Gardening is both an art and science and can benefit significantly from an addition of an air pump.
You might be wondering why I say that. Well, people who have a hydroponic system know how important it is to introduce an air pump to the gardener’s kit. When I was new to hydroponics, I faced a lot of trouble in finding the right pump.
And I am sure there are many like me who face the same problem. So, I thought, why not share my top picks with my readers? Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today I will take you through my five recommendations of the best air pump for hydroponics.
In this guide, I will give you a detailed round-up of the products. When you scroll down towards the end, you will also find a buyer’s guide and FAQ section.
So, let’s dive right in!
Top 5 Air Pump For Hydroponics Reviews
1. VIVOSUN AP-45
The VIVOSUN AP-45 is one of my top recommendations because it offers a silent solution for aquariums and hydroponic tanks. You will never be disturbed by the noise, and you can keep it outside the study room too.
Product Highlights
First of all, premium quality materials have been used to make the body of the pump, which will ensure that the product runs smoothly for a long time. Plus, it has an outlet nozzle made of 100% copper as well as a premium manifold. This adds to the durability, making sure that it can last for long.
Moving on, the pump is very energy efficient and resistant to wear and tear. Hence, you can allow it to function throughout the day without any assistance. It will pump 60 liters of air per minute, which equals 16 gallons of air.
Meanwhile, this is an oil-free motor that comes with a 1.5 meters power cord for easy use. The cord is long enough for you to place the aquarium anywhere in the room. In this case, the plant roots or the fish tank water will be oxygenated well.
What’s There To Like About It?
I loved the quiet performance where the sound level stays below 60 decibels. My daughter loves growing plants on her window sill but hates the constant whirring sound, which generally comes from such machines. This one was perfect for her room, and she was glad to have it.
Moreover, the 32-watt electromagnetic motor provides for the perfect amount of air pressure that works well with plants. The air is directed towards six valves, which are adjustable and compatible with air lines measuring ¼ inch.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The only downside here is that the pump heats up when it is running for a long time. Now there is nothing to worry about as it is seen as quite normal. But if you are scared about it, then a fan can be set up to cool the machine.
Pros and Cons of VIVOSUN AP-45
Pros
Cons
- Premium Materials & Great Heat Control: This pump dissipates heat more effectively with aluminum alloy heat-radiating plates, and delivers excellent, long-lasting performance; Featuring a premium manifold and 100% copper outlet nozzle
- Maximum Air Pressure and Air Volume: VIVOSUN powerful 32W electromagnetic motor produces exceptional air pressure (over 0.03 MPa) and sends a huge volume of air to the 6 adjustable valve outlets (compatible with 1/4" air lines)
- Set It and Forget It: Innovative material engineering on the steel engine column and piston makes this pump perfectly energy-efficient and highly resistant to wear-and-tear, so you can leave it running 24/7; Recommended for outdoor use
2. Hydrofarm AAPA15L
Up next is another air pump, which consumes very little power making it an energy-efficient choice. The Hydrofarm AAPA15L is an impressive option that is made with strong materials, which makes sure that it will last for a long time.
Product Highlights
This pump works with all kinds of hydroponic systems no matter what the size is, as it has the perfect power level. Operating at 6 watts, this will keep pumping 15 liters of air per minute. That means it has enough power for a 15-gallon reservoir or three 5 gallon containers.
Moreover, the pump is very quiet, and it comes with additional mufflers. It is also placed on four feet made of rubber, which prevents any additional sound. Hence, the sound level stays below 45 decibels, making it a truly impressive choice.
Additionally, you will get four air valves through which the airflow is split. Each outlet will produce a separate stream, and you can control the flow with the help of a dial. The dial is placed on the outer case of the pump.
What’s There To Like About It?
The best part about this product is that it consumes very little power, ensuring that there is no significant change in your electricity bills. You will also be able to adjust the airflow pressure and output as you want it, thanks to the system.
Plus, it is made of rubber, which is very durable and will not be susceptible to daily wear and tear. I have been using it for months now, and there is no sign of any damage at all.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The only issue I had with this product is that it is slightly bulky. However, the extra size and weight are because of the sturdy outer shell, which protects all the inner components well. Hence, I am not going to count this as a drawback as the functionality of the product is not affected at all.
Pros and Cons of Hydrofarm AAPA15L
Pros
Cons
- Super silent with multi-level muffler
- Special artificial rubber to keep a steady air flow output and pressure that can be Adjusted freely
- Low power consumption
3. EcoPlus ECOair 728450 Commercial Grade Air Pump
For people who are planning to grow hydroponics commercially, the EcoPlus ECOair 728450 Commercial Grade Air Pump is the best bet. It features an air manifold, which enables you to fit around 16 outlets. Keep reading to know why it featured on my list!
Product Highlights
As I have mentioned already, this product is suitable for use when you are growing hydroponics in large numbers. The device is pretty robust and can easily drive enough air, which will enable you to operate a reservoir as big as 30 gallons. In short, this item is well-suited for commercial use.
