The best Aquarium Air Pump Accessories: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

No such thing as a stupid question! I got myself a python vacuum (around $30 - can’t link to it from mobile but I’ll update tomorrow). I then drain as much as possible to the last inch or so, and then I use a couple towels to soak up the rest. If there’s any residual vinegar, you’ll catch it when you cycle the tank. The python also makes water changes incredibly easy - I use the tank water for my plants, or it drains directly into the nearest tub or sink so less mess!

Edit: Python Vaccum

Side note- you should look into getting your dad a Python aquarium water changer. Hooks up to your faucet and can both empty and fill the tank for you. I got my dad one because he’s got a slipped disk in his back and couldn’t carry his buckets anymore.

it’s definitely not! that would be an interesting way to do a water change though 😂 for those interested here is a (non affiliated dont worry) link to the system. i refuse to use buckets unless its my nano under 10g tanks.

I've used this one for a similar sized tank: https://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-Gallon/dp/B0056XVF82 I prefer this type of sponge filters over ones you can put down because this is less bulky. Another advantage of this one or similar ones is that you can just clean one sponge with your maintenance and switch which one you clean weekly so there is less change of accidentally killing all your good bacteria

If you’re in the US, Petco is having their $1/gallon sale until feb 2 or 3rd! It’s for basic rectangular tanks. Most fish prefer to swim length instead of height, so I’d probably get a ten gallon from the sale (in fact, I just did).

I would recommend a sponge filter! I just got this one XY-2831 Air Pump Sponge Filter for Aquarium, Tank Size 10-gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056XVF82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_coqCAbPNBSCAB Under $5, and you just need a relatively cheap air pump to power it, a couple feet of airline tubing, and a check valve for safety. The check valve prevents water from siphoning out of the tank and into your equipment or outlets if the pump shuts off for any reason. You just cut the tubing a couple inches outside the tank and pop in the valve. It’s got arrows on it to show you which direction to use it.

You’ll also need a lid for the tank, and a bigger heater, I would recommend 100 watts for a 10 gallon. They’re way cheaper on Amazon. And I would highly recommend setting up the new tank completely, then moving your current filter to the new tank along with the new one. Even if you have to rig it up in a silly way to get it to work on the new tank, that way your beneficial bacteria will be in the new tank, and you should be able to avoid starting your cycle over. You can remove it after a couple weeks, I’d wait a month to be sure.

If you absolutely can’t do that, run the sponge filter in your current tank for maybe 2-4 weeks, then transfer it and the fish to the new tank. That’ll give the new filter time to colonize bacteria.

You could also put whatever filter media you have now in the new tank, just lay it near the sponge filter. Cartridge, ceramic, sponge, whatever is in your filter. I feel like the first two options are more effective, but this is based on my cautious self, so someone else may know for sure.

No, sorry. At bare minimum you need to get some substrate down on the bottom and a sponge filter. Shrimp are cleaners and eat biofilm, right? Biofilm is made up of bacteria and forms in layers on surfaces. However, they grow best on rougher surfaces. A smooth plastic bottom isnt ideal for that. Some of that bacteria that needs to grow includes the kind that run the nitrogen cycle, and by the time you have your fill of shrimp, they'll make an appreciable bioload and they totally can suffer without a proper cycle. That's also why you need a filter, it gives the bacteria you need a place to grow. Another thing is that shrimp poop, and pretty soon your clear plastic bottom is going to be speckled in shit. Bad look. So get something like fluval plant and shrimp stratum on the bottom and your babies will thank you.

Wrt a sponge filter, you can get some compact and nice looking ones that are U and W shaped. I'll give you a hot tip on a cheap and super duper quiet air pump for it:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTSR8Y8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_WBYNBDYVG8G2ESSE5HN6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Don't freak out that you can't fit all of this in 1G, you totally can. Look at my post from last night, I fit a sponge filter AND an adjustable heater with plenty of room. You can do it! And I'm telling you, putting a nice substrate down is going to triple the aesthetic appeal of your tank. The brown on green is awesome. And by the way, that moss looks really really good

I use the python water change system with the brass attachment for easily snapping the hose on and off. Hooks up to like 90% or faucets. It completely changed keeping fish for me. If it wasn’t for this I wouldn’t have this many tanks. I put Amazon links below (not affiliated) hope that is ok.

Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System, 50-Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255NXM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NZR83EDW1R0WK8BKE13D

Python Brass Snap Connector for Aquarium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EUI01G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_20AE3W9QE40N39WP4Z7A

I’d estimate $170 for startup and $5/month for CO2 refills. I’m using this regulator.

I bought the paintball canisters at a local paintball shop ($28 per canister, refills are $5).

The only other things you need are CO2 tubing, a diffuser, and a drop checker.

I’ve been resisting getting CO2 but am glad I took the leap, it’s much easier and less intimidating than I thought!

like this? - https://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-gallon/dp/B0056XVF82 do you think i'll have any luck finding something like that in the retail pet stores or should i just get it off of amazon?

