Tetra Whisper Air Pump for Aquariums Up to 100 Gallons, Non-UL

Rating: 4.5 stars Would I recommend? Yes! My current tank setup is a 40-gallon breeder with one axolotl. We had still been using a cheap, unbranded air pump designed for our old 10-gallon starter tank for the past year and a half or so; it still worked and produced sufficient air to power two bubble accessories, but was loud as sin. Especially when the tank chiller was going at the same time, the noise level was really annoying. Since we're home all the time now during quarantine, it got really irritating listening to that air pump, so I did a lot of research that led me to the Eheim brand of pumps. They supposedly had the best power and noise level. I ordered the Eheim 200 (which is supposedly overpowered for my 40-gallon tank, as it's rated for 60 gallons) and returned it the same day I received it. Even with BOTH of its outputs combined with a T-connector and cranked up to maximum output, it was not strong enough to produce ANY visible bubbles, even when connected to only one bubble accessory. It was pathetic: yes it's quiet, but that's because it doesn't do anything! I don't think we just got a dud, either, as we could feel the air output on our hands, it was just very weak. We were very disappointed. It was not at ALL worth the price, and functioned worse than our cheapo beginner air pump. Next up, I finally decided to try the Tetra whisper. We read from a reviewer who tested the output and dB of many pumps that this one was NOT the quietest, but was efficient, inexpensive, and quiet enough for the price. I was also still wary of many negative reviews. After my previous disappointment, I really considered getting a Tetra pump intended for deep water application (overkill, but we wanted to make sure this one actually worked!) but finally decided to compromise on a Tetra Whisper 100-gallon pump. Unlike the Eheim, it doesn't offer built-in output controls, but it does have 2 outputs. I really only need one output, and the power is still overkill, but thankfully... this one WORKS! The device is easy to set up, and functions well even when both outputs are connected via a T-connector (I also use a one-way valve at that point just to prevent backflow). We have the pump itself plugged in inside a cabinet under the tank, and we run a line up into the aquarium via a hole in the lid. I then split off the line with an air manifold inside the tank itself and have it hooked up to two bubble toy accessories. I am delighted to report this is capable of powering both, without producing an excess air volume. Our axie likes to hang out near the bubblers. Best of all, this pump really is quiet. It does produce an audible low hum when you're nearby, but does not rattle and cause other things in our cabinet to vibrate loudly like our old pump did. The volume is negligible when not standing next to the cabinet with the doors open. It is actually a huge relief. I would recommend this product over the Eheim pumps especially, and would advise others to go for a significantly higher volume rating than their tank volume if they intend to power anything more than a bubble wand. I also recommend purchasing a T-connector with one-way valve if you need to power a single accessory that needs more air power, such as a filter.

I bought one of these to power a sponge filter on my temporary 2.5 gallon betta tank and another to power a DIY brine shrimp hatchery setup. The betta is being upgraded to a 6 gallon tank in a few weeks, which will definitely test the power of this pump more than it currently is, but I don't think it will be a problem. It's plenty powerful for the sponge filter in my 2.5 gallon tank currently and I have to use a control valve to slow down the air coming through so the water doesn't end up too choppy for my betta and his snail tankmates. The noise level could be better (it seems to be more noisy than the up to 20 gallon tank rated air pump by the same brand), but overall it's very quiet and gets drowned out in the sound of the fan I have going in my room. The air pump itself is small enough it can be placed directly behind my tank on the same stand, which is convenient for access to it in case I need to do maintenance, as well. It comes with a control valve as well which is awesome! I didn't have to go spend $2 on one separately after all. Overall, can't beat the value of the item for the price. Local stores like walmart have air pumps starting at something like $10 and are twice as noisy as this one and pet stores charge even more. Awesome pump and even more amazing price

