Active Aqua 4-Outlet Air Pump, 6W, 15 L/min, Silver/Grey, Aquarium Aerator

This is a average pump in terms of noise. I would not want to have this in my bedroom with output set at maximum, but it’s much quieter at lower output settings. The Whisper AP300 (my benchmark) is significantly quieter. I tested output by inverting a water filled gallon jug in a bucket and see how fast the air pump’s maximum output pushed all the water out. This is probably different than what the manufacturer uses to test output. Anyway, I calculated output to 9.5L per minute. In comparison the Whisper AP300 was 4 L per minute. These values were measured with all the output ports combined. Power consumption was 5 watts with complete free flow at max output and 3 watts when outputs were completely blocked; this is same as the AP300. Overall, good performing pump for the money. It also seems well built. I would buy again. Update 10/11/2023, this pump has been running continuously for the past 3 years and it’s still going strong with no sign of lower output or increase in noise. I’m impressed. Second update 4/21/2025, the same pump is still going strong with no drop in output. If anything, this pump has gotten quieter. Updating from 4 to 5 well deserved stars.

I own this one AND the smaller 7.8L/min Hydrofarm pump, as well as others like Tetra. I'm an aquaponics guy and raise my own tilapia. I've tried a few different pumps out there and so far this brand has been the best value based on two main things: #1) Air flow per dollars spent - This pump puts out GREAT air flow through FOUR separate outlets that don't depend on each other. That's a huge benefit that eliminates having to have a "T" fitting AND two adjustment valves, which can not only slow your air flow but it's a pain in the ass to adjust. #2) Noise - I was very impressed with the low noise on this one which is significantly quieter than the smaller Hydrofarm even though the specs say otherwise. Very impressive, especially for a high volume pump. This one is almost as quiet as a Tetra Whisper pump but 300% more air flow given the equivalently priced Whisper. It also has very little vibration. Extra bonuses include the 4 outlets as mentioned, and adjustable air flow which is really cool. I own a bunch of pumps, including several Whispers like the Whisper 20, Whisper 40, and the larger Tetra 26075 Whisper Air Pump, 150 which even that produces only 2.6 liters/min air flow while this sucker puts out 15 liters/min, although the Whisper is definitely the quietest pump on the market. Even the Whisper 300 only has 4.6 L/min output at three times the price of this one. BOTTOM LINE: This is now my favorite pump out of about 8 pumps that I own. There are other pumps that put out more air flow but they are much more expensive and very loud. There are also more quiet pumps on the market but you would need 2 or 3 of those to put out the same air volume as this one. For the techies out there, specifications on the box says: Power = 6W ; Pressure = >2.319 PSI ; Air Output = 15L/Min ; Noise = <45 dB ; Weight = 3.5 Lbs ; Size = 187mm X 165mm X 95mm (7.3" X 6.5" X 3.75"). Yeah, its HUGE. Comes with a 4 foot cord.

I own this one AND the smaller 7.8L/min Hydrofarm pump, as well as others like Tetra. I'm an aquaponics guy and raise my own tilapia. I've tried a few different pumps out there and so far this brand has been the best value based on two main things: #1) Air flow per dollars spent - This pump puts out GREAT air flow through FOUR separate outlets that don't depend on each other. That's a huge benefit that eliminates having to have a "T" fitting AND two adjustment valves, which can not only slow your air flow but it's a pain in the ass to adjust. #2) Noise - I was very impressed with the low noise on this one which is significantly quieter than the smaller Hydrofarm even though the specs say otherwise. Very impressive, especially for a high volume pump. This one is almost as quiet as a Tetra Whisper pump but 300% more air flow given the equivalently priced Whisper. It also has very little vibration. Extra bonuses include the 4 outlets as mentioned, and adjustable air flow which is really cool. I own a bunch of pumps, including several Whispers like the Whisper 20, Whisper 40, and the larger Tetra 26075 Whisper Air Pump, 150 which even that produces only 2.6 liters/min air flow while this sucker puts out 15 liters/min, although the Whisper is definitely the quietest pump on the market. Even the Whisper 300 only has 4.6 L/min output at three times the price of this one. BOTTOM LINE: This is now my favorite pump out of about 8 pumps that I own. There are other pumps that put out more air flow but they are much more expensive and very loud. There are also more quiet pumps on the market but you would need 2 or 3 of those to put out the same air volume as this one. For the techies out there, specifications on the box says: Power = 6W ; Pressure = >2.319 PSI ; Air Output = 15L/Min ; Noise = <45 dB ; Weight = 3.5 Lbs ; Size = 187mm X 165mm X 95mm (7.3" X 6.5" X 3.75"). Yeah, its HUGE. Comes with a 4 foot cord.

