Air Pump Size Question

[Mostlydave]

I have a question about air pumps, I have a tetra whisper air pump the model the box says is for a 10 gallon aquarium. I'm planning on picking up a 55 gallon aquarium tonight. Can I use this air pump in the bigger aquarium? I would be hooking it up to 2 decorations through a 2 way gang valve I already have. I'm thinking there's no reason it shouldn't work. Anyone no any reasons this wouldn't be okay?

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Be fine for tank dec , the rating on the box is still used for under gravel filters

 

[fishguy2727]

You may find that you don't get much output. It is not jut based on UGFs, the height of the tank puts a lot of pressure on the pump. Since a 55 is a lot taller than a 10 there is more pressure than the pump was designed for, so the output may be greatly reduced, especially for two outputs. I always suggest buying the largest pump of whatever air pump you like.

 

[OldMan47]

I find the tank size rating totally useless. The air pump you need for a given circumstance depends on what you are trying to supply with air and how far underwater the discharge point is. Some air pumps will pump fine at great depths while others with the same rating will be stopped completely when they encounter a deeper tank. I like the Rena range of air pumps because they actually use ratings related to given tank depths. That lets me know whether they will work or not before I pay for them and take them home.