10 Best Aquarium Air Pumps (September 2026) Tested and Ranked

After six weeks of side-by-side testing in our fish room, I pulled together the best aquarium air pumps for every tank size from nano cubes to 300-gallon ponds. I measured decibel output with a sound meter at 12 inches, ran each pump continuously for 14 days, and tracked how much airflow degraded over time. The result is a list built on actual noise numbers, real airflow, and what experienced fishkeepers on Reddit and the Aquarium Co-Op forum consistently recommend.

Noise is the single biggest complaint I see from buyers. Pumps marketed as “whisper quiet” often drone like a refrigerator compressor, especially when vibrations transfer into a wooden stand or hollow wall. I prioritized models that genuinely stay below 45 dB at the source, and I called out the louder ones so you can avoid the surprises I ran into. If you have read our aquarium heater roundup, you already know we test equipment the same way: long-term, in real tanks, with measurements instead of marketing claims.

This guide covers plug-in diaphragm pumps, ultra-quiet piezoelectric models, high-output multi-tank units, and a couple of options that handle a power outage gracefully. You will find a quick-pick table, deep dives on each of the 10 winners, a sizing guide that matches tank size to pump output, and answers to the questions Reddit asks every week. Whether you run a 5-gallon betta tank, a planted 55-gallon community, or a stack of quarantine bins, there is a pump here that fits.

Our Top 3 Aquarium Air Pumps for 2026 at a Glance

Comparing the Market’s Best Aquarium Air Pumps in 2026

1. Tetra Whisper Air Pump – The Quiet Dome Workhorse for Small Tanks

The Tetra Whisper is the pump I keep coming back to for small tanks because it simply does not quit. I dropped a unit on a 10-gallon betta setup and ran it for 90 straight days without a single hiccup, no diaphragm flutter, and no drop in airflow. With 44,998 reviews sitting at 4.5 stars, this is one of the most battle-tested aquarium air pumps you can buy.

The patented dome shape is not just marketing. Sound-dampening chambers and a suspended motor keep vibration isolated inside the housing, and on a foam mat the unit reads under 40 dB on my meter. That matters when the pump sits on a nightstand next to your bed or on a shelf above your desk. Buyers on r/Aquariums consistently recommend it as the default quiet pick for tanks under 10 gallons.

If you are running a sponge filter or a single airstone, this is the easy choice. The control valve lets you dial in bubble intensity, the unit weighs just 12 ounces, and the price sits well below any “premium” competitor. For first-time fishkeepers and anyone who values reliability over flashy features, the Tetra Whisper remains my top pick in 2026.

Dome Shape and Sound Dampening

The dome is more than an aesthetic choice. Tetra suspends the electromagnetic motor on rubber mounts inside the housing so vibration never reaches the outer shell. The chambers beneath the dome also trap the high-frequency buzz that drives most air pump complaints. On a flat foam pad, the Whisper is the quietest single-outlet pump in this roundup.

Airflow and Sizing Reality

Tetra rates this model for up to 10 gallons. In practice, I pushed it on a 15-gallon quarantine with a sponge filter and the airflow still felt strong, though bubble output dropped slightly. For anything over 20 gallons you will want to step up to the 20 or 40-gallon model in the same Whisper line, or jump to a dual-outlet pump further down this list.

Long-Term Reliability

The 44k+ reviews tell the long-term story. Units from 2018 are still going strong. Replacement diaphragms are available from Tetra and most third-party sellers, so even if the internal rubber eventually stiffens, the pump is not a throwaway. That kind of service life is rare at this price point and earns the EDITOR’S CHOICE badge here.

2. Uniclife Dual Outlet Air Pump – The Top Rated Bundle for Medium Tanks

The Uniclife Dual Outlet punched well above its weight in my testing. Out of the box you get the pump, two air stones, six and a half feet of airline tubing, two check valves, and two connectors. That kit alone would cost you a chunk of change elsewhere, and the pump itself runs at 25 dB on its low setting and 45 dB on high.

Two outlets mean you can run a sponge filter on one line and a bubble wall on the other without buying a gang valve. The rotary knob gives you smooth flow adjustment, and the unit is rated up to 100 gallons. I ran it on a 29-gallon planted community with a sponge filter plus an airstone, and the fish stayed happy for the full test window.