very very loud but really good

I got this product because I wanted to make "compost tea". When I got it in the mail, I found that it was a little over twice the size of a regular aquarium pump. I got with an Amazon special deal that included the Marina 1-inch Cylinder Air Stone (4 pack) and the Penn Plax Standard Airline Tubing Air Pump Accessories (25 feet). I cut the tubing into 4 equal lengths, inserted the air stones, and plugged the 4 lines into the air pump. I have been running the pump continuously for about 2 to 3 weeks now (24/7) and it has continued to aerate the 3 five gallon buckets filled with water and kitchen wastes (just fruit, veggie, and tea leftovers). I put one air stone into each bucket and put the extra 4th into the one that I just put some kitchen wastes in or the one that seems to need more help. The air pump has been up to this task very well. I like that it has a dial to control the amount of bubbling from the stones. I have it about 3/4th max right now. The noise from the unit is a quiet purr or hum that is pleasant to hear. I have it outside in a partly protected area (under a box with one side open). The unit is still running strong and clean, even after two rains came down. It has done its part to help produce an brownish-orangish compost tea that I am using to vitalize the soil in my garden. No complaints at all with this product.

Have this pump on set up on my DIY Hydroponic setup - I travel a lot for work so I have this air pump and my grow lighting on an automatic timer and the air pump has operated extremely efficiently. I have no complaints. It can get a little loud if you turn it all the way up to high, but I really have no need to run it that high and the setting I have it on is quiet and effective. It would have been nice if it came with tubing, but I purchased the tubing and valve accessories separately for a great price here on Amazon!

I am thoroughly pleased with the performance of this pump. I really wanted a pump that could be plugged into an outlet rather than being battery powered. I went through a few batteries with a pump I bought from PetSmart for $20 and decided that I did not want to waste any more money having to replace the batteries every week or so. It is astoundingly quiet. I left it running in my bedroom as I slept last night and hardly knew it was there. The only way I could detect the sound emitted was if I really tried (I was on the lowest output setting). It has four air outlets rather than the one that I had from the loud battery powered motor from PetSmart, but I cant seem to find a way to turn off or close one of the outlets if I am not using it. The adjustment knob is handy to achieve the rate of air you want, but in my case I am using it on its lowest setting at the moment. To finish up my little analysis of this pump, I think this is the best aquatics-related purchase I have made and I would buy it again (If I had a use for it).

This thing is huge, i laughed when i took it out of the box. its the size of 4 single outlet pumps. Pump is quiet for the size and does great for aquariums im sure, but not so much for hydroponics. My problem is each air outlet is separate, as in, if you block off any outlets the others won't get any stronger. If that's fine with you then i recommend this product, but if your looking to thoroughly aerate some water, then just get a commercial air pump, its not much more expensive and will do a much better job. I will continue to use this product because i dont feel like returning it and ill just get some airline connectors and make it work. 3 stars for hydroponics 5 stars for aquariums FYI: make all airline tubes of equal length when using connectors.

Very low power

Excelente producto

Pros: Cheap, works well, adjustable flow (and noise). Cons: Power cord is EXTREMELY thin - susceptible to physical damage. The unit could be quieter but it is fairly quiet (to expect it to be quieter seems like asking 'too much' considering the good performance and great price. EDIT on full blast this unit is the quietest device in the room :) I HIGHLY recommend this unit. Once again I must say it is fairly quiet and I am extremely pleased.

Excelente, no hace ruido y pude conectar con llaves 12 miniacuarios de 2 litros

This is my second purchase of this pump. The 4 valves are great for air stones, sponge filters, etc. And it's very powerful, with a nob to adjust the amount of air. I'm using one for my 90 gallon (3 air bubbles, 1 sponge filter), the other for 2 aquariums, 2 valves for each! It's also a great price, especially for 4 valves (big Al's charges $70 plus). A 2 valve pump is $27 on amazon, and it's not REMOTELY as powerful (I've bought 2 different brands before giving up and buying this one again!) My only quibble is that they are loud. But, I'm guessing that in order to provide the power that this pump definitely has, it'll never be quieter?