The best compressors for an aquarium: the quietest and most reliable

Updated: 04/22/2021 17:12:38

Expert: Rudenko Irina Sergeevna

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

A compressor is a device designed to saturate water with oxygen and mix water flows, and is considered one of the necessary elements of every aquarium. In practice, in small “banks” the compressor can be replaced with a filter with an aeration function.

What is better: a filter or a compressor for an aquarium?

In general, for a small aquarium (up to 50 liters), especially if there are live plants, a filter will be sufficient. In large volumes, aquariums without plants or inhabited by certain types of fish (for example, cichlids), as well as in high-temperature water, the filter cannot cope with the tasks of the compressor.

Additional features and accessories

Some modern models may provide the following options:

• smooth adjustment of air flow, which helps to adapt the compressor to any type of atomizer;
• the presence of not one, but two (dual-channel) or more (multi-channel) fittings for supplying air to the aquarium.
• cleaning filters in air supply pipes:
• additional types of power (not only from the mains, but also from a battery or accumulator). Pumps operating incl. battery-powered ones can help out in situations of planned or emergency power outages, as well as when transporting fish.

Sprayers are not always included with the compressor. Usually you need to buy them yourself. And here there may be 2 options. Firstly, these are flexible hoses with a fine spray. They produce a lot of beautiful bubbles. But the holes quickly become dirty and clogged, and they are difficult to clean; it’s easier to buy a new accessory. Secondly, these are spray stones. They don't produce as many bubbles, but they are more practical in terms of keeping them clean and caring for them.

What to look for when choosing a compressor for an aquarium

1. Type.
   Membrane models practically do not wear out and do not require interruptions in operation. They consume less energy, but the power they develop is not as great as piston compressors designed for aerating large aquariums (generally from 150 liters).
2. Power supply.
   Most devices run on mains power. If such a device is not equipped with a check valve, then if the light suddenly turns off, water from the aquarium can pour through the compressor onto the floor, not to mention the fact that the fish will be left without aeration. There are also battery-powered compressor options: they are usually small, portable, and have less power. In everyday life, it is useful to have both options: the main electric compressor and a spare battery-powered one.
3. Power
   is measured in liters per hour and shows how much air will be supplied to the aquarium per unit time. The minimum power can be calculated using the formula: 0.5 l/h for each liter of water in the aquarium.
4. The depth
   at which the compressor can be installed also plays an important role. The heavier the water column that the unit will have to overcome during operation, the more energy will be spent on this work.
5. The ability to regulate the voltage
   and, accordingly, the volume of supplied air is useful, but is not present in all compressor models.
6. The presence of an air filter
   that will clean the air from dust and other impurities before supplying it to the aquarium.
7. Noise level
   . All compressors make noise, but to varying degrees. If the aquarium is in the bedroom, then it makes sense to purchase a relatively quiet model, spending a little more money, but be prepared for the fact that it will not be possible to completely get rid of the noise.

How to reduce noise level if the compressor is already old?

Even if the new aerator pleases you with a low noise level, after some time the device will definitely become louder. Some models even make a buzzing sound. In living rooms this is at least uncomfortable, but installing a less powerful device will not work if the aquarium is very large. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to reduce the noise.

First, identify the specific source of the noise. If this is friction against glass or other objects, then it will be enough to place a regular dishwashing sponge (only a new one) under the device. The sponge effectively absorbs buzzing and other noise. Sometimes homemade enclosures are built for compressors from foam rubber, plastic, or wood, which provide partial sound insulation.

If even after this the noise remains strong, you can try to carefully open the device. The main thing is not to damage anything. Often the sound comes from a membrane partition pressing on the air. In this case, careful trimming of excess sections of the membrane that create noise will help.

Increased noise is also observed in case of serious contamination of the internal parts of the device. In order for the compressor to last longer, it is necessary to clean the aquarium frequently (at least once a month). If the noise comes from loose parts, you should screw them tighter.

Rating of the best compressors for aquariums

The best powerful compressors for aquariums

Models from this part of the rating have the best performance and energy consumption. Such a device can be safely placed in a large and deep aquarium.

Eheim 400

Rating: 4.9

The ideal price-quality ratio allowed the Eheim compressor to take a well-deserved first place. The name reflects the productivity of the device - 400 l/h, while it consumes only 4 W and provides a pressure power of up to 2 m. The model has two channels that can be adjusted independently of each other, and is designed for an aquarium of 50-400 l, and the design of the device allows you to simultaneously service several “cans”, which in total do not exceed this volume.

