Breeding aquarium fish only at first glance seems like a simple task. In fact, this event is quite troublesome, since silent pets require special care and the creation of special conditions that are as close as possible to natural ones. Before releasing fish into the aquarium, you need to purchase the necessary equipment: a filtration and lighting system for water, a device for thermoregulation and, of course, a compressor for aeration and mixing of water. It will be discussed about him further.
Silent Aquarium Compressor
An air compressor is an apparatus designed to provide aeration of water, enriching it with dissolved oxygen. This device for a home aquarium is simply necessary, since a glass pond is an enclosed space in which fish may lack oxygen.
The principle of operation of the compressor for the aquarium
The operation of the device is as follows:
- Compressor tubes immersed in water intensively release air bubbles that enrich the water with oxygen molecules. Air pressure is regulated by special valves and clamps.
- During the operation of the device, ripples appear on the surface of the water, which increases the area of interaction of water and air, which contributes to additional oxygen saturation of the water.
The compressor mixes layers of water in the aquarium, preventing it from blooming and spoiling. The operation of this apparatus is called aeration. Its main purpose is to provide the most favorable habitat for fish and preserve their health.
For aeration of the aquarium, diffusers made most often from white whetstone or abrasive are attached to the air tubes. Located at the bottom of the aquarium, they emit a lot of air bubbles, creating a very beautiful decorative effect.
The smaller the size of these bubbles, the greater their total area, which is more favorable for aeration of the reservoir.
The compressor should not be used constantly. It is enough to turn it on twice a day for about 20 minutes. In the summer, when the air temperature rises, the water also heats up and dissipates oxygen much faster, so turn on the device more often and for a longer time.
Varieties of compressors
Aquarium compressors come in several forms. The most common and long-known are:
Quite recently, aPUMP aquarium silent compressors have appeared on the market. In addition, you can saturate water with oxygen using conventional aquarium pumps or airlift filters.
With all the variety of models of devices, their main drawback is the noise emitted by them. If the aquarium is in the bedroom, the quiet operation of the device is one of its most important qualities. Unfortunately, a completely silent compressor for the aquarium does not exist, since the principle of any type of apparatus is based on vibration.
Diaphragm compressor
Air supply in such a device occurs by the movement of special membranes that work only in one direction. The device consumes a little electricity. In addition, it is a relatively silent compressor for the aquarium.
Its main disadvantage is the low power. Such an aerator for large containers is not suitable. However, in a home aquarium up to 150 liters, a small membrane device can be installed.
Piston compressor
It is also a silent compressor for the aquarium. Air in this model is supplied by a piston. Such devices have a long service life and a fairly high performance. Due to their high power, they can be used in large aquariums.
Both types of home aerators come with power from a household electrical outlet or from batteries. Each device comes with a flexible hose to let air out.
Recently, a piezo device has competed with piston devices. This is the most silent compressor for the aquarium. However, it also has a drawback - it is low-power and is not placed in a capacity of more than 200 liters.
Aquarium pump
An aquarium pump is often used to saturate water with oxygen . This small device has 2 functions - saturation of water with oxygen and its purification. The pump is purchased for large aquariums. This device does not make loud noise as it is immersed in water. The only thing - a light specific whistle emits a tube for sucking air from the surface. But this problem can be solved. In modern pump models, the tubes are equipped with a plug. If you change its position, obsessive noise can be significantly reduced and even get rid of it.
How to choose a compressor
The most important indicators of an aquarium compressor:
- power;
- noiselessness;
- durability
- the price of the device.
For the aquariums in the bedroom, choose an air compressor for the aquarium silent. For large tanks you will need a unit with high power.
For medium-sized aquariums, any model is suitable. The most popular and common brands are JBL, Aguael, Hagen, Tetra.
The smallest and most silent compressor for the aquarium is aPUMP, manufactured by COLLAR and designed to supply water with the most vital and necessary element - oxygen. It is used for containers from 10 to 100 l and a column of water up to 80 cm high.
This silent aquarium compressor received only the best reviews. Many say that this is one of the best devices, it is not audible and not visible.
How to reduce compressor noise
Let's look at ways to make an aquarium compressor silent.
We will need:
- Styrofoam;
- sponge for dishes;
- foam rubber;
- instruments.
We open the compressor housing, study its structure and the location of all parts. The cause of cod can be a membrane that comes into contact with some convex part. Carefully make a filed of the protruding body part or cut out a section that prevents the membrane from moving freely.
You can reduce the noise level of the device by placing a dishcloth under it that will absorb sound.
Also, the compressor can be installed in a soundproof box or wrapped with foam and secured with rubber bands.
The noise of the device may be caused by clogging or weakening of internal parts. To fix the situation, it will help cleaning and fixing loose parts.
We make a silent compressor for the aquarium with our own hands
If you know the basic principle of the device, you can assemble it yourself. First, the compressor takes in air, and then gradually delivers it to the aquarium.
In order to assemble such a device, it is necessary to prepare:
- rubber chamber;
- manual or foot pump;
- tee (three-way tap);
- a plastic tube from a medical dropper, always with a clip.
For the manufacture of the compressor, we take three tubes from the tee: the first - to the hand (or pedal) pump, the second - to the rubber chamber, and the third, made of a tube with a clamp, we will use as a hose from which air will flow into the aquarium. The end of this tube is firmly plugged with a stopper, and before it in the tube itself, we pierce with a needle several small holes. It is from them that air will come out. It is important to ensure that all connections are tight and reliable.
The principle of operation of such a homemade compressor is as follows: first, a tube leading from the pump to the chamber will be used to collect air. Then, when the air is collected and the chamber is filled to capacity, this tube will cease to work, and another, leading from the chamber to the outlet tube, will begin to function. Using a special clamp, you can adjust the speed of the air that will go out. It is best to make the airflow as slow as possible.
In principle, the compressor is made by hand. The disadvantages of this device include the fact that the battery chamber must be periodically pumped. For normal aeration of an aquarium with a volume of up to 100 liters, such pumping is performed approximately twice a day. Therefore, a homemade compressor cannot be left unattended for a long time.