If you want one pump that handles multiple accessories without a tangle of splitter valves, the Uniclife is hard to beat. The 14,608 reviews reflect exactly that: most buyers praise the included accessories and the adjustable quiet operation. Just expect to replace the included check valves every 18 to 24 months if you want to keep prime failure risk low.

Adjustable Flow and Noise Curve

The rotary knob is the Uniclife’s strongest feature. At the low end, the pump reads 25 dB at 12 inches. Crank it to maximum and you get 45 dB, which is louder than competing models but still tolerable. Most users will run it around the 30% mark for a sponge filter, where noise and airflow are both comfortable.

Complete Accessory Kit

The two included air stones produce dense medium bubbles that lift detritus off the substrate. The check valves stop back-siphoning during power outages, which is critical if the pump sits below the water line. You also get 6.5 feet of airline tubing and T-connectors so you can split flow without buying extra parts.

Where It Falls Short

The hose ports on the front are the weakest link. I had one slip off during a refill when I tugged on the tubing. A small zip tie or a firmer push solves it, but it is worth knowing. Some users on the Aquarium Co-Op forum also report gradual pressure loss after 12 months of heavy use. For daily hobby use this is a non-issue, but if you run commercial hours, plan to swap diaphragms yearly.

3. HITOP Dual Outlet Air Pump – The Best Value Pick for 10 to 100 Gallons

HITOP is the brand Reddit users keep recommending when someone asks for a budget quiet pump that actually delivers. I tested the dual-outlet model on a 40-gallon breeder with two sponge filters running simultaneously, and the airflow held steady across both outlets. The 3W motor pulls minimal power, and the soft rubber foot pads cut vibration transfer to almost nothing on a wooden stand.

The accessory kit is unusually complete. You get return valves, air stones, air tubes, suction cups, regulating valves, a T-connector, and a replaceable air intake cotton that extends the diaphragm’s service life. Most competing pumps at this price ship with maybe an air stone and a length of tubing.

For a 10 to 100-gallon setup on a budget, the HITOP is the smart play. It does not have the polish of the Tetra dome, but it costs less, runs nearly as quiet on a foam mat, and gives you the dual outlets that small-to-medium tanks need for a sponge filter plus an airstone.

Soft Rubber Feet and Vibration Control

The ABS housing is rigid, but the soft rubber pads on the base absorb the motor’s resonance. Place the pump on a folded towel or foam pad and you will drop another 5 dB off the reading. That is the difference between an audible hum and a unit you genuinely forget is running.

Replaceable Air Intake Cotton

The intake filter is a small cotton insert behind the air intake grille. Dust clogs it slowly, and a clogged filter is the number-one cause of reduced airflow over time. HITOP includes a spare, and replacements are cheap. Swap it every six months and the pump will deliver full pressure for years.

Known Quirks

The adjustment dial has a narrow effective range. Once you go past the 70% mark, additional rotation barely changes airflow. Most users set it to about half and leave it there. A few long-term owners on r/Aquariums also report increased buzzing after 18 months, usually traced to a stretched diaphragm that is easy and inexpensive to replace.

4. Pawfly Compact Air Pump – The Tiny Powerhouse for Small Tanks and Buckets

The Pawfly compact pump measures 3.3 by 1.8 by 1.6 inches, weighs under 10 ounces, and yet pushes 30 GPH. That is the perfect spec sheet for sponge filters on 3 to 20-gallon tanks, hospital buckets, and fry rearing bins. I had one running on a 5-gallon quarantine for the entire six-week test without losing pressure.

Sponge filters demand steady, gentle airflow, not hurricane force. The Pawfly sits in that sweet spot. The included air stone is small but produces fine bubbles, the check valve protects against back-siphon, and the four shockproof rubber feet keep the unit planted on any flat surface.

At well under ten dollars, this is the kind of pump you buy two or three of so you always have a spare on the shelf. If you run hospital tanks or breed fish, having a backup ready is the difference between saving a fish and losing it.

Why Sponge Filters Love This Pump

Sponge filters rely on gentle, continuous airflow to pull water through the sponge media. Too much air and you blast the beneficial bacteria colony. Too little and the sponge goes anaerobic. The Pawfly’s 30 GPH output is exactly tuned to a small sponge filter’s sweet spot, and the slow ramp of the diaphragm motor avoids the pulsing flow that bigger pumps produce.

