-pinky-

My air pump is really loud, and noisy. It is hanging on a nail from the wall, but the air pump does touch the wall. My bedroom ceiling is slanted, so i can't hang it from the ceiling. Underneath the filter are some foam pads against the wall, to stop the vibrations, but it still makes a racket!...

Because i've got to keep the airpump above the water level, i have to hang the airpump up. That means i can't hide it away somewhere! What can i do, to prevent the noise? Any tips! x

Shawnie

why do you have to have it above the water level?

ShaynaB

I put a towel under mine when I had it on a desk. Now it sits on the floor by my tank on the carpet. MUCH quieter!

Is there a reason you have to keep it above water level??

-pinky-

I heard, that if you don't, then if the power goes off, all the water goees into the air pump, and theres danger of it electricuting someone, or breaking for good!

mrsmuffin

You can buy a valve (I am pretty sure it is called a "check" valve) for pretty cheap that will prevent a siphon in the event of a power outage. I have a couple of my air pumps that are loud sitting on towells and it does the trick.

-pinky-

mrsmuffin, i'll try and get one of those, but while i search, is there anything i can do now...there's still days of sleepless nights ahead of me, before i find a check valve!

Shawnie

ive always had mine under the tank...hmm first ive heard of it going beserk in a power outage...although ive only lost power for a day

-pinky-

really? And, your air pump didn't break?

(meanwhile, please continue helping me out with this frustrating air pump, people)

mrsmuffin

Mine are all under the water level without the valves, too. I have seen the valves though by themselves and with some airstones or bubble wands.

Shawnie

nopers none have broke yet...I guess if it was out for days it might...but then id have more to worry about than that LOL

-pinky-

That means, i can put my annoying air pump under the tank, in a box! Silent as a mouse!

ShaynaB

What you want to do if you don't have a check valve is make sure that your air hose bends at one point or loops or something so that no water can get to the pump.

That should fix the problem and you won't have to worry about your air pump getting water logged!

dalinturg

if you dont have a check valve, you can alway run the tube up above the tank for a little. water wont flow uphill.

Evan McKay

stick in a pillow

eepruls

I've heard placing it on a sponge will dampen the vibrations and noise. Do you need to have the air pump at all? If you have a HOB filter, that will provide enough surface breakage to increase surface area and aerate the water. I find that air pumps are the noisiest part of an aquarium but thankfully they're not absolutely necessary.

Evan McKay

it depends what size and what is the temp of the tank if the tank has a higher temp it will have les oxygen beeing held in the water but if its a lower temp like 78 it should be fine with just a HOB

AlyeskaGirl

Are you sure....it's not the nail that is making it rattle?

Llama

I think something like that would constitute a fire hazard