Compressors for aquariums, also called aerators, are devices for enriching water with oxygen. Today we will tell you about their features and main types.
Do I need a compressor in the aquarium and why?
Aquarium compressors are designed to provide fish with oxygen and prevent the appearance of a surface bacterial film on the water. Often, fish in an artificial pond do not receive the right amount of oxygen from underwater plants, which is why they turn to the help of a nebulizer for air. The smaller the bubbles come out of the compressor for the aquarium, the better. These bubbles rise from the bottom up, forming a kind of air lift. Thus, the water rises from the lower layers and is mixed, the temperature is equalized throughout the aquarium. In addition, without water compressors for the aquarium, water filters can not function. Only with the operation of the aerator the water masses circulate and are cleaned in a special filtering device. Thus, we can say with confidence that the compressor in the aquarium is indispensable for maintaining the health of fish. Separately, it is worth highlighting the decorative function: backlighting and pulsating bubbles make the underwater world much more mysterious and beautiful.
Main types of compressors
There are several types of oxygen compressors for the aquarium:
- Depending on the internal device:
- vibratory;
- reciprocating.
- electric - power supply from the network;
- on batteries - stand-alone.
- Internal - submersible compressors for the aquarium, suitable for small containers;
- external, more noisy, but have more power.
How to choose a compressor for an aquarium?
The choice of compressor is based on several criteria:
- Noiselessness. Often an aquarium is put in a bedroom where people rest. Given this fact, it's best to buy a noiseless compressor, because this device must be turned on all the time. To reduce noise, the unit can be removed to the cradle. However, in this case, a rather long air duct is needed. The best option is to purchase an air compressor for the aquarium, it is considered to be the quietest.
- Presence of smooth adjustment of a stream of air. If you can change the speed and force of air supply, you can easily adjust the aerator for a different number of nozzles and filters.
- Compressor power. The optimum values can be calculated by the formula: 0.5 l / h per 1 liter of water. It is clear that the power directly depends on the volume of the aquarium. For capacities from 100 liters, which are considered large, it is recommended to use reciprocating compressors with low-voltage power. During power outage, such equipment for the aquarium can be connected to a car battery.
How to install a compressor in an aquarium?
Install the compressor in the aquarium is simple enough. First of all, it is necessary to determine the place where it will be located. It can be the aquarium itself, the lid or the table. The device is placed over water , or below the water level,
When the noise of a working compressor causes discomfort, it should be placed on a foam or foam rubber. This will reduce noise, but will not give 100% of the result. Some act drastically: they put the device far and stretch a long hose. Any compressor must be cleaned periodically. If you do not, the performance will decrease and eventually the device will break. Also, pollution increases the noise level.