Moreover, the build is such that you can put it to regular use. All the chambers are constructed of high-quality materials that enable them to handle heavy work and ensure that the device lasts for a long time.
Apart from that, this item is pretty easy to operate. So, even if you are using an air pump for the first time, handling this product would not be much of a problem. There is a detailed user manual that is included in the package. And in case you get stuck anywhere, you can reach out to the customer support team for help.
What’s There To Like About It?
When it comes to using air pumps, I like the ones that are not too heavy. And this one fits that requirement perfectly. It weighs only 2.45 pounds and does not give rise to headaches even when I carry it around.
And because this device does not use oil to function, you don’t have to worry about dealing with an unwanted oil spill. So, that reduces maintenance work considerably.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
After using it, the only thing I did not like is that it generated a lot of noise. On switching it on, the device vibrates as well. The noise can be quite bothersome when people are around. So, if you are planning to install it indoors, you might need to rethink.
Pros and Cons of EcoPlus ECOair 728450 Commercial Grade Air Pump
Pros
Cons
- Widely used to provide oxygen in aquariums, fish farms and hydroponic systems
- Includes chrome air manifold with 6 adjustable flow outlet valves
- Cylinders and pistons are made of premium materials, making the pump strong and durable
4. Simple Deluxe LGPUMPAIR38 Air Pump
The Simple Deluxe LGPUMPAIR38 Air Pump is one of the best commercial air pumps that I tried. I was pretty impressed with how powerful this device is. The build is exceptional and has managed to win the hearts of many users.
Product Highlights
The first thing to come to my mind when talking about this item is its build. This air pump looks like a small radiator heater and is constructed of premium aluminum alloy. Its construction is quite robust, and that ensures that the device will last for a long time. And the build is so compact that it won’t unnecessarily occupy space.
Other than that, the item is pretty powerful. On multiple tests, it was able to easily filter out 38 liters of water every minute. The capacity is incredible and is perfect for most deep water culture settings. As there are six outlets, you can attach multiple reservoirs to it at the same time.
Moreover, using this device comes with no accompanied disturbances. Yes, you got it right! This item hardly makes any noise as the vibrations are minimal, and the sound does not go above 60 decibels. So, even if you plan on using it indoors, it should not be a problem.
What’s There To Like About It?
I was really impressed when I found out that the product is shockproof and water-resistant. The material is such that it helps save energy as it is wear-resistant. And because there is an anti-vibration base, it will act as a buffer to prevent shocks.
Not to mention, there is a separate on/off valve for every outlet. This feature is pretty helpful when you are planning to scale your hydroponic system up or down.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
As I have already mentioned, the power of the pump is relatively high. So, it would have been better if there was a securing mechanism attached to the air tube. Over time, there’s a chance that the air tube might become a bit loose. This addition would have been great.
Pros and Cons of Simple Deluxe LGPUMPAIR38 Air Pump
Pros
Cons
- Electromagnetic air pump: High quality ZL 102 Aluminum alloy, outstanding heat dissipation performance, surface phosphating treatment, electrostatic spraying, uniform color. No lubricant design, compressed air is purer.
- Max air pressure & air volume: The powerful 18W electromagnetic motor produces excellent air pressure (over 0. 02 mpa) and delivers a large amount of air to the six adjustable valve outlets. 100% copper outlet nozzle for long-lasting stable oxygen supply.
- With standard air tubing: 1/4" Diameter, 25 foot Tubing, flexible and durable, won't become brittle or crack. Transparent and non-toxic, so it won't hurt your fish. Ideal for use with aquarium decorations or bubblers and many filters.
There’s no way I was going to wrap up this list without having mentioned the INCLY 7W Aquarium Air Pump. It is the best pick for people who love smart design features. Super simple to use, this item can be a great addition to your hydroponics setup.
Product Highlights
The device comes with four outlet dividers which makes operation super convenient. These valve adjustment switches make it possible for you to adjust the setting individually, according to your convenience. You can use this for large reservoirs as it can efficiently deliver around 254 gallons every hour.
Not to mention, it comes with high-quality rubber pads that reduce the vibration considerably. Besides, these pads are also instrumental in enhancing the stability of the device. Because of them, there’s no way that there will be any scratches on your tank or cabinet.
Other than that, it scores high on effectiveness as well. The product makes use of the electromagnetic vibration principle and that reduces friction considerably. As there’s less friction, the power consumption is cut down, and efficiency is enhanced.
What’s There To Like About It?
Unlike many standard air pumps, this one hardly makes any noise as it comes with an internal muffler. So, the problem of noise is tackled pretty effectively. But for the muffler to work best, I would suggest that you keep the air pump a bit higher than the water level.
Moreover, you would be happy to know that it is suitable for use with small and medium-sized fish tanks. Apart from hydroponic setups, it can be used in aquariums too.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The only problem that I faced while using this device was with operating the output switch. The switch is located at the bottom of the unit, which I feel is a pretty strange placement. I expected a better design from a brand as good as this one. Nonetheless, the switch placement does not affect the performance.
