Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best fish tank air pumps for keeping your aquarium pet’s habitat healthy

If you’re looking for decoration and entertainment for your fish, a tank air pump is the solution that your fish will love. The increased water movement keeps your aquatic friends engaged and in movement. Just like humans and other pets, fish also need exercise to develop stronger muscles and improved overall health.

Better water circulation provides physical activity and mental stimulation for the fish in your aquarium. By moving particles in the aquarium, our favorite fish tank air pumps support your filtration system and keep the water cleaner. With a quiet fish tank air pump, you won’t disturb your fish while adding a fun element to their aquarium. Let’s take a look at our top picks.

Tetra Pump for Aquariums

Best Overall Air Pump

The Tetra Pump for Aquariums is the powerful and quiet solution to increase water circulation in tanks of different sizes. With reliable operation and none of the noise, this quiet fish tank air pump won’t disturb your fish with extra noise. Its patented dome shape and rubber shock mounts dampen sound, so your fish enjoy added air flow and extra oxygen.

Uniclife Aquarium Air Pump

Best Versatile

For freshwater and marine aquariums, the Uniclife Aquarium Air Pump is the versatile solution to improve your tank’s water quality. With adjustable flow rate and two outlets, this 20-gallon fish tank air pump works adjusts to tanks up to 100 gallons. It features ultra-quiet operation and comes with everything you need to set it up in 4 easy steps.

Pawfly Aquarium Air Pump

Best Value

Increase the freshness of your tank and your wallet with the Pawfly Aquarium Air Pump. This budget friendly solution delivers the water circulation your aquarium needs without breaking the bank. It’s a durable and reliable option for freshwater or marine tanks with a capacity of up to 10 gallons. Its whisper quiet operation is barely noticeable, so you and your fish sleep soundly.

A healthy aquatic environment needs air and water movement for your fish to thrive. With the air pumps on our list, your fish will enjoy an improved space that keeps water cleaner and encourages them to exercise. You will also love the added water movement that keeps things flowing and enhances the peaceful feel of your fish tank.

PawTracks Contributor
PawTracks Contributor
How long do goldfish live? What to know about your new carnival prize
3 tips to keep your goldfish alive longer
Goldfish swimming past snails

You might have memories from childhood of your first pet, perhaps a hamster, turtle, or goldfish. While in popular culture, we often think of the goldfish as having a short lifespan (not to mention attention span), neither of these myths is really true. In fact, these bright beauties can live for a long time with proper care.

So, how long do goldfish live? And what do you need to do to maximize your time with them? We'll break down the best ways to keep your swimmer alive.
How long do goldfish live?

Read more
What do turtles eat? Your complete guide
What to feed and not to feed your turtle or tortoise
Person feeds their pet turtle

You probably have a fair idea of what to feed a dog or cat, but bringing home your first reptile will completely change what goes into your pet pantry. Turtles, in particular, have something of a confusing diet since there are a few different types and they eat different things.

On the one hand, aquatic turtles live almost all of their lives in water and eat there, too. The flip side is that tortoises usually only eat vegetables and live on land. All of these pets need distinct menus, so you should think about what kind of turtle you want and adjust your feeding habits to match. So, what do turtles eat? We'll walk you through a nutrition plan for your animal, no matter what.
What should you feed an aquatic turtle?

Read more
How long do parrots actually live?
You'll have to commit to a parrot for decades, but that means more time to love them
Side profile of a green and yellow parrot.

When you bring home a pet, you make a commitment for life, but you don't usually have to mean that literally. In the case of a few select animals, you might wind up with a friend who even outlives you. In particular, turtles/tortoises and parrots have some of the longest lifespans of common household pets. So, how long do parrots live? It depends a bit on the species, but you could have your feathered friend for 50 years!
Average parrot lifespan

When we say parrot, you probably conjure a specific image of a red or green bird with some colorful wings that can speak a few words, but there are more than 350 species that all fall under this umbrella. These include parakeets, budgies, cockatiels, cockatoos, macaws, and Amazon parrots. That's a lot of options to choose from if your heart is set on a bird friend.

Read more