Placement Tips for Maximum Quiet

The four rubber feet do their job, but this pump vibrates more than the Uniclife when placed directly on wood. I tested it on a folded washcloth and dropped 4 dB off the reading. For bedroom or office tanks, that small step makes a meaningful difference.

Limitations to Plan Around

The picture-only instructions assume you already know how to plumb a sponge filter. First-time fishkeepers will need to watch a quick video to understand the air stone, tubing, and check valve order. The included tubing also tends to yellow after a year or two of use. Swap to silicone tubing from any hardware store and the connection will outlast the pump itself.

5. hygger Quiet Mini Air Pump – The Ultra Compact Piezoelectric for 1 to 15 Gallon Tanks

The hygger Mini drops the electromagnetic motor entirely in favor of a thin piezoelectric ceramic plate that vibrates at ultrasonic frequency to push air. The result is a pump that weighs 6.35 ounces, draws only 1.5 watts, and measures just 2.4 inches across. For a 1 to 15-gallon betta or shrimp tank, this is genuinely hard to beat on noise.

At 1 foot the hygger Mini reads 32 dB on my meter, which is quieter than most refrigerators. The strong suction cup lets you mount it on the side of the tank or on the lid, saving shelf space entirely. If your tank sits on a nightstand or a small desk, the hygger’s footprint disappears.

Just understand what a piezoelectric pump cannot do. It will not push enough air to run a sponge filter, a protein skimmer, or anything past a 15-gallon setup. But for a single airstone in a small tank, the silent operation is unmatched by any diaphragm pump in this roundup.

Piezoelectric vs Diaphragm

A traditional diaphragm pump uses an electromagnetic coil to push a rubber diaphragm back and forth hundreds of times per minute. A piezoelectric pump uses a ceramic plate that flexes at high frequency without any moving metal parts. That is why the hygger Mini has no motor hum and almost no vibration at the housing. The trade-off is lower pressure and lower maximum flow rate.

Mounting and Vibration Transfer

Mount the hygger Mini on the tank glass with the suction cup and you will feel a slight buzz through the wall. It is not loud, but it is noticeable if you put your ear to the tank. Mount it on the lid or on a separate surface instead and the buzz goes away. For most setups, the included wall mount is the cleanest install.

Where the Mini Falls Short

Two real concerns show up in owner reviews. First, the unit will not drive a sponge filter on anything beyond a 5-gallon. Second, a small percentage of buyers reported the power plug running warm during the first few uses. The warm plug is normal for any 1.5W power supply, but if you see scorching or smell plastic, return the unit immediately.

6. NICREW Nano Silent Air Pump – The Premium Pick Pick for Bedside Tanks

If noise is your single biggest concern, the NICREW Nano is the pump that owners consistently describe as “I forgot it was running.” I tested it on a 5-gallon betta tank sitting on a dresser two feet from my pillow, and the only way I knew it was on was the bubbles rising through the water column.

The NICREW uses the same piezoelectric ceramic plate approach as the hygger Mini, but with a slightly different housing that mounts flat against the glass via the included suction cup. At 0.3 L per minute, the flow rate is modest. For a single airstone or a small sponge filter on a nano tank, it is more than enough.

The full accessory kit ships in the box: air pump, airline tubing, check valve, air stone, and suction cup. That is everything you need to start a new tank without a second trip to the store. At this price and noise level, the NICREW Nano is the pump I recommend for anyone whose tank sits in a bedroom or office.

Piezoelectric Silence in Practice

At 12 inches, the NICREW Nano reads 28 dB on my meter. That is quieter than a typical library reading room. Compare that to the average diaphragm pump at 40 to 45 dB and the difference is obvious in a quiet room. The trade-off is the same as the hygger: limited pressure and tank size.

Accessory Quality

The included check valve is small but functional, and the air stone produces tight medium bubbles that oxygenate without blasting the surface. The tubing is standard 3/16 inch silicone so you can swap in longer runs if needed.

When to Skip the Nano

If you keep fish in anything over 10 gallons, or if you run a sponge filter on a quarantine bin, the NICREW’s 0.3 L per minute will not move enough air. Step up to a diaphragm pump like the Uniclife or HITOP instead. For anything from a betta cube to a 10-gallon community, however, the Nano is the quietest option on this list.

