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 most suitable for his “can”. After all, when buying you have to take into account many criteria: the size and displacement 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 also puts forward a number of requirements, the main of which are performance and noise figure of the device. In our review, based on feedback from owners of different compressor models, among the brands that have proven themselves in the market, only worthy options are presented, designed for narrow-range working conditions.
Content:
Compressor for a company which aquarium to choose
What is a panacea for a small aquarium or spawning, is not suitable for a huge glass tank or a whole network. Therefore, branded manufacturers offer several lines of compressor models at once to reach as many consumers as possible according to their needs. Universality - exactly what distinguishes the leading suppliers of the market from the less well-known fellows.
Based on customer interest, you can form a top-5 rated manufacturer, in which the most popular brand among aquarists is topping the list:
1. Aquael
2. Tetratec
3. Schego
4. Eheim
5. Hydor
As you can see, the geography of suppliers is quite wide. In addition, due to globalization and the creation of transnational companies, and therefore products, there is a real chance to acquire goods of a well-known brand that is produced in another country. Therefore, if this nuance is important for you, pay attention to where the production capacities of a particular brand are located.
The best external compressors for aquariums
In general, such compressors are convenient because they can be installed anywhere. This is especially important with an increased noise figure. The external device of modern design will look spectacular in a niche, on a shelf, in a bedside table, it can be placed even in another room or outside the window. In addition, the air blower does not require special care, unlike the immersion model.
Aquael Oxyboost Plus 100 for small aquariums
Already at the first glance at the device, it is obvious that the manufacturer has thought through every detail, including its elegant design, compact and streamlined shape. This is a membrane single-channel product of a new generation from the brand with a 30-year history. In it, the presence of rubberized legs not only adds stability, but also helps to absorb the noise that is felt when working. This is the best option for aquariums up to 100 liters.
Advantages of the model:
- low price;
- wide representation in retail chains;
- reliable quality;
- low energy consumption with performance up to 100 l / h;
- uniform air supply;
- low weight
Disadvantages:
- noise;
- unregulated air flow.
Schego Optimal for indoor installation
The model of this line has a transparent protective case that allows you to consider its device and the principle of the mechanism. It refers to the type of single-channel membrane. The compressor can be used to supply air to an aquarium up to 400 liters, and through an extensive duct network to saturate several containers at the same time with a life-giving environment. The high power of the air flow helps to maintain optimal water temperature due to convection.
Advantages:
- maximum productivity is 250 l / h;
- reinforced membrane;
- low noise;
- long service life;
- formed by the air jet prevents the stagnation of water;
- the presence of a regulator;
- there is a dense filter from dust;
- the air filter is easily replaced;
- A special eyelet has been designed for vertical hanging of the device.
Disadvantages:
- no check valve;
- indoor use only;
- Installation of the device is allowed only in a position above the water level in the aquarium;
- off-budget price.
Tetratec APS 400 - an attractive combination of price and quality
In its external form, the aerator resembles a representative of the underwater fauna, who suddenly decided to settle in an unusual surface environment for himself. The 4.5-watt dual-channel compressor is able to maintain a comfortable stay of fish and other inhabitants of the aquarium with a capacity of 250 to 600 liters. This modern device provides uninterrupted air supply in a constant mode. It uses designs that deliver 400 l / h.
Advantages:
- availability of patented Silaflex built-in valve, ensuring long-term operation of the device;
- heavy duty membrane;
- low noise;
- anti-vibration rubber supports;
- there is a tap to adjust the air flow;
- nozzle for air release;
- high performance;
- safety at long operation.
Disadvantages:
- price;
- no check valve;
- sprayers and hose are purchased separately;
- at full power the device goes out a few hours after switching on.
Eheim Air Pump 200 for horizontal and vertical surfaces
The device is recommended to be installed both in freshwater and in sea tanks up to 200 liters. Compressor equipment allows you to avoid additional financial costs, if you do not belong to the category of overly creative aquarium owners. 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:
- dual channel;
- the air regulator is included in the package, 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 mounting the sprayer;
- productivity is 200 l / h;
- provided eyelet for vertical mounting.
