5 Best Air Pump for Hydroponics System 2020

We reviewed the best hydroponics air pumps and selected the winner from the best of the best. Our recommended pump is the Hydrofarm AAPA15L. 

It’s a compact and energy-efficient pump that suits most non-commercial hydroponics setups. The pump is also very user-friendly with a pressure adjustment dial. 

Additionally, the Hydrofarm pump is also very quiet.

We will cover more in-depth hydro air pumps in our review. But before that, let’s check out our buying guide.

Let’s see how to select air pump for hydroponic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuS0Lug3MG4

Hydroponics Air Pump Buying Guide

You must keep a few things in mind to buy the best air pump for your plants. We will begin with the most important consideration when it comes to buying hydroponics air pumps.

1. The Capacity of Air Pumps

The first thing to determine is how much power you will need to drive dissolved oxygen in your tanks. The rule of thumb is to associate 1 watt of pump power per 1 gallon of nutrients. 

So, a 10-gallon tank will need a pump of at least 10 watts.

You will find air pumps with varying capacities. Some may be as low as 5 watts, while others may be more than 200 watts.

You need to select a pump according to the size of your reservoirs. 

Experts advise buying a little more powerful pump than you need. It makes sure you never experience a shortage of oxygen for your plants. 

However, you don’t need to buy a super powerful pump. Just a bit higher than what you need is perfect.

So, go for an air pump of 12 – 15 watts if you have a 10-gallon nutrient tank.

2. Should I Go for Commercial-Grade Pumps?

We have listed a few air pumps fit for commercial use. People have varied needs, and we serve everybody’s interests.

Commercial pumps are ideal for big reservoirs. They are also suitable for supplying oxygen to large-scale hydroponics farms. 

Additionally, commercial pumps may be good for outdoor use. They are durable and can withstand harsh conditions. 

Moreover, commercial pumps like hydroponics air pumps may support a longer distance of air tubes. Small capacity pumps may not suit the needs of a spread-out farm.

You don’t need to buy commercial pumps if you are growing indoors or have a small setup.

3. Number of Outlets

This is a no-brainer! Your pump should have as many outlets as you need. Most models come with a manifold that contains the outlets for connection. 

Some pumps, like the Hydrofarm, have outlets built into the body. You can always buy an aftermarket manifold even if your pump has a single outlet. 

4. Durability

Hydroponics farming may need you to run your pumps all around the clock. So, it’s crucial you ensure your pump is durable enough. Consider the following-

• Look for sturdy materials and a good built. 
• Check the material of the cylinder and pistons.
• Look for weather protection for outdoor use.
• Check customer feedback.

Additionally, buy an air pump that comes with a warranty.

5. Noise and Vibration

Air pumps can tend to be a bit noisy. Pumps with higher power generally produce more noise and vibration. 

Purchase pumps with a noise-proofing design if you are worried about disturbances. Some pumps even come with a special casing to reduce noise. Plus, many have a single-piece construction to lower vibrations.

Smaller pumps meant for indoor use are generally not that noisy. You can also place your pump in the garage or roof if noise is a concern. 

Some manufacturers mention the noise levels their pumps can create in decibels. You can look for such specifications to choose a quiet pump.

6. Energy Efficiency

Pumps running 24/7 can add to a significant electricity bill. You may have to pay for more units if your pump is more powerful. 

You can look for pumps that are energy efficient. Some brands specially design their pumps to consume low electricity.

Check the specifications of your pump for more information.

7. Features

Air pumps are simple machines without complicated features. Still, you may need to keep an eye for things like air pressure adjustment. 

Some air pumps have a dial on them to control air pressure. Others have a lever on the outlets to derive your exact airflow. 

Pumps with dials are easier to operate than pumps with outlet levers. However, this is not a huge concern.

8. Air Pump Accessories

You may need some accessories for your air pump. The most vital among them is air tubes. You will generally get air tubes along with your pump. 

But you may need custom tubes to cover more distance. 

Additionally, some people may consider buying air stones. These are small ball-shaped objects made of porous minerals and produce oxygen bubbles. 

Air stones are more common in ponds and fish tanks compared to hydroponics setups.

9. Budget

Air pumps for growing your plants without soil come at many prices. You can find a pump for a couple of ten dollars and also for a few hundred dollars. 

First, determine the capacity and features you need for your pump. Then do a price check on various platforms to get the best price. 

You should not worry about the budget too much. Even the best air pumps are available, generally around a hundred dollars. 

10. Expansion

Many people start hydroponics on an experimental basis and expand their farming once they gain some experience. 

Buy a pump with adequate capacity to expand, if that’s your plan. Buying a lower capacity pump will only lead you to spend more money later.

You can buy a pump with 50% more capacity if you plan on scaling your farming. 

Do Air Pumps Help Hydroponic Plants Grow Faster? Let’s see this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly3XB9y9jHc

Best Hydroponics Air Pumps Review 

1. Hydrofarm AAPA15L 

Features

• 6 watt for strong air power
• Generates 240 gallons per hour of oxygen
• Super light at 1.4lbs
• 4 outlets for connecting tanks and reservoirs
• Good energy efficiency

What we liked:

Hydrofarm is a well-known company operating in the market for years. It’s popular for producing powerful yet energy-efficient air pumps. 

