Recommendations For A Better Air Pump?

[Lennytro]

Hi. My Tetra Whisper 100 has lost most of its power to pump, and I've had it for less than two years. (I bought it because I thought it was a better than my old one.) I know they sell repair kits, but they are about as expensive as getting a new one, and why would I get a new one if it will break in less than two years, anyway? I've read others complain of them wearing out fast (check the reviews at sellers) and also complain of the price of repair kits.

Is there a better pump on the common market that's affordable or in that price range?

Thanks,
Lenny

 

[DanTheFishMan11]

fluval q1 i thinks its like £30 off ebay and it has 2 outputs

click HERE for prices if in the uk

 

[Lennytro]

Thanks. I can't find that at local stores here in the US. I'm wondering if all pumps have to be serviced with a repair kit. Do they all eventually wear out? Mine is only about 18 mos old, and the repair kit is about as expensive as buying an new one. Doesn't seem right. Comments?

 

[BigFish01]

My air pump for my pond has to be rebuilt every year by manufacturer specs. But thats going down six foot deep in my pond. And also has 3/4 i.d. Lines for it. So its hard to say. I dont use one in any of my aquariums. Hope someone will have more info soon

 

[Lennytro]

Thanks, and yes that does help. It tells me that air pumps of any size do wear out and may do so rather quickly, needing rebuilt. If that's the case with aquarium pumps, I'm willing to budget that maintenance in. I just don't want to be a victim of a bad air pump purchase. I'm checking with a pro shop tomorrow for their comments and also checking out another brand. I'll post here what I find out.

 

[Lennytro]

I went with a Topfin Air-8000 air pump for 170 gallon tanks. It cost $23 whereas the Tetra Whisper 100 cost $60 in town, $40 on sale, and about $25 online. I could not wait for an online order. It's frustrating that the Tetra costs so much more in the stores. The Topfin has a lifetime warranty, so I'll just keep the receipt and bring it back if it quits early on like the Tetra did. I guess I'm saying for the cost and quality, I can't recommend the Tetra Whisper air pumps.