Quieting a loud air pump

[hikers_22]

My air pump is driving me nuts. It's a Tetra Whisper 40, and it's way louder than I expected. Any tips to quiet it down without sacrificing airflow? I've got it sitting on a towel, but it's still pretty noisy.

[oceanpath]

I've had the same issue with my Whisper pump. Try placing it on a foam pad or a piece of rubber. It absorbs vibrations better than a towel. Also, check if the air tubing is touching anything hard, that can amplify the noise.

[chario]

Yep, foam works wonders. I cut a piece from an old yoga mat and stuck it under mine. Made a huge difference. Also, make sure the pump isn't sitting directly on the tank stand, that can make it louder.

[nightfox]

If it's still loud after that, might be worth checking the diaphragm. Sometimes they wear out and start rattling. Not hard to replace, and cheap too. Just saying, it's a vibe killer when your tank sounds like a construction site.

[solarkey]

If it's still loud after that, might be worth checking the diaphragm. Sometimes they wear out and start rattling. Not hard to replace, and cheap too. Just saying, it's a vibe killer when your tank sounds like a construction site.

Good point. I've had to replace mine twice in three years. It's a quick fix and usually solves the noise issue.

[Honey]

Another thing to consider is the air stone. If it's clogged or too fine, it can cause backpressure and make the pump work harder. Try swapping it out for a coarser one and see if that helps.

[hikers_22]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll try the foam pad first and see how it goes. Appreciate the help!

[digger88]

I've got mine hanging from a hook under the stand. No vibrations at all. Just make sure the tubing is long enough and doesn't kink.

[coralwave_7]

Is it normal for these pumps to get louder over time? Mine started quiet but now it's like a mini jet engine.

[Galaxy]

Is it normal for these pumps to get louder over time? Mine started quiet but now it's like a mini jet engine.

Yeah, they do wear out. My old one got so loud I had to replace it. New one's been chill so far.