The Piezoelectric ones you can get are damn near silent and I've never had them get louder as they age. They're far less powerful than the traditional magnetic pump type, but really cannot be heard unless you're listening for it specifically in a very quiet room. I've run air stones and small sponge filters just fine from the lower volume rated HPumps one on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTSR8Y8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_76aRAbZPAR4HR). Currently just running an air stone in a 40 breeder with this, but those are pretty shallow tanks so that helps. If OP is doing a smaller tank, then this might be an acceptable trade-off.

I typically buy from Amazon. This is the airpump I use now: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002JPEVMC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_-7DiCb84EMA96

It has been working good for me and pretty quiet, though I have it inside my cabinet. Keep in mind in use the 4 outlet one. It's a good size. The one or two is probably smaller.

I don't use airstones tough.

I highly suggest getting a 5 gallon tank I’m pretty sure petco is doing a 50% tank sale too. For a filter I would get a air pump and sponge filter those work well and its what I use, it also is good if you have a tight budget.

Can confirm this is super quiet but the airstone is crap and leaks.

Mylivell Quietest Aquarium Air Pump Ultra Silent High Energy Saving Oxygen Air Pump Aquarium for Fish Tank with Air Stone and Silicone Tube Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTSR8Y8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2PAY4NVS8WHSH31N6XSS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I like separate air stone and filter so I know there's oxygen when I rarely clean this filter. https://www.amazon.com/Mylivell-Quietest-Aquarium-Silent-Silicone/dp/B01MTSR8Y8

https://www.amazon.com/AQQA-Aquarium-Submersible-Saltwater-Freshwater/dp/B08KXG93PP

It's kinda weak but my shrimp tank is only 10gal long

I accidentally responded too the wrong guy whoops, but I’ve heard very good things about this air pump it’s nearly completely quiet, and you can put a air stone in you sponge filter to make the bubbles quieter.

DO NOT RUSH THE CYCLE!

I can't say this enough as I am 8 months into my first tank (Red Sea Max 250) and I am regretting hardcore not letting my tank cycle properly. Dealing with frustrating dinos right now probably because i rushed and didn't have the proper equipment to maintain it. Playing the catchup and quick fix game instead of proper cycling has cost me hundreds.

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1. Everything good with tanks takes time i've learned. Don't try a million different cures/speed up methods without testing and adjusting afterwards.
2. Get yourself a Python water changer. I got lazy with WC because it was a PIA but this thing makes it easy.
3. Get a trash can and heater to mix your SW for water changes. Throw a heater in there and salt and it'll be ready when u go to make a water change.
4. This goes w/ number 5 sort of but when buying new equipment, think about ur next bigger tank. Cause you are going to get a bigger tank if successful.
5. This is optional but i would buy a backup pump and really everything in the tank (heater, filter, media, carbon, etc.) just in case it breaks. I've stressed over holiday weekends when a pump dies and now ur whole time is devoted to finding a similar pump for cheap and fast. Plus u can always use it for WC or anything really in a reef tank.

This is the Pump I got. I bought this last summer to aerate my nutrient reservoir for my summer grow(coco). I knew I was going to use 2 water farms and some methods people use air stones in the bottom to keep the solution aerated. the stock pump would be fine, but this one could power 4 waterfarms. If you buy the kit, just run the pump until it dies. Any fish aquarium pump will do.

25 Foot - Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000255NXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5XWZ78QSKHZWW7W2EE9F?psc=1

I also bought the hook that goes over the tank edge. I don’t use the gravel vac.

So I use https://www.amazon.com/25-Foot-Python-Aquarium-Maintenance/dp/B000255NXC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Python+Water+Changer&qid=1610348617&sr=8-3 to clean, but more importantly fill my fish tank with water. Pretty much works like a hose, pressure can be adjusted by how much you turn your sink on and there's a valve that can stop the water flow as you walk to the end to water. That would probably work well.

Or, you could make an adult version of https://i.pinimg.com/236x/66/a5/8b/66a58b7eb253cd76bbd02c15b1b3d16b--mud-kitchen-kitchen-ideas.jpg which is a kids mud kitchen, which is a lot like a potting bench and use a five gallon bucket or whatever, and just fill the "sink" with water and bottom water everything there. Then you'll also have a cute multi-functional potting bench to boot.

I use a syphon hose. Right here on amazon

I would like to add that I live in Spokane,WA. And use tap water every time.

After every water change I treat my water with Stress Coat

I own 1 Oscar, 1 Red Jewel Cichlid, 1 Convict and 1 Pleco in my 75g.

As far as moving the fish, nothing changes when you go bigger. The steps listed above are perfect. My best advice is, if the fish store can hold the fish for you until you set up your tank at home, do that. Other than that you're just at a race against time from the moment the fish go into the bags. You benefit from being close to your LFS, so don't worry! And post pics when its done!

Here you go, this is more or less the exact setup I use. Citric acid is cheap, plentiful, and easy to use so I used it for my acid. The kit sells for about 14 dollars on Amazon and there are a bunch of bubble counters and diffusers to choose from.