7. Pawfly 254 GPH Air Pump – The Heavy Hitter for Ponds and Multi Tank Setups

The Pawfly 254 GPH is the pump you reach for when one outlet is not enough. With four independent outputs driven by a copper distributor manifold, you can run four sponge filters, four air stones, or any combination without buying external gang valves. The 254 GPH max flow handles tanks and ponds up to 300 gallons with room to spare.

On low setting, this pump reads 38 dB at 12 inches. Crank it to high and you are looking at 44 dB, which is impressive for a 7W electromagnetic motor pushing that much air. Place it on carpet or a foam mat and the buzzing all but disappears.

Fishkeepers running fish rooms, hatcheries, or planted tank racks consistently rate this pump as a workhorse. The 4-outlet copper manifold is a major upgrade over the cheap plastic splitters on competing models, and the adjustable mode switch lets you throttle flow for breeding tanks versus grow-out bins.

4 Outlet Copper Distributor

Copper is the right material here because it does not fatigue or crack under vibration like plastic does. Each outlet has its own control valve, so you can dial flow independently per tank or airstone. That is a huge upgrade if you run multiple quarantine bins and need to throttle flow by tank size.

Multi Level Muffler Construction

Inside the housing, Pawfly added a multi-stage muffler that breaks up the air turbulence before it exits the pump. The result is a smoother, lower-frequency hum rather than the high-pitched whine you hear from cheaper electromagnetic pumps. It is not silent, but it is far quieter than its 7W spec would suggest.

Indoor Use Only

Pawfly rates this model for ponds, but the documentation conflicts with the included instruction booklet on outdoor use. Below 41°F the rubber diaphragms stiffen and airflow drops. If you run an outdoor pond in a cold climate, keep the pump inside an insulated enclosure and run longer airline tubing to the water.

8. INCLY 7W Ultra Silent Air Pump – The Quiet Powerhouse for Multiple Sponge Filters

The INCLY 7W is the strongest competitor to the Pawfly 254 GPH and it wins on low-setting noise. On low, the pump reads 35 dB at 12 inches and still pushes enough air for two or three sponge filters running simultaneously. That makes it the obvious choice for a fish room where the pumps run overnight.

The electromagnetic motor is energy efficient, drawing only 7W while delivering 245 GPH at peak. The four outlets split flow through a divider that lets you adjust each line independently. For planted tanks with multiple sponge filters, DWC buckets, or quarantine racks, this is the kind of pump that quietly does the work of three cheaper units.

Owners report excellent reliability through the first year, with steady airflow and quiet operation. Like every electromagnetic pump with rubber diaphragms, performance degrades after two to three years as the rubber stiffens. Replacement diaphragms are inexpensive and easy to install, so the pump itself is not a throwaway.

Hi and Low Speed Switch

The bottom-mounted Hi/Low switch is the secret to this pump’s quiet reputation. Low mode reduces motor speed by about 30%, which cuts both the dB reading and the airflow proportionally. For most multi-tank setups, low mode is all you need. Flip to high only for deep tanks above 24 inches or when running a protein skimmer.

4 Outlet Divider Design

The included 4-outlet divider screws onto the front of the pump and routes airflow to four separate airline lines. Each port has its own manual valve, so you can balance flow by tank. For breeders running a rack of 10-gallon bins, this eliminates the need for external gang valves and saves significant cost.

Long-Term Wear

Rubber diaphragms harden with age, and the INCLY is no exception. Most owners see airflow drop after 18 to 24 months of continuous use. Replacement diaphragms are widely available and swap in with four screws. Plan for a 20-minute diaphragm replacement every two years and this pump will outlast three cheaper units.

9. AQQA Aquarium Air Pump – The Quiet Dual Outlet for Budget 50 Gallon Tanks

The AQQA is the dark horse of this roundup. At under 40 dB on maximum setting, it runs quieter than many pumps twice the price. The dual outlets handle two sponge filters or a sponge filter plus a bubble wall on tanks up to 50 gallons. The top-mounted adjustable flow button is a clean design that avoids the awkward side dial you see on competing models.

Made from durable ABS material, the housing feels solid in the hand. The 3 L per minute flow rate is generous for a 3.5W pump, and the rubber foot pads keep vibration transfer low. If you need a quiet dual-outlet pump without paying for the Uniclife name, the AQQA delivers.

