Tank Size
Air Pump Size
What Size Air Pump for a Fish Tank?
A simple rule of thumb for selecting the right size air pump for a fish tank is that the air pump should have an output of at least 0.033 liters of air per minute per gallon of water. For example, if you have a 55 gallon fish tank you will need an air pump that has an air output of 1.8 liters/min to properly oxygenate the water. To find out the right size air pump for your fish tank try out the aquarium air pump size calculator located at the top of this article.
There are also other factors that play a role in how large of an air pump you will need for your aquarium. Water with a high temperature can reduce the amount of oxygen that can be dissolved in the water. Conversely low water temperatures will increase the amount of oxygen that the water can hold.
If you plan on keeping a saltwater aquarium you will also have to consider getting a larger air pump. Saltwater has about 20% less oxygen solubility than fresh water at most temperatures. Because of this you will need an air pump that has a higher output to get the same dissolved oxygen levels.
Planted tanks on the other hand will need less aeration, and in some cases you might want to forgo and air pump altogether. The reason for this is because planted tanks need to have a high CO2 level. When you run an air pump it forces the CO2 out of the water, which can be detrimental for plant growth. If you do choose to run an air pump on a planted tank, choose one with a lower output in order to minimize surface agitation.
What are Air Pumps for in Fish Tanks?
The most utilitarian reason an air pump is used is to either oxygenate the water or to aid in filtration. While providing oxygen to the fish might be one of the most important things an air pump is used for it’s not the only reason why people use air pumps with their fish tanks.
Filtration
Some filters like undergravel filters or sponge filters rely solely on an air pump to provide their pumping power. These filters rely on the Venturi effect to circulate the water throughout the aquarium. Water is either pulled through the gravel or the sponge media by the force of the rising air bubbles.
These types of filters are very useful in situations where more powerful water impeller driven filters can not be used. One such case is in breeder tanks where small fry could be sucked up into an impeller filter. Even adult fish that have a hard time swimming are better off living in a tank with an air pump driven filter.
Aesthetics
One reason people add an air pump to their fish tank is to add a little visual appeal to their environment. A bubble wall or column of bubbles can add a dramatic effect to the inside of an aquarium. This effect then carries over to the room the tank is placed in by creating a mesmerizing display of shimmering lights for everyone to enjoy.
Decorations
Some fish tank decorations rely on air to power their actions. Decorations like the old pirate treasure chest that opens up when there is enough air under its lid are one decoration that most people are familiar with.
There are even more modern decorations like underwater lights that are driven by aquarium air pumps. These decorations use the force of the air to power small motors that can run low power LED lights. These lights can then shine up through the air bubbles, which creates a very dramatic effect especially at night when the main canopy lights are turned off.
What do Air Stones do for Aquariums?
Air stones help increase the amount of surface area of air that comes into contact with the water. An air stone is usually made up of a porous material with lots of small holes for the air to escape from. By breaking up the air, an air stone allows for more gas exchange to occur which helps increase the effectiveness of the air pump.
Air stones also help weigh down the air line so it doesn’t just float up to the surface of the water. While it might be possible to wedge an airline into an aquarium without an air stone it is usually not recommended. The large bubbles produced by an airline will also be less efficient at introducing dissolved oxygen into the water. The larger bubbles will also disturb the fish since they can cause large cavitation events to occur in the water.
What Size Air Pump for a 2.5 Gallon Tank?
| Regular | Planted | Saltwater |
| 0.0825 liters/min | 0.066 liters/min | 0.103 liters/min |
A 2.5 gallon tank will need an air pump with an output of 0.0825 liters/min. A planted 2.5 gallon tank will require and air pump with an output of 0.055 liters/min. A 2.5 gallon reef tank will need an air pump with an output of 0.103 liters/min.
