8 best compressors for aquariums

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Compressor – a device designed to saturate water with oxygen and mix water flows, is considered one of the essential elements of every aquarium. In practice, in small “cans” the compressor can be replaced with a filter with an aeration function.

What is the best filter or compressor for an aquarium

View	ADVANTAGES	LIMITATIONS
COMPRESSOR _	PROVIDES A HIGH DEGREE OF AERATION	NOZZLES, HOSES, VALVES ARE OBTAINED SEPARATELY
	AIR SUPPLY CAN BE REGULATED AND DISTRIBUTED	NOISE WHEN OPERATING
	EXCLUDES THE APPEARANCE OF PERMANENT AREAS
FILTER _	Silence	NOT ALL MODELS CAN FULFILL THE ROLE OF A COMPRESSOR
	SIMULTANEOUSLY FILTERS, AERIATES, AND MIXES WATER	AERATION QUALITY DECREASES WITH TIME
		AT THE HEIGHT OF THE AQUARIUM MORE THAN 50 CM AT THE BOTTOM A “ZONE ZONE” IS CREATED

In general, for a small aquarium (up to 50 l), especially with live plants, a filter will suffice. In large volumes, aquariums without plants or inhabited by certain types of fish (for example, cichlids), as well as in high temperature water, the filter does not cope with the compressor tasks.

What to look for when choosing a compressor for an aquarium

1. A type. Membrane models practically do not wear out and do not require interruptions in work. They consume less energy, but they also develop less power than reciprocating compressors designed for aeration of large aquariums (conditionally from 150 liters).
2. Power supply. Most devices operate on mains power. If such a device is not equipped with a check valve, then if the light is suddenly turned off, water from the aquarium may flow through the compressor onto the floor, not to mention that the fish will be left without aeration. There are also battery-powered compressor options: they are usually small, portable, and less powerful. In everyday life, it is useful to have both options: a main electric compressor and a battery-powered spare.
3. Power is measured in liters per hour and shows how much air will be supplied to the aquarium per unit of time. The minimum power can be calculated using the formula: 0.5 l / h for every liter of water in the aquarium.
4. The depth at which the compressor can be installed also plays an important role. The heavier the water column, which the unit will have to overcome during operation, the more energy will be spent on this work.
5. The ability to adjust the voltage and, accordingly, the volume of air supplied is useful, but not present in all compressor models.
6. The presence of an air filter that will clean the air from dust and other impurities before feeding into the aquarium.
7. Noise level. All compressors are noisy, but to varying degrees. If the aquarium is in the bedroom, then it makes sense to purchase a relatively quiet model for a little more money, but be prepared for the fact that you will not be able to completely get rid of the noise.

Rating of the best compressors for the aquarium

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best powerful compressors for aquariums	1	Eheim 400	RUB 3,030
	2	JUWEL ECCOFLOW 600	RUB 2,120
	3	Tetra APS 300	RUB 1,488
	4	SCHEGO M2K3	RUB 3,070
The best compressors for small aquariums	1	Schego “Optimal”, 250 l / h	RUB 2,169
	2	Aquael Oxyboost 150 plus	RUB 799
	3	Sera Air 110 Plus	RUB 1,700
Best Portable Compressors for Aquariums	1	Hagen Marina	RUB 1,399

The best powerful compressors for aquariums

Models from this part of the rating are distinguished by the best indicators of power and energy consumption. Such a device can be safely placed in a large and deep aquarium.

Eheim 400

Rating: 4.9

The ideal price-performance ratio has given the Eheim compressor its well-deserved first place. The name reflects the performance of the device – 400 l / h, while it consumes only 4 W and provides a head power of up to 2 m. The model has two channels that can be adjusted independently of each other, and is designed for an aquarium of 50-400 liters, and the design of the device allows you to serve several “cans” simultaneously, not exceeding this volume in total.

When placing the compressor, you can use the anti-vibration rubber feet or a suspension bracket in a convenient place – in any case, the device will work quite quietly. The supplied nozzles are attached to the wall of the aquarium using a suction cup and are equipped with a system for regulating the size of the bubbles and the force of the air flow. The compressor is suitable for fresh and salted aquariums.

The cost of the device starts from 2500 rubles.

Advantages

• warranty period 36 months;

• sprayers and hose included;

• compactness;

• convenient accommodation options;

• power 4 W;

• silent work;

• independent channel adjustment;

disadvantages

• short hose – 2 m;

• high price;

• relatively short-lived membranes;

JUWEL ECCOFLOW 600

Rating: 4.8

Strictly speaking, the Eccoflow from the German company Juwel is a pump, that is, a pump that continuously pumps a certain volume of water through itself: in this case, 600 l / h with a fairly low power consumption of 6.5 W. The device turns into an aerator using a separate small diffuser nozzle, which sucks in air from the environment through a thin hose, and then throws it into the aquarium along with water. The power of the pump ensures that the diffuser runs smoothly and that efficiency remains the same, even over time. Thus, Eccoflow can be an excellent alternative to a standard compressor. The disadvantage of the design is that its optimal operation is possible only in the filter system of the same manufacturer.

