Best Air Pump for Hydroponics in 2022 [Ultimate Guide]

If you are a beginner gardener who doesn’t have a lot of ideas about hydroponics and the salient features, you probably would struggle to find the best air pump for the same. Air pumps are a necessity when it comes to maintaining the nutrient reserve in your hydroponic system. But, with so many air pumps available in the market, choosing just one becomes a struggle.

The air pumps help with the oxygenation of the nutrient reservoir and help with the flourishing growth of the plants in your garden. It doesn’t matter whether it is hydroponics or aquaponics, both of them require a good air pump for faster growth.

The plants require enough dissolved oxygen for their growth and especially for the growth of their roots. If the roots don’t get a sustained supply of oxygen, it becomes extremely hard for the growth of the plants. With the combination of a good quality air stone, the air pump works efficiently in providing your plants with the correct amount of oxygen for a sustained amount of time.

The hydroponic air pumps in the market are designed with an air compressor that is attached to the delivery hose and an air stone for easier connectivity. The ideal air pump will push around 500-600 cc of air per minute to the nutrient reservoir. 

While this does help improve the quality of the hydroponics, the amount of noise that the air pump creates is another thing that you need to consider before making the final purchase. In case you are planning on buying an air pump for your hydroponic system, here are a few amazing options that you can take a look into.

Best Air Pumps for Hydroponics in 2022

With so many air pumps available in the market, choosing just one becomes a hassle. For your convenience, we have sorted out some of the best available options in the market. From budget-friendly options to multipurpose options, we have sorted out quite a few.

1. Hydrofarm 240 GHP 4-Outlet Air Pump

• Power – 35W
• Maximum decibel level – 45
• Efficiency – 15 liters per minute

If there is one brand that is known for their air pumps for the hydroponic setting, it is Hydrofarm. This one specifically has a very compact and professional looking design that stands out from the rest of the options in the market.

This 6-watt air pump comes in pretty handy in keeping your plants growing without any interruptions. It has a special synthetic rubber diaphragm design that further stands out and ensures consistent airflow without any issues.

As for the overall airflow consistency, it comes with a separate dial that allows you to adjust the airflow according to your needs. Even with such a powerful design, this air pump is quite low in terms of the noise it produces. 

It ensures to pump out 15 liters per minute with minimal power consumption so you don’t have to worry about the efficiency of the pump. You also get two air pumps included in this package, which again is a reason enough for making the purchase.

2. Simple Deluxe LGPUMPAIR65

• Power – 35W
• Maximum decibel level – 60 decibels
• Efficiency – 65 liters per minute

Next up on the list of the best air pumps for the hydroponics system is the Simple Deluxe LGPUMPAIR65. It has an electromagnetic air pump with high-quality aluminum alloy that ensures higher heat dissipation and surface phosphating treatment.

The 35W powerful electromagnetic motor of the machine ensures better air pressure to keep your hydroponic system flourishing without any hassle. It delivers a large amount of air and has six different valves that allow better smoother. 

It features a standard air tubing with 25-foot tubing and has a flexible and durable design. It also features a transparent and non-toxic design that doesn’t become cause any harm to your fish or the other creatures in the aquarium.

The wear-resistant and shockproof design have a steel engine cylinder piston that lasts for a longer time without any issues. It also features an anti-vibration rubber base that can easily sustain unnecessary shocks and buffer.

3. VIVOSUN 332 GPH Air Pump

• Power – 14W
• Maximum decibel level – 60
• Efficiency – 21 liters per minute

The next one on the list is the VIVOSUN 332 GPH Air Pump. This one, unlike the other one, has a compact and modern design that allows you to keep a track of all your premium materials and heat control.

The material of the air pump dissipates more evenly with aluminum heat radiating plates for a faster and smoother user experience. It also comes with a non-slip base. It also features maximum air pressure and volume for better oxygen supply.