What Size Air Pump for a 3 Gallon Fish Tank?
| Regular | Planted | Saltwater |
| 0.099 liters/min | 0.079 liters/min | 0.124 liters/min |
A 3 gallon fish tank will need an air pump that has an output of 0.099 liters/min. A planted 3 gallon fish tank will need an air pump that has an air output of 0.079 liters/min. A 3 gallon saltwater tank will need and air pump with an output of 0.124 liters/min.
What Size Air Pump for a 5 Gallon Tank?
| Regular | Planted | Saltwater |
| 0.165 liters/min | 0.132 liters/min | 0.206 liters/min |
A 5 gallon tank should use an air pump that can output 0.165 liters/min. While a planted 5 gallon tank will need an air pump with an output of 0.132 liters/min. A 5 gallon saltwater reef tank will need an air pump that can output 0.206 liters/min.
What Size Air Pump for a 10 Gallon Tank?
| Regular | Planted | Saltwater |
| 0.330 liters/min | 0.264 liters/min | 0.413 liters/min |
The right sized air pump for a 10 gallon tank is one that can output 0.33 liters/min. A planted 10 gallon tank will only need and air pump that can output 0.264 liters/min. While a 10 gallon saltwater reef tank will need an air pump with an output of 0.413 liters/min.
What Size Air Pump for a 30 Gallon Tank?
| Regular | Planted | Saltwater |
| 0.990 liters/min | 0.792 liters/min | 1.240 liters/min |
A good size air pump for a 30 gallon tank is one with an output of 0.99 liters/min. A 30 gallon planted tank should use an air pump with an output of 0.792 liters/min. A 30 gallon saltwater reef tank on the other hand will need to use an air pump with an output of 1.24 liters/min.
What Size Air Pump for a 55 Gallon Aquarium?
| Regular | Planted | Saltwater |
| 1.82 liters/min | 1.45 liters/min | 2.27 liters/min |
The optimal size air pump for a 55 gallon aquarium is one that can output 1.82 liters/min. If you have a planted 55 gallon aquarium, then an air pump with an output of 1.45 liters/min will suffice. A 55 gallon saltwater aquarium will need an air pump with an output of 2.27 liters/min in order to properly oxygenate the water.
What Size Air Pump for a 75 Gallon Tank?
| Regular | Planted | Saltwater |
| 2.48 liters/min | 1.98 liters/min | 3.09 liters/min |
The size of an air pump for a 75 gallon tank is one with an output of at least 2.48 liters/min. While a 75 gallon planted tank will only need an air pump with an output of 1.98 liters/min. A 75 gallon saltwater reef tank will need a more powerful air pump, therefore an air pump with an output of 3.09 liters/min will be the bare minimum.
What Size Air Pump for a 100 Gallon Fish Tank?
| Regular | Planted | Saltwater |
| 3.30 liters/min | 2.64 liters/min | 4.13 liters/min |
If you have a 100 gallon fish tank then you will need an air pump that has an output of at least 3.30 liters/min to oxygenate the water. A planted 100 gallon fish tank will need a slightly less powerful air pump. A planted 100 gallon tank will only need an air pump with an output of 2.64 liters/min. A 100 gallon saltwater reef tank on the other hand will need a powerful air pump with and output of 4.13 liters/min to keep the dissolved oxygen levels at the proper level.
What Size Air Pump for a 200 Gallon Aquarium?
| Regular | Planted | Saltwater |
| 6.60 liters/min | 5.28 liters/min | 8.25 liters/min |
A large 200 gallon aquarium will need an equally large air pump to keep the tank well oxygenated. Therefore an air pump with a minimum output of 6.60 liters/min will be needed. A planted 200 gallon aquarium can use a slightly less powerful air pump, in that case an air pump with an output of 5.28 liters/min will be enough. A 200 gallon saltwater aquarium on the other hand will need an air pump that has an output of 8.25 liters/min in order to deliver enough oxygen to such a large body of water.
Is an Air Pump Necessary for an Aquarium?
If you are looking into getting and air pump the first question that might come to mind is do I really need an air pump in the first place. An air pump isn’t absolutely necessary, unless you’re using a filter that needs an air pump like an undergravel filter or a sponge filter. If you are using one of those filtration options then getting a properly sized air pump is mandatory.