The cost with the diffuser is 2440 rubles on the manufacturer's website.

Advantages

• 24 months warranty;

• built into filters of different types;

• power 6.5 W;

• noiselessness;

disadvantages

• performs aeration only with a separately purchased diffuser;

Tetra APS 300

Rating: 4.7

The Tetra compressor immediately catches the eye with its elegant, even futuristic design, which actually fulfills more than just an aesthetic function: the compressor feet are rubber-coated to reduce vibration, and the casing is equipped with noise-reducing chambers and thickened walls. All this allows the device to work as silently as possible. The model is designed for aquariums with a volume of 120 to 300 liters, with a performance somewhat inferior to the leaders of the rating – only 300 l / h with an energy consumption of 4.5 watts. The device has two adjustable channels. A special feature of the brand is a heavy-duty membrane and a built-in patented Silaflex valve, which guarantee a long and stable operation of the device.

You can buy the device for an average of 1,300 rubles.

Advantages

• 36 months warranty;

• nice design and two color options;

• does not make noise when working;

• two channels with independent regulation;

• long service life;

disadvantages

• not found;

SCHEGO M2K3

Rating: 4.6

This section of the rating closes with a compressor of the German company Schego, designed for large aquariums – up to 700 liters in volume and up to 2 m in depth. Using a splitter, several vessels can be aerated with this device within the designated volume. The device consumes 5 watts and delivers 350 l / h of power, and is quiet enough for its performance. The device allows very fine regulation of the air flow. A feature of the model is a filter, thanks to which the compressor atomizer is not clogged with dust and lasts longer. The compressor can be placed either on its legs or suspended.

Schego M2K3 cost – from 2750 rubles.

Advantages

• optimal for large and deep aquariums;

• equipped with an air filter;

• high-quality air flow regulator;

• works silently;

disadvantages

• high cost;

The best compressors for small aquariums

If your aquarium is not very large, it doesn't need a compressor that is too powerful. In this category, you will find the optimal power options for small home aquariums.

Schego “Optimal”, 250 l / h

Rating: 4.9

The name of this compressor reflects its main advantage: it is the optimal solution for almost any aquarium or, if there is a splitter, even several. Consuming just 5 watts, this compact device is capable of aerating up to 400 liters with a capacity of 250 l / h. “Optimal” is the quietest compressor in the Schego range. It is recommended to use it in a suspended state, although it is equipped with legs. Airflow adjustment and an easy-to-maintain built-in filter are nice additions to performance.

You can find such a model for 1,700 rubles.

Advantages

• compactness;

• long term of work;

• adjustable air flow;

• there is a dust filter;

• noiselessness;

disadvantages

• not found;

Aquael Oxyboost 150 plus

Rating: 4.8

A small but powerful model with a pleasant design will find its buyer among owners of aquariums up to 150 liters. The single-channel diaphragm compressor consumes only 2.2 watts of energy, providing a capacity of 150 l / h. With a convenient regulator on the lid, you can set one of four power levels, which makes it possible to use the compressor even in very small aquariums. The noise level produced by the device is proportional to the power. This disadvantage is partially compensated by rubber feet, which dampen vibration.

The cost of the device starts at 640 rubles.

Advantages

• power 2.2 W;

• interesting design;

• affordable price;

• equipped with a power regulator;

disadvantages

• comparatively noisy at full power;

Sera Air 110 Plus

Rating: 4.7

On the forums of aquarists, this compressor is recognized as the most silent among inexpensive, but at the same time productive devices. The device is capable of pumping 110 liters per hour with a power consumption of 3 watts – not the best in the rating, but still quite an advantageous ratio. The device has only one channel and, unfortunately, is not equipped with any regulators. But this disadvantage is compensated by the check valve attached to the compressor – an absolutely necessary part that almost always has to be bought separately.

The cost of the quietest model in the rating is about 670 rubles.

Advantages

• works silently;

• long service life;

• power 3 W;

• check valve included;

disadvantages

• no power regulator;

Best Portable Compressors for Aquariums

These devices operate on batteries and do not depend on electricity. It is useful to have one such compressor at home as a spare. Our experts have selected the best option in this category.

Hagen Marina

Rating: 4.9

The experts recognized this small, but reliable model as the best portable compressor. The capacity of 50 l / h may seem small, but it is quite enough to provide fish with oxygen in case of a sudden shutdown of the main equipment, when moving or delivering a new pet from the store home. A pleasant bonus will be a reliable sealed housing and quiet operation of the compressor. The device comes with a spray bottle and a 45 cm long hose. The compressor will operate on two D-type batteries, which must be purchased separately.

The cost of such a device fluctuates around 700 rubles.

Advantages

• quiet work;

• spray and hose included;

• sealed housing;

disadvantages

• low power;

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.