The innovative design of the pump allows you to keep it running 24×7 with the steel engine piston that ensures better energy efficiency and consumes less power. It is highly resistant to consistent degradation as well.

It has a quiet solution that doesn’t affect the kind of noise it produces. You can keep it running effectively all day long without any issues. It makes it ideal for oxygenating an aquarium and also comes with up to 1 year of service.

4. EcoPlus 728450 Eco Air1 Commercial Air Pump

• Power – 18 W
• Maximum decibel power – 35 dB
• Efficiency – 793 GPH

If you are very particular about the budget and don’t want to splurge out on a single air pump for your hydroponic system, this one from EcoPlus is hands down the best option. Unlike the other ones, it has a sleek and compact design.

It is a very commonly used product that helps oxygenate the aquariums with ease. It also comes with a Chrome air manifold that features six different outlets for the air that ensures higher oxygenation without any further complaints.

The cylinders and the piston in the pump are made from premium quality materials that justify the purchase. It ensures to make the pump a lot more durable and rust-proof that prevents any risks of damage over time.

It also features two different output nozzles that allow easier attachment for seamless functioning. As for the power and efficiency, it features 120V powerful model for seamless functions. It also comes with a corded electric power supply.

5. VIVOSUN 400GPH Submersible Pump

• Power – 15W
• Maximum decibel power – 60 dB
• Efficiency – 1500 liters per hour

Yet another amazing pump from VIVOSUN is this submersible option. Unlike the other options, it is for the larger hydroponic system that requires a lot more air circulation for the sustained living of the fishes and the plants. 

It does have a large dimension, so if you have a small space, this won’t fit right. It also features a 5ft long cord for easier power transmission. It has an adjustable knob on the side that lets you adjust the airflow with ease.

The profile size water pump is quite easy to hide, which is another reason why you wouldn’t regret making this purchase. It is also quite easy to disassemble that further lets you clean individual parts according to your needs.

It has an option outlet position on the side that allows you to manually rotate the pump according to your needs. The durable and reusable design of this pump is what makes it stand apart from the rest. It is also backed by 2 years warranty, which justifies the price you pay.

6. Danner Manufacturing, Inc. Supreme Oxy-Flo Low Volume Air Pump

• Power – 3.5W
• Maximum decibel power – 35 dB
• Efficiency – 275-cubic inch per minute

Next on the list of the best air pumps for the hydroponic system is this one from Danner manufacturing. Unlike the other pumps, this one has a very compact and concealed design that doesn’t even make you realise it’s an air pump.

The low volume pumping design is perfect for homes that don’t want a lot of noise from the pump. It is quite easy to install, which again is a reason enough for the purchase. The 3.5W power of the pump is not the most but it serves the purpose right.

It has 2 different outlets that let you adjust the flow of the air depending on your requirements. The maximum water depth that this pump can sustain is up to 4”, which is standard and pretty good, especially for the price that you pay.

7. VIVOSUN 800GPH Submersible Pump

• Power – 24W
• Maximum decibel power – 60 dB
• Efficiency – 800 GPH

For those who don’t want to compromise on the quality of the brand and the product, the Vivosun is quite an amazing option. It has a premium design that you can submerge into your aquarium with ease and without any hassle. 

The best thing about this air pump is the long 5 ft power cord that you get with the pump. This allows ease of installation, anywhere in the house. The adjustable knob in the pump also lets you regulate the airflow according to your needs. 

The profile size water pump is quite easy to store and install and doesn’t have any issues with disassembling them. This means that you wouldn’t have a hard time cleaning the pump whenever you feel like its efficiency is decreasing.

The high-performance design of the pump is another factor that you wouldn’t regret spending your coins on. It is also backed by a 1-year warranty on the product, which means that you can keep a check on the same as per your needs.

8. Lewisia 35W Commercial Air Pump

• Power – 35W
• Maximum decibel power – 35dB
• Efficiency – 794 GPH

The penultimate one on the list is this amazing option from Lewisia. This is a commercial air pump that works for home aquariums and another hydroponic system that you have going around. It has a premium yet compact design as well.

