How Can I Make My Air Pump Quieter?
The Air Pump is used to power the biOrb filtration ensuring the water is fully oxygenated and the fish waste is drawn into the filter cartridge.
The air pump works by causing rapid vibrations in a rubber diaphragm. This move the air effectively to create the bubbles but the vibration also produces some noise. This noise is always present but the biOrb air pump is designed to run as silently as possible.
When the aquarium is first setup the air pump can be overly noisy for the 1st week while the system becomes settled. Please keep the air pump running and allow time for this noise to settle down.
If after a couple of weeks the air pump is still noisy then there are several things you can do to make your air pump quieter:
* Most noise is caused by the air pump or the cabling rattling against another object. Ensure that the air pump isn't hitting any other object and it sitting flat on its rubber feet.
* Make sure that all of the air stone located in the base of the aquarium is clean and not in need of replacement. A visual check on the airstone will show if it is clogged or dirty. The air stone will need to be replaced at least every 6 months as they get clogged with algae, bacteria, and fish waste. If the air stone is dirty it will put extra pressure on the air pump making it work harder to move air, ultimately causing more noise.
* Ensure the air pump is above the level of the surface of the water. Having it lower increases the back pressure on the pump and can create more noise. In addition, if your pump stops (such as a power cut) water could siphon through the air line if the pump is positioned lower than the surface of the water. Although the biOrb does have multiple one-way values to stop this we would always recommend keeping the pump above the water level.
* Always place your air pump on a solid surface. Placing the air pump in a hollow container will often cause the noise to resonate, making it seem louder. Placing the pump on a thin piece of metal, glass, or wood will usually have the same effect, creating a more irritating noise.
The air pump is a mechanical device and over time it will need replacing as the diaphragm becomes worn and deteriorates. The biOrb Air Pump is available from biOrb stockists or online.