Tetra Whisper Easy to Use Air Pump for Aquariums (Non-UL) ~ 20 - 40 gallon ~ AKA Whisper 40 Upgrading from my long running Whisper 10 to a 40 as I'm adding a sponge filter to the mix. And my 10 which is still going strong will be kicked down to a 5.5 gallon tank for quarantine or fry. New one seems just like the old one just a little more powerful which is exactly what I hoped. I find these style Tetra pumps to be kind of a gold standard because in my experience they're quite reliable and long lasting, maybe not the quietest on the planet but not loud at all, and very well powered for the price, which is very reasonable. And they've been around for quite a while and sold in a lot of places so they've got consistency down. You can get a quieter pump but will pay a whole lot more for an actually long lasting one with the same power, and I find these Tetras to be reasonably quiet. Unless you're really critical or sensitive to a low hum I don't even notice from across the room. And you can find cheaper pumps, or ones in the same price range with a 2nd output or adjustable flow, but they are usually under-powered or disposable junk. These Tetras are just all around good solid basic air pumps. And I can just split or regulate my lines. I do wish they would stick to listing these as "Whisper 40" or whatever like it says on the pumps or a standard model number like "AP-40" instead of this gallon range nonsense. The original numbers were always implied gallon ratings anyway but this range thing being the main naming distinction just muddies the waters of what we're all used to. I'd say 20 - 40 gallon is a fair ballpark range for a Whisper 40 but there's enough variables that could easily throw that off that it doesn't make sense for the main naming distinction. If all you want is a single little air stone a Whisper 10 would likely be all you need up to 30 or possibly more gallons. Definitely for a 20 long which isn't that deep. And if you had a 10 gallon tank with a sponge filter or bubble wall plus some other bubble feature you would definitely benefit from going up to a Whisper 40. Implying gallons it in the model number is fine, at least we know the models, getting rid of model numbers so the pump doesn't even have a name any more, just a range of questionable accuracy is stupid in my opinion. Plus it's just a nuisance taking something that's been around long enough that tons of people know the standard numbers, not to mention it's mentioned that way all over the internet anyone new to the hobby will find, and now have to decipher what this range nonsense is. I come knowing I wanted a 40 and see 20-40, 40-60, etc, and I'm like what? I know now the max number is the one that corresponds to the old standard number but it's just stupid. The one I got says Whisper 40 on the bottom of the pump as I would expect but that's not in this listing anywhere. Why? And you could still list the suggested gallon range in the description or on the box somewhere, just put a standard non-changing number on the box and anywhere there's product selection online so we can know the model without playing games.

The Tetra Whisper Air Pump is a reliable and affordable option for small aquarium setups up to 10 gallons. The name says it all — it's impressively quiet compared to other air pumps I've used. Running it continuously in my bedroom aquarium doesn't disturb sleep or daily activities at all. The airflow is powerful enough to drive a sponge filter or air stone effectively in a smaller tank. Setup is simple — just attach an airline tube and you're good to go. The unit is compact and lightweight, making it easy to position discreetly near the tank. It's been running for months without any issues and hasn't shown any signs of losing output power. The rubber feet keep it from vibrating on the shelf. For anyone with a small freshwater tank who needs a quiet, dependable air pump at a budget price, the Tetra Whisper is a solid choice that has earned its reputation in the fishkeeping hobby.

Last summer, we bought a goldfish on a whim while we were at the supermarket. Actually, we did start off with two Bettas that eventually died after a week or two. I saw them in those ridiculous plastic cups at Wal-Mart, no room to swim and just floating in their own unfiltered poop. Wal-Mart had them stacked on each other so many of them had the air holes covered by the cup above them. I spent about half an hour trying to stack them in a way where the air holes weren't covered and the ones toward the back had about a CENTIMETER of water left because the incompetent Wal-Mart employees apparently don't care about living creatures. I don't even like fish but I felt so bad when I saw them so we took two home and with them we spent about $60 additional dollars for the tank and everything else we needed to set up a home for them. So yeah they died two weeks later. Then we went to Meijer and figured what the heck? They sell goldfish for 17 cents and now we have an empty tank. Might as well fill it with a fish or two. So, we got Dominic and Decoco...two small goldfish named after a hilarious scene in Inglorious Basterds. Some time after that we got some chubby fantailed fish that, to this day, we still call `Fish' along with two small guppies and two platy fish (not all at once). Decoco died. The two guppies tried eating the other fish's tail fins so they got beat up and died. One of the platy fish got ick and died. Since summer, we've just been waiting for them all to croak but since then we've upgraded the tank two times, bought a heater, filters, etc, etc. All for pets that we can't pet, hug, or do anything with. I swear I didn't like them but all of a sudden after Fish started spending time at the bottom of the tank a few days ago, I was actually worried and it bothered me. I had grown attached to Fish, Dominic, and Platy. The previous air pump or whatever you call it that we used was a Tetra and it sucked. Everything that we've gotten that was a Tetra brand has sucked except for this so I'm a little confused because this one is much cheaper than the first filter I got. Especially the filter system. I have to write a review on my new filter, too, because that thing is amazing. Our whole fish tank got an entire renovation complete with new air pump, filter system, heater, and new plants. This air pump is a beast. You'll have to buy an air stone but those are extremely cheap. We got a seashell shape and it blows bubbles like a monster and even Fish will stick his or her butt into it and just linger there. It does have to be plugged in of course but the power cord is fairly long. There's not much else I can do to describe it but it is a wonderful product. I think my fish are happier. I stuck my finger in there the other day after feeding them and all 3 of them nibbled on me. Also, it barely makes a sound. We live in a small studio so if it made a sound, we would know since the space is so small I'm sure we would be able to hear a housefly fart. Great product. Would recommend. Would buy again.