EDIT: A check valve isn't really necessary since the pressure inside the system makes it impossible for the water to back siphon. Plus the diffuser itself requires pressure to push water through, so it's effectively impossible for a siphon to start unless the diffuser falls off.

Yes of course. I'm using this kit that's 15 bucks on Amazon.

Basic concept is you have baking soda in one bottle and citric acid in another. Once you seal up the system you push some acid into the other bottle and keep doing that until you build up some pressurized CO2. After you open the valve and it starts flowing into your tank, the pressure behind the acid will slowly push more of it as needed into the reaction chamber. This allows for you to turn the system off which is not something you can't do with the yeast/sugar method.

I like this method so far, but it does have drawbacks. Some people struggle to build up enough pressure for ceramic diffusers to function correctly. With those coke bottles I can get up to 2 bar without really fearing that they'll pop, but I wasn't sure if even that would be enough. Instead, I chose to route it into a small pump on the right side there and I get great diffusion. The problem with the first time I did that was I didn't have a bubble counter so I was just using the end of the hose to count. Once I had it at a bubble a second, I attached it to the pump, but the lower pressure in there just slurped up all the CO2 before I noticed. Basically used 2 weeks of reactants in an hour lol. I have a bubble counter, check valve, drop checker, and longer tubing coming on Wednesday. (sorry for this wall of text, I just got started and couldn't stop)

What are you looking for exactly?

Sponge filters are great but they will be in the tank and that may be unsightly and you will need and air pump. I like this type and have them on all my tanks:https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.amazon.com/XY-2831-Sponge-Filter-Aquarium-10-Gallon/dp/B0056XVF82&ved=2ahUKEwj44Mn0kerqAhUKKa0KHTOgD7AQFjAEegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw2KCpGw-R5ah7L76kwphbEA

Canister filters can be a pain to clean but you don't need to do it that often and they have the cleanest look in the tank. I used a sunsun hw-603b mini canister filter which is a small, cheaper one, and it worked great.

You said you don't like your HOB? Is it just becuase it shows above the tank?

That is not a Python. That is Aqueon's knock off version. This is an actual Python branded one... https://www.amazon.com/25-Foot-Python-Aquarium-Maintenance/dp/B000255NXC/

I have been using my Python for decades now.

https://www.amazon.ca/Hydrofarm-AAPA15L-Active-Air-Outlets/dp/B002JPEVMC/ref=asc\_df\_B002JPEVMC/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292953529639&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7677177040235427764&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqm...

sponger filter not staying submerged means air is trapped in the sponge. giving it some squishes should remove a lot of the air, and at worst, lean a rock or piece of wood on it.

i would look at getting a USB Air Pump like this one. i use these in my tanks often and they are quieter than the bubbles themselves. As far as the underwater filters go, use your best judgement on them, and pay attention to reviews.

In regards to critters that can potentially become territorial or even violent, my go-to approach is "don't push your luck", but you can certainly try.

A USB air pump will run off a 10,000mAh battery bank for about 36 hours.

Okay, let me follow up with a couple of ideas.

First, check this out:

https://www.amazon.com/25-Foot-Python-Aquarium-Maintenance/dp/B000255NXC

This thing helped me for years with water changes. It's a marvel cleaning gravel of fish junk and when you refill, you just add the dechlorinator into the water as you start refilling and it'll do the job for you. If you keep a good habit of water changes then 10%-25% of the tank per week is more than enough and it won't impact your water quality with wild changes.

The other option is more complicated but easier in the end. If the tank is going to be close to someplace where you can keep a big tank of water, you can do water changes as follows. Use the python to clean the tank, then pump water from the secondary tank to the main tank. The second tank you use to age the water, dechlorinating over time.

This was what I did in my garage. I had my 180 with a huge plastic tank that was in the corner of the garage. I could do about 2/3rds of the tank at a time and since the water was aged, it didn't bother the fish. I can give you more details if you want.

In the end, a Python-like hose attached to the nearest bathroom is your best bet. Check your house water parameters for pH, chlorine, temperature, etc. and you'll know what you need to do to prep the water coming back from the hose into your tank.

For a 75 gallon tank I would NOT recommend using a bucket for water changes - unless you have all the time in the world.

the only fish you could add into a tank that size would be a betta, which really should have a filter, and would probably eat your shrimps.

If you're looking to do walstad purely because a filter will make noise and bother you, i might suggest a sponge filter run with this air pump. bought it a few times in the past for sponge filters or air stones, and its super quiet, the bubbles from the filter itself will be louder than the pump, and i personally find the bubble noise very relaxing, like rain.

https://www.amazon.ca/Python-25NS-25-Feet-Aquarium-Maintenance/dp/B000255NXC# This is the Brand Name python

https://www.amazon.ca/hygger-Bucket-Free-Aquarium-Cleaner-Maintenance/dp/B08CXT5LP9 This is the one I use!

You will need to find an adaptor so it can attach to your sink; but it makes water changes waaaaay easier!