When placing the compressor, you can use anti-vibration rubber feet or a mount for hanging in a convenient place - in any case, the device will operate quite quietly. The spray nozzles included in the kit are attached to the wall of the aquarium using a suction cup and are equipped with a system for regulating the size of the bubbles and the strength of the air flow. The compressor is suitable for fresh and salt aquariums.

The cost of the device starts from 2500 rubles.

Advantages

• warranty period 36 months;
• sprayers and hose included;
• compactness;
• convenient accommodation options;
• power 4 W;
• silent operation;
• independent channel adjustment;

Flaws

• short hose - 2 m;
• high price;
• relatively short-lived membranes;

Device maintenance

The aquarium must be maintained systematically, including the equipment used. A simple pump consists of a plastic cup containing a filter sponge, liquid tubes and a motor. Before cleaning any type of device, it must be turned off.

Aquarists recommend carrying out a complete cleaning of the external device no more than once every 6 months and in emergency cases when the liquid pressure sharply decreases. Cleaning steps:

• disassemble the device;
• wash the tubes with running water;
• Wash the filter with aquarium water.

The internal pump is serviced as needed. The plastic body is cleaned of plaque with brushes, and the filter material is washed with aquarium water.

The best compressors for small aquariums

If your aquarium is not large in size, it does not need an overly powerful compressor. In this category you will find optimal power options for small home aquariums.

Schego “Optimal”, 250 l/h

Rating: 4.9

The name of this compressor reflects its main advantage: it is the optimal solution for almost any aquarium or, if there is a splitter, even several. Consuming only 5 W, this compact device is capable of aerating a volume of up to 400 liters with a power of 250 l/h. "Optimal" is the quietest compressor in the Schego line. It is recommended to use it suspended, although it is also equipped with legs. Pleasant additions to performance are the ability to adjust the air flow and the easy-to-maintain built-in filter.

You can find such a model for 1,700 rubles.

Advantages

• compactness;
• long service life;
• adjustable airflow;
• there is a dust filter;
• noiselessness;

Flaws

• not detected;

Aquael Oxyboost 150 plus

Rating: 4.8

A small but powerful model with a pleasant design will find its buyer among owners of aquariums with a volume of up to 150 liters. The single-channel membrane compressor consumes only 2.2 W of energy, providing a performance of 150 l/h. Using a convenient regulator on the lid, you can set one of four power levels, which allows you to use the compressor even in very small aquariums. The noise level produced by the device is proportional to the power. This drawback is partially compensated for by rubber feet that dampen vibration.

The cost of the device starts from 640 rubles.

Advantages

• power 2.2 W;
• interesting design;
• affordable price;
• equipped with a power regulator;

Flaws

• relatively noisy at full power;

Schego Optimal

The most popular compressor model, which can provide oxygen to an aquarium from 50 to 300 liters in volume. The power of the model is 5 W, and the productivity is 250 l/hour. The air flow itself can be adjusted, and the operation of the compressor produces low vibration, which allows it to not produce much noise. Special “legs” will help ensure the stability of the compressor or hang it vertically. The compressor has a high-quality membrane that can last for a long time. And the pre-filter can be easily replaced when the time comes.

Pros:

1. Quiet operation;
2. The pre-filter is easy to change;
3. Durable membrane;
4. The compressor can be divided into two aquariums;
5. Affordable price and good quality.

Best Portable Compressors for Aquariums

These devices operate on batteries and do not rely on electricity. It is useful to have one such compressor at home as a spare. Our experts have selected the best option in this category.

Hagen Marina

Rating: 4.9

Experts recognized this small but reliable model as the best portable compressor. A capacity of 50 l/h may seem small, but it is quite enough to provide oxygen to the fish in case of a sudden shutdown of the main equipment, when moving or delivering a new pet home from the store. A reliable sealed housing and silent operation of the compressor will be a pleasant bonus. The device comes with a sprayer and a 45 cm long hose. The compressor will operate on two D-type batteries, which must be purchased separately.

The cost of such a device ranges around 700 rubles.

Advantages

• quiet operation;
• sprayer and hose included;
• sealed housing;

Flaws

• low power;