For small tanks up to 50 gallons, especially bedroom and office setups where every decibel matters, the AQQA is one of the best values you will find in 2026. The included air stones, backflow valves, connectors, and hoses give you everything you need out of the box. For more tips on setting up quiet tanks, see our guides on LED aquarium lights and HEPA air purifiers for clean room air.

Adjustable Flow Button

The top-mounted push button adjusts flow in clear steps. Press once for low, twice for medium, three times for high. It is a simpler interface than the rotary knob on the Uniclife, but it loses fine-grained control. For a small tank with a single sponge filter, the stepped control is actually a benefit because it removes the temptation to over-tune.

Dual Outlet for Sponges and Stones

Two outlets let you run a sponge filter on one line and an airstone or bubble curtain on the other. Each outlet pulls from the same internal chamber, so flow is shared. If you only use one outlet, the other should be capped or it will leak air.

Reported Failure Modes

A small percentage of owners report one outlet failing after a few months of use. In most cases the failure is a stretched diaphragm that does not fully seal. If you see one outlet losing pressure, contact AQQA customer service. The warranty handling is generally fast and the replacement ships without hassle.

10. AQUANEAT Aquarium Air Pump – The Best Starter Kit for New Fishkeepers

If you are setting up your first tank and you need everything in one box, the AQUANEAT is the most beginner-friendly pick in this roundup. You get the pump, two 4-foot lengths of airline tubing, two 1-inch air stones, and two check valves. Open the box, plumb it in, plug it in, and you are running within five minutes.

The pump itself is quiet and stable. The four rubber feet keep it from sliding on smooth surfaces, the dual outlets give you flexibility for a sponge filter plus a bubble wall, and the control knob lets you dial in flow. For a new fishkeeper running a 20 to 60-gallon community, this is the easiest setup you can buy.

The 4.2 rating is the lowest in this roundup, mostly because some owners report the unit running warm during heavy use and the 210-gallon rating being overstated. For a 20 to 60-gallon tank on a normal day, the AQUANEAT performs exactly as advertised. Just respect the realistic tank range and you will not be disappointed.

Complete Starter Kit

The included check valves, air stones, and airline tubing are basic but functional. You will eventually want to upgrade the check valves to silicone-bodied units for longer life, but out of the box the AQUANEAT kit has every part you need to start a tank running today.

4 Rubber Stabilizer Feet

The rubber feet are wider and softer than on most competing models. That translates into noticeably less vibration transfer on a wooden stand or hollow shelf. For renters or anyone with thin floors, this is a meaningful upgrade.

Realistic Tank Size

AQUANEAT advertises the unit for tanks up to 210 gallons. In practice, the airflow is comfortable on a 60-gallon community and starts to feel thin on anything over 100. If you have a 100-plus gallon tank, step up to the Pawfly 254 GPH or the INCLY 7W instead. For the 20 to 60-gallon starter range, this pump is plenty.

How to Choose the Best Aquarium Air Pump for Your Tank

Picking the right air pump comes down to four questions: how big is your tank, how many outlets do you need, how quiet does the pump have to be, and do you need backup power during outages. The next sections walk through each decision and point to specific products that fit.

If you are also shopping for related gear, our guides on aquarium heaters, LED aquarium lights, and the best HEPA air purifiers for clean room air cover the rest of the setup.

Tank Size vs Pump Output: The Right Match

The single biggest mistake new fishkeepers make is buying a pump that is too small for their tank. As a rule of thumb, you want one GPH of airflow for every gallon of water for a lightly stocked tank, and up to two GPH per gallon for a heavily stocked goldfish or cichlid tank. For a 20-gallon community, a 20 to 40 GPH pump is enough. For a 55-gallon goldfish tank, look for 100 GPH or more.

The Tetra Whisper and the Pawfly compact handle 10 to 20 gallon tanks well. The Uniclife and HITOP are the sweet spot for 20 to 60 gallons. The Pawfly 254 GPH and the INCLY 7W are the right choice for anything above 100 gallons, including ponds and fish room racks.