If you plan on using another method of filtration like a powerfilter or any other water pump driven filter then an air pump might not be necessary. In most cases the current created by most filters will agitate the water enough to help with gas diffusion. This is especially true of powerfilters or any other type of filter that causes a lot of splashing on the surface of the water.
An air pump will be necessary if you have a densely stocked aquarium, or if the filter doesn’t have the power to sufficiently churn up the water. If you plan on keeping a densely stocked aquarium then the oxygen demands of the fish will require the use of supplemental aeration. A lack of water movement can also lead to dead spots where oxygen levels are too low for fish to remain healthy. Adding air stones to those dead spots can help even out the aquariums dissolved oxygen level.
Types of Aquarium Air Pumps
There are two main types of aquarium pumps, one is the diaphragm pump and the other is the piston pump. A diaphragm air pump is the type most commonly used by people with small home aquariums. While the piston type is usually used in large commercial settings or in ponds with large volumes of water.
Diaphragm
Diaphragm air pumps move air by vibrating a membrane at a high frequency. The membrane is usually made of a soft flexible material like rubber, which can expand and contract to cause the pumping action.
In most diaphragm air pumps a magnetic material is attached to the diaphragm, which is then moved by an induction coil. The induction coil creates an oscillating magnetic field at 60 HZ which is the frequency of the electric grid in America, or in Europe it will be 50 HZ. This oscillating magnetic field causes the magnetic material to push the diaphragm in and out.
On the up stroke the diaphragm pulls air in through one valve via a small filtered inlet on the body of the pump. On the down stroke the diaphragm pushes the air out the outlet port right into the air line. This process is relatively efficient, and requires very few moving parts which is the main reason why it is used on most hobbyist equipment.
Piston
Piston air pumps are more complicated mechanically, but they can output air at a higher power. The way they move air is similar to the way a car’s internal combustion engine works. A piston based air pump is just like a car’s engine where a piston moves up and down in an enclosed cylinder to create pressure. On the upstroke air is let in from the environment through a valve. The piston is then driven down closing the intake valve and compressing the air in the chamber. At the bottom of the stroke the outlet valve is opened and high pressure air is released from the cylinder.
Piston air pumps have the advantage of being able to run at very high power, with some models available that run at more than one horsepower. They are also able to deliver air deeper into the water since they output higher pressure air than diaphragm pumps. And they tend to be more durable than diaphragm pumps which is another reason they are used in commercial applications.
![Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Oscar fish are voracious eaters that can grow to be up to 14 inches long. They need a lot of space and a big tank, but they also need good filtration. This is because Oscars produce a large amount of waste for their size, which can quickly pollute the water if not managed properly. Read on to see the best filter for an Oscar fish tank. [toc] Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank ***TABLE**** Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 The Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 Filter (Buy Online) has everything you need to keep water clean and healthy for your fish, plus some cool extra features too. It comes with four different filtration stages that remove debris from the water so your tank stays clear and safe for your fish to live in. Plus, it has a built-in heater which keeps the temperature of your tank consistent so you don't have to worry about fluctuations or sudden changes affecting your fish. The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 is a reliable and high-quality filter that will keep your water crystal clear. It has four stages of filtration, including a pre-filter module for particle removal, two main filters to clean detritus from the water before it reaches the pump area, an activated carbon stage with 45 ppi pores to trap organic chemicals and reduce odors, and finally a polishing cartridge which traps any particles left after the other three stages have removed most of the large debris. Plus, it comes with Hel-X Biomedia that has an extremely large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies that break down nitrogenous waste. Overall, this filter can be used on 70 to 160 gallon tanks, and if you want peace of mind about how well your tank is being filtered and heated – this canister filter is perfect for an Oscar tank. Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter The Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter (Buy Online) is the best filter for an oscar fish tank because it’s easy to use and maintain while providing a high level of filtration. It has a self-priming pump that makes starting up very simple, plus its safety hose adapter means you won’t have to worry about any accidents with this unit. We recommend going with their Pro 4+ model which has been designed specifically for tanks containing Oscars and other larger species of fish. This filter comes with everything you need including extra media baskets, spray bars, adjustable flow control valves, and more. Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter 525GPH with 9-watt UV Light The Polar Aurora External Canister Filter (Buy Online) is an affordable yet high-quality canister filter and it has four stages of filtration (biological, mechanical, chemical and UV) that keep your fish tank crystal clear without taking up much space. If you have an Oscar Fish Tank, then you know that they are messy fish. They produce a lot of waste and your tank needs to be cleaned frequently. That's where this filter comes in handy. It can handle tanks up to 200 gallons and has a maximum flow rate of 525GPH from the built in pump. This is more than enough power for even the messiest Oscar Tanks. This unit also comes with three different media trays so you can use any type of filtration media you want - bio balls, sponges or ceramic rings. And not only does this filter provide excellent water filtration, it comes with a built in 9 Watt UV Light that allows it to easily control algae spores/bacteria and maintain clear water in your aquarium at all times. Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter, External Aquarium Filter The Fluval FX4 (Buy Online) is an external filter designed specifically for aquariums housing oscars and other large tropical fish species like cichlids and catfish. There's also three different filtration stages included in this setup which will ensure that all the waste produced by your fish gets filtered out quickly leaving behind crystal clear water every time. The Fluval FX4 is the best aquarium filter on the market because it has a patented self-priming pump that moves 700 US Gal of water per hour. It also comes with all of the media you need to get started filtering your tank immediately after installation - no extra purchases necessary. This external aquarium filter is easy to install, maintain, and clean. With its multi-stage filtration process this canister filter removes harmful toxins from your water while providing superior mechanical filtration through three stages of bio-filtration using BioMax cartridges, activated carbon pads and biological ceramic rings . This powerful filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2650 L) of water per hour so it's perfect for even the largest freshwater or saltwater tanks up to 250 US Gal (900 L) Best Hang On Back Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank AquaClear Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Filter for 60- to 110-Gallon Aquariums The AquaClear 110 (Buy Online) is a hang-on back filter that has an adjustable flow rate, and it'll last you for years. AquaClear filters make it easy, convenient, and affordable to keep your tank clean without all of the complexity and hassle of a canister filter. The AquaClear 110 filter has been designed with the hobbyist in mind; and it provides superior mechanical, chemical as well as biological filtration media at an unbeatable price point. It's ideal for aquariums up to 110 gallons (416 liters) in size and it has a flow rate of 500 U.S. gallons per hour (1,900 L/h). SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 110 Gallon The SeaChem Tidal 110 Gallon Aquarium Filter (Buy Online) is one of the few hang on back filters specifically designed for Oscars and other larger tropical fish tanks (up to 110 gallons). This means that it has more than twice the capacity of other hang on back filters so there's no need to clean out debris as often. It also has an adjustable flow control valve - just set the dial where you want it and let the self-priming pump do its job. You can also use any kind of filtration media without worrying about clogging since the patented impeller design keeps everything running smoothly Best Sponge Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Bacto-Surge Hikari Aquarium Solutions Foam Filter, 125 Gallons Bacto-Surge Foam Filters (Buy Online) are made from a durable foam material which allows them to last much longer than traditional sponge filters. They also don't require any electricity or have any moving parts, so you can use these as a cheap and reliable way to supplement the filtration in your Oscar tank. Best Under Gravel Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter, 18-Inch by 72-Inch Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter (Buy Online) is the best you can get for an Oscar fish tank. It has a multi-level plate design made of high-quality plastic, so it lasts longer than standard