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I just installed a whisper elite799 air pump. I have it sitting on the floor two feet from my aquarium, but still the whole aquarium seems to resonate with the vibrations. Is there any way i casn dampen the sound safely. I'm worried about the vibrations stressing my fish.

Hi,
When I had the vibrator style air pumps, the only way I
found to dampen the nose was to set the pump on a piece
of foam from a seat cushion. I tried some spongy foam
but it was too soft and over time the pump settled down
into the foam and vibrated nearly as loudly.
You don't say how many outlets you have connected to
the pump. If you are using only one airstone connected
to the pump you probably have too much back pressure
and that too will cause the pump to either vibrate
more, or if its really bad it will rattle and clack.
The trick is to use a set of valves with one more outlet
than you have uses (airstones) and crack the open valve
to relieve the back pressure. Adjust the valves so there
is a balanced flow of air through all the outputs and
minimum back pressure to the pump. That will increase
the lifespan of the diaphrams in the pump and quiet it
as well.
Another option is to stick the pump in a closet with
a longer airline, on the foam, and close the door.
That is what I wound up doing with my piston style air
pump.

You mention you have the pump on the floor below the tank.
That is not a good idea. If you decide to leave it there
be sure to install a one way check valve so that should
the power fail, water will not be syphoned out of the
tank and into the pump. Placing the pump above the tank
is always the best idea.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

I too have my air pump on the ground. but I have a non return valve which I feel is a must. I would suggest you stick two strips of sticky foam tapes on the ground and firmly fix the pump on it. the foam tapes are so sticky that its difficult to pull them by hands ..so it'll hold the pump in place and dampen the vibrations too.

Hi Mike,
Elite 799 is a good quality pump,make sure you do not have a very fine air stone attached,(too much back pressure will blow your diaphram rubbers and valves will burn out) go for the plastic weighted air stone that screw apart for cleaning.799 would drive 2/3 of these depending on the depth of your tank.Try altering the depth that your airstone is in the water/ this my help with noise made by the air pump. Make sure if you use a back flow/check valve that you install it the correct way or it will damage the pump as well. To help stop the vibration try a folded up tea towel to soak up some of the vibration.Try not worry about the fish they are insulated by the water. Good luck. Muss.