The premium quality material of the product also ensures better heat control that dissipates the heat quite quickly without any hassle. It is fitted with aluminum alloy heat radiating plates that ensure seamless functioning without any issues.

Unlike the other air pumps, this one comes with 6 different air outlets that let you manage and change the flow of the air according to your needs. It has an electromagnetic motor as well, which functions smoothly and seamlessly.

The cylinders and the pistons in the air pump are made with a varied quality of resistant material that ensures better durability of the product. Not only does it help deliver more oxygen, but it also ensures seamless water circulation for better performance.

9. VIVOSUN Air Pump

• Power – 70W
• Maximum decibel power – 60dB
• Efficiency – 60 liters per minute

Last but not least on the list is the VIVOSUN Air Pump. Vivosun is a renowned name in the field of the best air pumps for hydroponic systems and this one is no different. If you are consistently worried about the quality of the product, this one wouldn’t disappoint you at all.

The premium quality material with high heat control is what sets this apart from the rest of the options available in the market. It has a blend of aluminum alloy heating component that dissipates the heat well to prevent any risks of overheating.

It features an electromagnetic motor that is highly powerful and resistant to damage and degradation. It can be kept operating 24×7, which again is reason enough why you wouldn’t regret making this purchase.

It has a quiet solution that functions without producing unnecessary noise. It also comes with oil-free motor functions that keep your air pump working seamlessly without any complaints as such. It also has a high efficiency, which again justifies the price of this product.

10. FEDOUR Aquarium Air Pump

When it comes to finding an ideal air pump for hydroponics, the one factor that everyone is irked about is the price range. The FEDOUR Aquarium Air Pump takes care of that issue for you, thanks to the budget-friendly price and diverse features.

This powerful pump is a four outlets fish tank air pump that can accommodate a large air volume of up to 250-gallon tank with a maximum pressure of 20 Kpa. You can also adjust the max air volume of the pump depending on the setup you have going.

The pump comes with adjustable airflow functions that allow you to adjust the knob and set it up according to your needs. Also, the adjustments don’t cause unnecessary vibrations in the aquarium and the setup, keeping everything safe and stable.

The upper and lower shells in the air pump are tightly sealed and come with thickened side shells around the side that fill in any kinds of gaps and ensure that the device functions optimally without creating a frustrating noise.

The air filter cotton in the pump comes with a silent oxygen filter that can clarify and clean the impurities and ensure a stable and seamless user experience like no other. The package comes with extra air cotton in case you run out of the existing one.

The sleek design of this air pump features a black and orange combo with durable plastic construction that is going to last you quite a while, so you wouldn’t have to worry about the same anymore. Also, the package of products comes with all the accessories that you’d need with the air pump, including air hose, air stone, return valve, suction cup, regulating valve, etc. to name a few.

Ultimate Buying Guide

As a beginner in managing their hydroponic system, you will have a hard time deciding which air pump works the best for your garden. But, with so many options and such enticing offers, it is easier for you to get sidetracked. If that is the case with you and you are having a hard time finding the right option for yourself, we have sorted out a detailed buying guide that you can look through before making any purchase.

1. Price

Although this is often kept on the side, this is an important factor that you need to pay close attention to. The price of the air pump matters a lot and should justify the power and efficiency of the product.

Generally, the price of a good quality air pump will vary between $20-$60, depending on the power of the motor, the design, and the accessory features. Anything above that is not the best option for beginners and doesn’t require that much spending as well. So, try and find one between that price range.

2. Design

The construction and design of the air pump is another factor that you can sidetrack. If the design isn’t made with premium quality materials, it won’t last long. It is thus extremely important that you buy one that is durable and has a well-constructed piece. 

Getting one with water-resistant plastic or good quality metal alloy is deemed safe for usage. The pumps with aluminum alloys are also deemed good for everyday usage, so you can vouch for those as well.

