Tetra Whisper Easy to Use Air Pump for Aquariums (Non-UL)

Tetra Whisper Easy to Use Air Pump for Aquariums (Non-UL) ~ 20 - 40 gallon ~ AKA Whisper 40Upgrading 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.

Rating: 4.5 starsWould 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.

Fantastic air pump that is extremely quiet. It is a small size pump that doesn’t take a lot of room. Very good price and easy to use and install.

I got all 3 sizes of this air pump! The best one is the one rated for 10 gallons. I am using the (up to 10 gallons) air pump on a big 110 gallon high tank. The tank size rating in the description means absolutely nothing. The big 40-60 (I bought first) was a hurricane with 2 air nozzles. So loud and huge I returned it. Then I got the 20-40 size and it was way too strong and noisy. I had to limit the air so it buzzed loudly. I split it into 2 hoses, one air stone and one treasure box - had to return it. It was so noisy and pumped way too much air. The 2 hoses were at least 6 feet long each too. Then I finally got the smallest one (up to 10) and it is perfect for 2 hoses into my big 110 gallon tank. It is the only one that is quiet and works well. These things are way mislabeled. I recommend the small one, not the others unless you have a 300+ gallon tank or plan to split and power 6+ hoses.

Would buy again

I bought this pump seven years ago ($13), using it 24/7 in my 50 gallon fish tank, and it finally gave up. Both diaphragms have torn around the mounting screw and the valves are not sealing completely either. Fortunately, Amazon and other stores sell a complete repair kit, and in my opinion, it's worth repairing it. I think the pump is quiet enough, which is placed behind the closed door of the fish tank cabinet - bubbles make more noise than the pump. Just make sure that the pump is not touching anything and the air lines are connected and free-hanging (they can crate vibration if in contact with some lose parts of your setup and make the setup a little louder).

Very nice little pump. Does exactly what its supposed to do.