in contact with some convex part. Carefully make an undercut to the protruding part of the body or cut out an area that prevents the membrane from moving freely.

You can reduce the noise of the device by placing a dish sponge under it, which will absorb the sound.

The compressor can also be installed in a soundproof box or wrapped in foam rubber and secured with rubber bands.

The reason for the noise of the device may be that it is clogged or the internal parts are weakened. Cleaning it and securing loose parts will help correct the situation.

Adviсe

Maintenance is required to ensure trouble-free operation of the device.

1. It is necessary to change air filters and rubber membranes on time.
2. Prolonged use causes the filter to become dirty.
3. The holes become clogged and oxygen flows into the aquarium poorly. Periodic cleaning is necessary.
4. Sometimes hoses become unusable because crustaceans can damage them with their claws.
5. It is necessary to have another device in case the main aerator breaks down.

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Compressor selection options

The market offers many different compressor models, and it is quite easy to get lost in their diversity. There are several points that are fundamental. These are the ones you should pay attention to first.

1. Aerator power. The higher its power, the larger the volume of the aquarium the device can enrich with oxygen. However, here it is important to balance the size of the existing aquarium with the technical parameters of the device. You should not buy a powerful unit designed for use in a 400-liter aquarium if you intend to use it in a small 50-liter specimen. The optimal calculation parameter is 0.5 liters per hour per liter of liquid.
2. Working with different types of sprayers. If the device is powerful enough, it can work with ceramic nozzles that produce small bubbles. This option is extremely useful for aquarium inhabitants.
3. Isolation level. Of course, any compressor for an aquarium is designed for operation near water and its vapors. But do not forget that budget “no-name” models may lack even basic waterproofing of the wiring, which can lead to dire consequences. When choosing a compressor model, it is important to pay attention to this parameter.
4. Dimensions, shape and appearance. For those for whom it is important that any device in the house looks stylish, it is worth taking a closer look at brands that deal with the visual component of aerators. Dimensions and mounting options are also important attributes of the compressor. In a small room, where literally every centimeter is important, placing a bulky compressor is a real problem.
5. Vertical and horizontal work. Most compressors can operate either lying on their side or hanging from a hook. But not everyone knows that each model has requirements for operating the device. Ignoring this point and hanging the device on the wall near the aquarium will save space. But such operation can lead to damage to the unit. Before purchasing a device, you should think in advance about how and where it will be attached.