How can I make the bubbles in my fish tank silent?

Question

I have a sponge filter with an air pump and the bubbles sound like a cauldron boiling. Is there anyway I can make them quiet? Are there different filters that dont produce such loud bubbles?

Answer 1

I think Jan's on the right track here - you may have too large of an airpump for your tank, and that's why it's putting out so many bubbles. You can also get valves to use at some point in your tubing to cut down on the amount of air going to the filter: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10420/product.web These should be availble at a local pet/fish store around air pumps and supplies.

Beyond this, you may just need a good cover on the tank to provide additional soundproofing.

Answer 2

I know what you mean, mine always reminds me of the sound of spaghetti when it is about done. lol But what I find works is either pushing the top down (where the bubbles come out) farther under the water. It doesn't have to be right at the surface, or, you could buy an adjustable valve that attaches to the airline tube and has a little knob on it that turns to adjust how much air pressure is being pushed through the tube. If you turn it down some it will really reduce the sound, it also reduces the filtering ability somewhat so you don't want to turn it down too much. These valves are small and cheep and plastic and you should be able to find them at any local fish store or pet store. Just ask them if you are unsure what they look like.

As far as quieter filtration you could always switch to an external "hang on the back" filter. These don't make bubbles, just current but they are very quite. Besides UGFs (under gravel filters) most other types of filtration do not involve bubbles, just water flow.

Here is a pic of one brand of the valves:

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/14346/product.web

EDIT: It is OK to have a larger pump than is neccessary, it may cause stronger pressure resulting in louder bubbles, but really the bigger the pump the better. I personaly lean towards larger pumps as long as i have them available, as these are better inclined to do the job and not burn out. Also you can use a "gang valve" with a larger pump that will split the air pressure into two different places for example you can use one strong pump with a gang vave to power your filter and an airstone. If you use too weak of a pump to do this however, it will not work very well. Here is one kind of gang valve, it has 4 ways to split the flow, other kinds split it 2 or 3 ways.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/14345/product.web

Answer 3

Silent Fish Tank Pump

Answer 4

I have Elite Aqua Fizzz air stones and they don't make a peep. I hear the actual pump vibrating but not the air bubbles. I also have a Rena air pump and the sucker is silent as can be. It sounds like one of three things is happening.

1. your air stone is no good, try a new one and a different band.
2. the connection between the air tub and the stone isn't air tight and air is leaking through there making the noise.
3. The 'lid' on the sponge filter has holes that are two small forcing the air to come out in larger bubbles, smaller bubbles mean less noise.

I've also seen plastic air stones made up of a bunch of different ring and you can tighter or loosen it to make the bubbles smaller or larger, I don't know if they even sell them anymore though.

Answer 5

It sounds like you have too much air. Slow it down. Put the bubble wand or airstone in a lower position, not at the surface.

Answer 6

you can buy a filter, a filter is way better than the air pump.

Answer 7

If you find a solution, let me know.
I've battled with that for years. I have a desktop, 10 gal, 55 gal and a 100 gal. Sincerely, good luck.

Answer 8

put a lid on your aquarium. it helps soo much. or maybe check out diff. brands and styles of things till you find good one.