How to Quiet Your Aquarium Air Pump for Cheap

Intro: How to Quiet Your Aquarium Air Pump for Cheap

Aquarium air pumps can be quite noisy. I was getting tired of hearing a loud noise while I was working on my computer. Here is a solution that will cut down on the noise for a low price. All you need is:

-cushion foam (usually found in sewing supply section for $7) - the thicker, the better. It should be bigger than your pump

-a sharp knife

STEP 1: Cut Your Foam Into a Block Slightly Larger Than Your Air Pump

STEP 2: Place the Pump on the Foam and Trace Around It With a Pen/pencil

It is good to have a snug fit so the pump doesn't vibrate.

STEP 3: Cut Out Your Tracing

Once you have gone around the tracing, lift and cut horizontally so you have a hole for your pump. Don't cut through the entire foam piece.

STEP 4: Cut Additional Slots for Power Cord and Air Tubing

Cutting slots prevents the tubing and power cord from bending unnaturally.

STEP 5: Place Pump in Foam Block and Hook Everything Up

STEP 6: All Done! It Should Look Something Like This...

-The foam prevents too much vibration and dampens the noise.

Additional ideas:

-make a top portion of foam that will fit over the pump so the pump is completely enclosed.

-you can trim extra side foam away if you want.

-be creative and think of new/improved ideas!

-in addition to this measure, there are other measures you can take to decrease noise such as:

-moving the pump above the aquarium

-keeping the air stone clean

-placing the air pump on a solid surface

Hope you got something out of this instructable!

Comments

[Thats IT]

Hi here is a video which you can easily Reduce your pump noise
It is not in english but can understand easily without voice :)

[joeny1980]

Thanks for this. I took inspiration from this and simply put my pump on top of a kitchen sponge (it was an unused sponge that was pretty much stiff). I then wrapped it with a rubber band. Its probably 90% quieter.

[LydiaT2]

But, if you enclose it too tightly in the foam, how does it get enough air to pump through to the aquarium? Also, I would be afraid that not giving it enough air to pump can make it get over heated and catch the foam on fire.

[biotin80]

The foam I use is not very dense so lots of air holes. I've been running my pump for two years with the foam and no issues. Gotta pick a light, non-dense foam. I watched it for a long time to make sure it was safe. My pump doesn't heat up at all.