Loud air pump?

[JackGulley]

My air pump for the sponge filter was almost inaudible when I first got it, but after a week it’s making a decent bit of noise. Is there something wrong with it or is that just how they all are? I’m annoyed it started out quiet if it wasn’t gonna be like that to stay. Did I get a lemon?

 

[Alice B]

is it vibrating up against a hard object? I sometimes put a washcloth or other cloth under mine, but check for what is touching it

 

[Colin_T]

All air pumps make noise but cheaper pumps have thinner cases and make more noise than others. A sponge or towel under the pump can help (as mentioned by Alice B). Some people make up insulated boxes to put over the pump but they must have openings for air to get in and there must not be any insulation (towels, blankets, etc) covering the pump because they can overheat, catch fire and burn your house down.

 

[MaloK]

Most of the time they become louder with time because your media in the filter is slowly clogging, and the pump has to work a little harder everyday from the resistance of the water flowing.

 

[JackGulley]

is it vibrating up against a hard object? I sometimes put a washcloth or other cloth under mine, but check for what is touching it

It does make more noise when it leans against the tank or the wall, but that’s not what’s happening here. Formerly, when it wasn’t touching either of those things, it was pretty much silent; but now it makes noise even when it’s not touching anything. I might try the washcloth just for damping the sound.

Most of the time they become louder with time because your media in the filter is slowly clogging, and the pump has to work a little harder everyday from the resistance of the water flowing.

Maybe, but this pump has only been running for a week. The only thing in the sponge is a little bit of sand; externally it looks clean

 

[MaloK]

What brand and model is it ?

 

[JackGulley]

What brand and model is it ?

I’m away from home for the week unfortunately and I can’t find the exact model on amazon, but it was just the standard one for the size from Petsmart, I wanna say fluval.