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Quieting a loud air pump
Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 10:58 pm
by 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.
Re: Quieting a loud air pump
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 3:36 am
by 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.
Re: Quieting a loud air pump
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 5:30 am
by 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.
Re: Quieting a loud air pump
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 6:57 am
by 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.
Re: Quieting a loud air pump
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 7:29 am
by solarkey
nightfox wrote: ↑Tue Sep 02, 2025 6:57 am
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.
Re: Quieting a loud air pump
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:32 am
by 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.
Re: Quieting a loud air pump
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 3:24 pm
by hikers_22
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll try the foam pad first and see how it goes. Appreciate the help!
Re: Quieting a loud air pump
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 7:12 pm
by 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.
Re: Quieting a loud air pump
Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:27 pm
by 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.
Re: Quieting a loud air pump
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2025 2:17 am
by Galaxy
coralwave_7 wrote: ↑Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:27 pm
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.