When used as an aquarium air pump these are quite good products. One of these low end pumps produce enough air to be split into 2 or 3 air stones of moderate bubbling. Be sure to use these with one way water valves to keep water from siphoning back down into the pump The one way valves are essential to use with this pump. If you install a valve to control air pressure, be sure to allow a 2nd valve or a 2 gang valve to relieve the excess back pressure. Your pump will wear out faster and vibrate louder if you dont allow it to push out its air. Just let the second valve bleed off the pressure while the first one controls flow to your device. Try not to get this pump wet. It is plugged into an electrical socket and can be quite hazardous to touch if water gets inside it. Also don't block the little hole in bottom with the cloth like covering. It needs that opening to get air. Also keep odors or chemicals away from this pump or that will end up getting pumped into your water. If it vibrates too loudly, try to reduce its back air pressure via a valve that allows a little air to escape. You can also take a kitchen sponge or folded cloth and lay it on that. If its still too much, try turning it upside down and laying on the sponge or cloth. Over time this type of air pump could get louder. You can usually fix this by replacing the little rubber bellow it vibrates to make air or by retightening parts inside. But at the dirt cheap price these pumps sell for, you're better off just getting a new one. For the cost, these really are amazing little pumps that often last longer than their tanks are set up.

These are the best ones I’ve used over the years. They are very quiet. Gives the best airflow for the tank. I have always over sized my air pump. Highly recommend.

Quieter than most but not the quietest I've gotten. I recommend the NICREW Nano Silent Aquarium Air Pump.

The product appears ok. But the device is for 110 volts 60 cycles USA standard. Here in Australia it is 240 volts 50 cycles.. Some one never checked..

At first when I set this up, I put the pump on top of my aquarium hood. It was really, really, noisy. I was so discouraged thinking I wouldn't be able to use it after all. Then, I started experimenting with places to sit the pump on. I put it on my kitchen counter (as my fish tank is right next to the counter), and low, and behold, so quiet I couldn't even hear it unless I put my ear almost touching the pump. Also, the pressure is pretty powerful for this unit, especially that it is for a 10 gallon, and I am using it on a 30 gallon. To tell you the truth, I wasn't expecting many bubbles. But, it does blast out lots of bubbles. Another big plus to this unit is it comes with a small valve that you can put on (by connecting the tubes to either side of it.) That valve is awesome because it lets me control the flow of bubbles. At night, I like to turn it down for the fish. So, that was a big plus for me. Also, it's bigger than I thought it would be. That's fine too. I was thinking it would be a lot smaller. It has rubber feet on it so it doesn't slip on its surface, and it controls the noise. I highly recommend this unit. But, like I mentioned find the right surface where it will be absolutely quiet before you start posting about how noisy it is.. The shipping was so fast. It was here in a day as promised. Thank you again for the great service. I would like to add some feedback about leaving product reviews. Could you please include the product name in your review. That way we are reading about the exact product we are researching. I've been reading so many reviews on Amazon products I research that are not even related to what the product is mentioned on the sale page. Thank you. UPDATE: June 2021. The part that connects the hose to the unit completely broke off (not repairable), it wasn't dropped or misused, so It only lasted 14 months.

Received with thanks

The product is faulty and become so hot and noisy from the second day! They made the return and refund process too complicated that you cannot return it that easy! No proper customer service!

It's a very quiet air pump with very good output. It does come with a regulator valve to adjust air level but you will need to get hose and check valve. The manual suggests using a check valve to prevent water from backing up into the pump. I recommend this pump.