Hydrofarm APAA is an ideal DWC air pump. You can also use it for other hydroponics systems and aquariums. 

The pump is impressively quiet for the power it delivers. You can easily use the pump indoors without worrying about sound levels.

Hydrofarm comes with a convenient knob to control the air pressure. You don’t need to fiddle with outlets anymore. 

The pump is quite compact and suits even small apartments and houses.

What can be improved:

The unused outlets can create a bit of noise if not shut. You may need to put valve caps on outlets not connected to reservoirs.

2. Danner Manufacturing, Inc. Supreme Oxy-Flo Low 40514     

No products found.

Features

• 3.5 watts for low volume applications
• Weighs only 1.28 pounds
• Adjustable air pressure
• 2 outlets for small setups
• 275 cubic inch per minute air volume

What we liked: 

Danner is one of the oldest family-owned brands in America. All products from the company provide a complete value of money, and this pump is no exception.

The Oxy-Flo 40514 is a great pump for indoor setups. You can drive small tanks with 3.5 watts of power in your hands.

The Oxy-Flo is also one of the pumps with the lowest possible noise levels. The sound of the pump drowns in the sounds of bubbles it forms. 

The pump comes with a nice dial to control how much air you want. 

What can be improved:

Some units had faulty check valves that flooded the chambers of the pump. The check valves may need a quality upgrade.

3. EcoPlus 728450 Eco Air1 Air Pump 

Features:

• 120 volts translates to around 30 watts
• 6 valve extender for connecting multiple reservoirs
• 793 gallons per hour commercial output
• Lightweight at 2.45 pounds
• Selection of 1/4″ and 3/8″ output nozzles

What we liked:

The EcoPlus 724850 is the best air pump for hydroponics for commercial applications. This powerful baby can drive enough air to operate a 30 gallons reservoir. 

The pistons and chambers are made of high-quality materials for long life. You can also adjust the flow outlets to derive your desired results. 

The pump is very easy to install and use. You won’t need any professional to help you out. 

What can be improved:

The pump vibrates a lot and creates a significant amount of sound. You should install the pump keeping this consideration in mind. 

However, the EcoPlus 728450 is a commercial hydroponics air pump and generally used outdoors. 

4. Vivosun 332 GPH Air Pump

Features

• 14 watts for medium-scale application
• Generates 21 liters of air per minute
• Specially made for low heat and sound
• 4 adjustable outlets
• Ideal for 24/7 use

What we liked:

The Vivosun 332 GPH air pump is the best air pump for hydroponics if you have an indoor setup. It’s a quiet hydroponic air pump and never creates a racket to irritate your ears.

It is made of a single-piece casing to reduce vibrations.

The pump has enough power to fill your home reservoirs with oxygen. It generates 332 gallons per hour of oxygen using 4 outlets with adjustable flow.

The build of the pump is superb and suitable for round-the-clock use. You can leave it in operation without any worries.

Vivosun also uses high-quality aluminum to last for years to come. 

What can be improved:

The manifold hose could have been longer to avoid sitting on the heat sink.

5. Simple Deluxe LGPUMPAIR38   

Features

• 18 watts for varied applications
• 602 gallons per hour oxygen generation
• 25 feet of air tubing to cover more distance
• Specially designed to reduce noise
• 6 outlet manifold for multiple tanks

What we liked:

The Simple Deluxe 18 watts air pump is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. You can get 38 liters of oxygen per minute to rejuvenate your plants or fishes.

The pump is extremely strong for its size. You can use it for multiple reservoirs without lacking pressure. 

The pump always stays below 60 decibels with minimum vibrations. It will not disturb your peace even if used indoors.

The long 25 feet tubing is another boon. You never have to worry about how far your reservoirs are placed from the pump. 

What can be improved:

The air tube may become loose due to the power of the pump. A securing mechanism would have been good.

6. EcoPlus HGC728459 Eco Air7 

Features

• Get more power with 200 watts
• 12 outlet manifold for entire farms
• Rubber feet for absorbing vibrations
• Heavy-duty materials for longevity
• Single outlet

What we liked:

The EcoPlus Eco Air7 is a beast in disguise. It can power full-scale hydroponics farms with ample dissolved oxygen. 

This pump is perfect for commercial applications. People who devote their whole rooftop to hydroponics can also use the Eco Air7. 

You get 3,566 gallons of oxygen per hour for versatile purposes. It’s a great accessory to get more oxygen for your nutrient reservoirs or fish ponds. 

Additionally, the pump is suitable for multiple setup types. You can install the pump for water culture, drip system, or NFT without any hassle. 

Eco Air 7 is the most powerful pump we got!

What can be improved:

The pump can get hot if you have air stones with high resistance. However, this pump is mostly meant for commercial use.

Final Thoughts

Decide what you need and choose any of our hydroponics air pumps for complete satisfaction. Keep in mind that the high-power pumps create a certain level of noise, no matter which brand you buy.

We have handpicked only the best air pumps to avoid an unpleasant experience. Best of luck for a plentiful harvest for the seasons to come.

Last update on 2024-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API