models. And this under gravel filter can also be used to build an anoxic filter to lower nitrates, which improves overall water quality and it will also help keep your fish healthy and disease free. Best Filter Media for an Oscar Fish Tank Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks (Buy Online) provides two layers of filtration to keep your tank cleaner & running more efficiently than ever before. It's made in the USA from high-quality materials that are safe for both fish and humans alike. It also reduces maintenance time because it lasts 2x as long as other brands on the market today. AQUANEAT Aquarium Filter Sponge Open Cell Foam Sheet Bio Sponge Filter Media Pad Aquaneat's Black Fine Filter Sponge (Buy Online) is made with natural materials that are non-toxic and safe for fish & plants. It provides mechanical filtration by trapping dirt particles in the pores of the sponge material so they do not get through into your aquarium water where they could cause harm to your aquatic pets. The open cell structure of the Aquaneat Sponge means you can simply rinse it under running water when needed instead of having to replace expensive filters every few weeks. And we've tested these pads with many different types of tanks and they are one of the most durable and economical ways to keep the water in a fish tank free of debris. Seachem Matrix, 4 L / 1 gal. Seachem Matrix (Buy Online) removes ammonia, nitrite and nitrate from the water column in freshwater tanks through a process called denitrification. It does this by providing an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive and convert harmful toxins into less harmful forms (even anoxic bacteria that break down nitrates). This process reduces stress on aquarium inhabitants by reducing their exposure to these toxins while also maintaining pristine water quality in your aquarium Eheim AEH2507051 Mech Filter Media for Aquarium, 1-Liter Eheim Ceramic Cylinders (Buy Online) are reusable so you don't have to waste money on disposable filter cartridges or sponges every time you clean your tank. Simply rinse them out in decholorinated water when they get clogged, and you can reuse them indefinitely. Oscar Fish Tank Size A 70 gallon tank will work for an Oscar, but it's better to keep them in a 100+ gallon tank. The bigger the better. More space promotes greater health while also keeping them happier which in turn reduces the risk of stress and disease. Oscar Fish Water Parameters Oscar Fish Water pH Level Oscars prefer water with a pH between 6 and 8, but they prefer slightly acidic water and they can live in water that has a pH as low as 5.5 quite comfortably. Oscar Fish Nitrite Level The nitrite level in your tank should be at 0 ppm once your tank has cycled. Nevertheless, a weekly 10% water change with fresh water from the tap is always good early on in the cycle to reduce nitrites. Oscar Fish Nitrate Level To keep your Oscar healthy you want to keep your nitrate levels between 10-40 ppm. It's important that you test the water with a Nitrate Test Kit (Buy Online) to ensure the nitrate levels in your tank aren't reaching dangerous levels. If the nitrates in your tank stay consistently over 40ppm, it’s time to clean or replace old filters, clean out uneaten food, vacuum the gravel, and do at least a 25% water change. Oscar Fish Water Temperature The ideal water temperature for Oscars is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 - 27 Celcius). It's important to remember that Oscar Fish are from the Amazon Rainforest and they need a heater in their tank especially during the winter time If you want to know what size heater you need for your tank you can use our Fish Tank Heater Calculator (Click Here) Oscar Fish Water Change Water changes are an essential part of fish keeping for any type of fish. This is especially true when you have larger fish like oscars that produce more waste. Water changes, or partial water changes, should be done every 1-2 weeks depending on how many fish you keep in your tank Why Is My Oscar Fish Tank Cloudy Fish tank water can become cloudy for a few reasons. The most usual is that the aquarium is either experiencing a bacteria bloom or there is algae in the water column. If this is the case, you’ll need to do a 50%-75% water change immediately. You can also use an inline UV filter if water changes and regular tank maintenance aren't getting control of your cloudy water problem. How To Keep an Oscar Fish Tank Clean Water Changes Vacuum the Gravel Bed Cleaning the Filter Removing uneaten food from tank Check for any algae growth on plants or glass walls of aquarium and clean as needed Test the water regularly Do Oscar Fish Need a Filter Yes, Oscar fish need a filter because they are messy eaters that produce a lot of waste. The filter helps with this issue and also improves the water quality by converting harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrates.](https://thepetsupplyguy.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Filter-for-Oscar-Fish-Tank-464x290.jpg)