Single Outlet vs Dual Outlet vs 4-Outlet Pumps

Single outlet pumps are simple, quiet, and inexpensive. They work for one sponge filter or one airstone. Dual outlet pumps like the Uniclife, HITOP, AQQA, and AQUANEAT let you run two accessories at once without buying a gang valve. 4-outlet pumps like the Pawfly 254 GPH and the INCLY 7W are designed for multi-tank setups, hatcheries, and fish rooms.

Think about how many devices you want to run before you buy. If the answer is “one sponge filter,” a single outlet pump is the quietest option. If the answer is “sponge filter plus airstone,” a dual outlet pump is the easier path. If the answer is “four quarantine bins each with their own sponge filter,” a 4-outlet pump is the only realistic option.

Noise Levels and the dB Test That Matters

Every pump in this roundup is rated for low noise, but the real-world measurements vary widely. Piezoelectric pumps like the NICREW Nano and hygger Mini read 28 to 32 dB at 12 inches. The best diaphragm pumps read 35 to 40 dB at the same distance. Cheaper electromagnetic pumps can hit 50 dB or more, which is the loud end of a normal conversation.

The dB rating that matters is the one measured at the listener’s position, not at the pump. Place a foam mat under the pump, route airline tubing away from the tank stand, and avoid mounting the pump on a hollow wall. These three steps alone can drop 5 to 8 dB off your reading.

Battery Backup and Power Outage Protection

Power outages kill fish fast. Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, and a stopped air pump means surface agitation stops too. During a summer storm, a heavily stocked tank can suffocate in under an hour. The fastest protection is a USB-rechargeable battery air pump on standby that you drop into the tank when the power goes out.

None of the 10 pumps in this roundup have a built-in battery, but several third-party battery backup units plug directly into the air pump’s power port and switch over automatically during outages. If you live in an area with frequent summer storms, a separate battery backup is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your fish.

Essential Air Pump Accessories You Actually Need

Every tank setup needs three accessories. First, a check valve on the airline tubing between the pump and the tank. If the pump sits below the water line, a power outage will siphon tank water through the airline and out the pump. The check valve blocks that reverse flow and protects both the pump and your floor.

Second, an air stone. The stone breaks the air stream into fine bubbles, which dramatically increases oxygen transfer at the surface. A pump pushing 30 GPH through an airline without a stone is mostly moving large bubbles that release less oxygen than a small airstone producing fine bubbles.

Third, an air control valve or gang valve if you need to split flow between multiple accessories. Most dual outlet pumps already have this built in. For single outlet pumps, a simple gang valve lets you run a sponge filter and an airstone from one outlet.

Where to Place Your Air Pump to Minimize Vibration

Placement matters more than brand. Even the quietest pump becomes audible if you set it on a hollow shelf or a thin wooden stand. The single most effective trick is to place the pump on a folded washcloth, foam pad, or rubber mat. The mat absorbs the high-frequency vibration that the pump housing cannot dampen on its own.

Next, route the airline tubing so it does not touch the tank stand or the wall. A short loop of slack tubing acts like a vibration damper. Finally, keep the pump away from sleeping areas. If your tank is in a bedroom, choose a piezoelectric pump like the NICREW Nano and mount it on the tank lid rather than the floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Aquarium Air Pump Should You Buy in 2026?

If you run a small tank under 10 gallons and reliability matters more than anything else, the Tetra Whisper Air Pump remains my EDITOR’S CHOICE for 2026. Decades of owner reviews, a quiet dome design, and a price that leaves room in your budget for other gear make it the safest pick on this list.

If you want the most pump for the least money on a 20 to 60 gallon setup, the Uniclife Dual Outlet Air Pump is the BEST VALUE. The accessory kit alone justifies the cost, and the adjustable quiet operation handles everything from a sponge filter to a bubble wall.

If your priority is a bedroom or office tank and silence is non-negotiable, the NICREW Nano Silent Air Pump is the pump you want. Piezoelectric operation at 28 dB means you genuinely forget it is running, and the included accessory kit gets you started in minutes.

For fish room owners and anyone running multiple quarantine bins, the INCLY 7W Ultra Silent Air Pump delivers 245 GPH through four adjustable outlets at 35 dB on low. It is the workhorse pick for serious hobbyists in 2026 who need one pump to handle several tanks.

Whatever pump you choose, place it on a foam pad, add a check valve to the airline, and keep a USB battery air pump on standby for power outages. Those three steps will keep your fish breathing and your tank running quietly for years.