Pros and Cons of INCLY 7W Aquarium Air Pump
Pros
Cons
- 7W electromagnetic motor produces exceptional air pressure (Mas: 0.025 mpa) and sends a huge volume of air 245 gallon per hour for fish breath or root growth
- High Effective：adopting electromagnetic vibration principle,there is not friction between moving parts,which can minimizing power consumption and offering high efficiency .Therefore no need for lubrication,make sure air is always clean
- Ultra Silent：with sound insulation design,it is extremely quiet when working,High/Low switch to choose from. Low air flow with minimal noise, allow you to run it in the living room 24/7 without annoying sound.
Buyers Guide
Now that I have given you a detailed round-up of the products, were you able to decide which one to go for? Well, I understand that it is pretty challenging to make a pick unless you keep a few factors in mind.
And in this section, I will take you through some of those factors.
1. Air Pump Capacity
The capacity of the air pump is what determines how much power is required to bring dissolved oxygen into the tanks. Ideally, you should associate 1 watt of air pump power for every gallon of nutrients. Simply put, a 20-gallon tank will require at least 20 watts of power.
The air pumps come with a variety of power settings, and you should choose one that suits your requirements the best. You can opt for a pump of 5 watts if you do not have a high power requirement. And then there are devices that go as high as 200 watts.
I recommend buying a pump that exceeds your power requirement. That way, there will never be any shortage of oxygen for your water plants.
2. Durability
There’s no point investing a lump sum of an air pump unless it lasts for long. If you are into hydroponic farming, you might need to run the pumps for extended intervals. So, it is essential that you opt for a device that is durable and sturdy.
When checking the durability of a product, spend some time to understand whether the material of the pistons and cylinders is top-notch. In case you are planning to use the device for outdoor purposes, it is best to go for one that comes with weather protection features.
To know about how durable a pump is, you can also check the customer reviews.
3. Vibration And Noise
Noise can be a big deterrent when you are using an air pump for your hydroponics. The best air pump for hydroponics is the one that has good power and makes less noise. But note that as the power capacity increases, most pumps make more noise and give rise to vibrations.
In case you are planning to use a pump for indoor purposes, it goes without saying that you need to purchase a device that is not noisy. Look for noise-proof designs or attach a special case to lower the noise level.
Pumps which are relatively smaller are less noisy and well-suited for indoor use. However, if you want a high-power pump but do not want to deal with the noise, you can consider installing it in the garage or terrace.
Most of the manufacturers mention the noise level in decibels on the product packages. I would suggest that you check it before making a purchase.
4. Number Of Nozzles
Most of the air pumps that I have listed come with several nozzles. However, you will even find options that come with a single nozzle. Having more than one nozzle is really beneficial when you want to add several reservoirs to your device. I prefer going with this option, as it helps me grow a variety of plants simultaneously.
If you have a big hydroponic system, this is the best bet. Having a few extra nozzles would not hurt anyone, and you will always have the scope to expand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Well, there is no single answer to this question. Whether a commercial-grade pump would be a good bet for you or not entirely depends on your requirement.
If you have an enormous reservoir, a commercial pump would be the ideal choice. To supply oxygen to massive hydroponic farms, installing commercial-grade pumps is essential. This variety is further suited for outdoor usage as the build is much more robust. Because of the construction, they can easily withstand harsh climatic conditions.
Ideally, you can, but it is best that you switch it off occasionally. However, if the plants that you are growing have their roots completely submerged in the water, it is advisable that you run the pump at all times.
When you keep the pump switched on at all times, your plants can breathe better and therefore face less stress. And when your plants are healthy, there’s less chance of algae or pathogen growth.
This is a very common question that I keep getting from gardeners. To be honest, eliminating noise from the air pumps completely is not possible. So, if the sound is too bothersome, it is best that you place the device outside of your living area.
Some of my friends have mentioned that wrapping up the pump with a towel or a sponge helped them considerably decrease the noise. But applying this mechanism may affect the durability of your pump. But in case you do not mind replacing the pump a few times a year, this is an excellent way to go about it.
You should select a pump on the basis of the size of the reservoir that you have. If you are planning to use it for a small reservoir, going for a pump with a single nozzle can be sufficient. However, that won’t be the case when your reservoir is big.
My Final Recommendations
With that, I have now reached the end of this informative guide. I hope after reading this, you won’t face any problem in choosing the right air pump for your hydroponics.Â
Keep in mind that high-power devices mostly create a lot of noise. So, if you have a problem with that, you must make the pick carefully. In case you are still a bit confused about which one would be the best bet, let me further help you by sharing my favorites.
The VIVOSUN AP-45 remains my all-time favorite for its exceptional performance. Apart from that, the Hydrofarm AAPA15LÂ provides excellent airflow.
For more exciting reads, do not forget to keep a watch on this space. Until next time, adios!