3. Accessory features

Aside from the pump’s ability to pump air and help with better oxygenation, there are several amazing features that you need to keep an eye out for. The quality of the valve is one of the primary factors that you need to check before buying the pump. It should be safe enough for usage and shouldn’t directly affect the quality of the hydroponic system.

It is important to look out for the pumps that can be directly submerged because those work predominantly well and also produce a lot less noise in comparison to the other options. 

Another factor that is worth looking into is the number of outlets. The ones with multiple outlets are deemed a better option, especially when talking about good quality materials. It helps with better oxygenation of the water and prevents further risks of damage to the system. The pump with lower output pressure is also a good catch, so make sure that you look out for that too.

4. Easy to use

Last but not least is the ease of use. When buying an air pump, you want to invest in a product that is not just easy to install but easy to use as well. The last thing you want is to have it checked out now and then. Get the ones that are easy to disassemble and easy to clean as well. This ensures better usage and keeps the product clean for further use.

FAQs

1. Can I grow marijuana plants without using an air pump? 

An air pump is a critical and important part of all hydroponic growth operations. However, you don’t really have to use it in all the methods of growing weed. If you are using techniques such as aeroponics where water gets sprinkled on the roots of the plants, or the regular method of soil-based growth, then you don’t need to have an air pump at all. The purpose of an air pump is to oxygenate the water to ensure that the roots that are submerged in water during the hydroponic process of growth are getting sufficient amounts of air and oxygen. 

2. How much do air pumps usually cost?

While some people often grumble about the fact that air pumps don’t really last for a long time and often go bad rather quickly, the good news on the other hand is that they aren’t really expensive. Most air pumps will cost you between $25 to $55 with the $30s being the most common price range. Hardly will you ever exceed the $55 price point though you are likely to find some priced even lower than $25. Air pumps aren’t an expensive lot, plus when you buy them from Amazon, you are bound to get good discounts even on their regular low price point.

3. Where to buy the best air pumps for hydroponics? 

As we pointed out above, buying air pumps from Amazon is rather beneficial because it gives you better deals and discounts. However, there are some more reasons as to why you should prefer buying from there – you get an easier returns policy if your pump is not working the way you wished it would. Furthermore, you can also get replacements from Amazon if you want the product replaced within a stipulated time period. However, you can also walk up to your nearest gardening store that sells hydroponic supplies – or to a shop that sells aquariums or items related to aquariums and get an air pump from there.

4. What is the difference between a water pump and an air pump?

In hydroponic operations, water is the key element. A water pump here ensures that you have a fresh supply of water coming into the tank and going out of the tank. This circulatory movement of the water keeps it flowing and fresh. On the other hand, the air pump has nothing to do with the water and water supply. The core purpose of an air pump in hydroponic growth is to ensure that your plants are getting sufficient air and that your water is oxygenated. This is important for the proper growth and development of the submerged roots as well as the overall plant. 

5. Can I run the air pump 24/7? 

While you can turn off the pump from time to time, it is in the best interest of your plants to keep it running 24 x 7. This ensures that the submerged portion of your plants is getting a proper oxygen supply. Having this is critical because this ensures that they are not over-stressed and can grow naturally. Furthermore, another advantage of having the air pump run all the time is that it makes sure there are no pathogen or algae which begin to grow in the water. While switching it off from time to time has no major adverse effects, but we suggest you let the pump run 24 x 7.

Conclusion

When getting an air pump for your hydroponic system, there are several factors that you need to keep an eye out for. From the quality of the material to the functionality of the device, you need to keep your eyes fixed on several things. For your convenience, we have scrounged through the internet to find nothing but the absolute best for your everyday use. So, if you have been struggling to sort out one that works for you, you can check through the power and efficiency along with the price of the air pump to decide which one is the best pick for your hydroponic system at home. Make sure that you try and get the ones with a warranty because those work even better in comparison.