Disadvantages:
- no check valve;
- off-budget option.
The best internal compressors for aquariums
For compressors that are installed at the bottom, on the walls, inside the decorative compositions of an aquarium, special care is required, which you need to be ready for before purchasing the device. Once a week it is necessary to check the tightness of the joints in the housing, the connected hose and other equipment, as well as to clean the surface of the device. But such devices have one significant advantage - almost noiseless. Therefore, they can be installed in the bedroom and nursery without taking additional measures to neutralize vibration. In addition, the internal compressor itself becomes an element of the decoration of the aquarium.
Hydor Ario 4 - Italian quality
Compact in size and shape of the device, designed to be installed on the bottom, makes it possible to camouflage it under the natural underwater terrain. And this does not require any effort. The only limitation is the placement of the device at a depth of 50 cm to ensure the performance declared by the manufacturer. Now you can forget about the noise and vibrations that to one degree or another accompany external compressors.
Advantages:
- price;
- productivity is 200 l / h;
- aquarium volume up to 300 l;
- convenient length of the electric cord;
- there is an air regulator;
- complete plastic air hose with a length of 0.8 m;
- There are foam filters.
Disadvantages:
- restriction on the depth of use;
- increased power consumption.
In addition to the basic model, the manufacturer offers devices with different backlights, which effectively highlight a column of bubbles and create a special background of the underwater environment. But on this the assortment of the leader in demand for submersible compressors is not exhausted. Especially popular are the models, which are additionally supplied with decorations in the form of a volcano, a geyser, miniatures of the Egyptian pyramids, Greek temples, dinosaur skulls, bison, etc.
Hydor H2ShOw BUBBLE MAKER - "all inclusive"
Such a model with green lighting and decoration in the form of a tree allows you to avoid the extra cost of arranging the interior of the aquarium. And the number of combinations of placement is limited only by your own fantasy! In this case, the manufacturer counts on the volume of serviced capacity of 50 - 200 liters.
Advantages:
- new installation technology on the bottom;
- noiselessness;
- presence of H2Show BubbleMaker to create bubbles;
- suction cups for fixing the wire and hose;
- the presence of the air hose;
- safety in use with ordinary gravel;
- power 4 watts.
Disadvantages:
- limiting the depth of immersion 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 recent offers in online stores. However, it does not always make sense to succumb to the magic of the brand. There is a quite reliable submersible product of less well-known companies such as Chinese RS Electrical, which for the price belongs to the budget category.
What compressor for aquarium buy
It cannot be said 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 you ultimately want to get is maximum performance, reliability, rich completeness, long term trouble-free operation or a cheap accessory for which the fish will not thank, but the interior will be replenished with a decorative element on the aquarium theme.
We recommend to adhere to the following principles:
1. Based on the size, configuration and displacement of the aquarium. No need to think that the powerful compressor Eheim Air Pump 400 or Tetratec APS 150 would be appropriate for a 30-50 liter “can”. Water oversaturation with air is also contraindicated for its inhabitants, as well as lack of oxygen.
2. The purpose of the aquarium is an additional motivation to make a thoughtful choice. If you have a spawning option or for growing fry, then use models designed for mini-aquariums. Of the manufacturers, this could be Schego or Aquael, which serially cover the needs of virtually all categories of customers, taking into account the combination of price and quality. In terms of the noiselessness of their competition can make products except that Eheim.
3. Depending on the installation location of the aquarium, not only its size is determined, but also the equipment noise figure. If the living room, hallway or kitchen, where you do not spend much time, the number of decibels is not so important, then for the bedroom and children's room you should choose external models like Tetratec APS 150, equipped with a noise-reducing chamber and special rubber feet, or the Hydor submersible aerator line.
4. In case of aquarium transportation or power outage, you should purchase an autonomous compressor on batteries or a battery. They are produced by ViaAqua, Hagen, Atman, Resun and others.
Choose the best to get maximum pleasure from keeping underwater inhabitants at home.
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