Saltwater aquariums are a beautiful addition to any home or office, but they can also be noisy. One of the most significant sources of noise in a saltwater aquarium is the return pump. The return pump is essential to the health of the aquarium, but it can be quite loud, especially if it is not properly maintained. In this article, we will discuss five ways to reduce the noise of your saltwater aquarium return pump.
- Sound Damping Silicone Pad by OXO. The first way to reduce the noise of your saltwater aquarium return pump is to use a sound damping silicone pad. The Oxo sound damping silicone pad can be found on Amazon or through Bulk Reef Supply. This silicone pad is specifically designed for use in the kitchen drying wine classes, but is a huge way to reduce noise via vibration reduction. Simply place the pad under the pump and watch as the noise decreases dramatically.
- Clean the Pump Another way to reduce the noise of your saltwater aquarium return pump is to keep it clean. Alage and debris can build up in the pump, causing it to work harder and make more noise. Regular cleaning will help keep the pump running smoothly and quietly. This should be done twice yearly at least anyway.
- Keep the Pump from Touching Other Objects or Glass. The third way to reduce the noise of your saltwater aquarium return pump is to make sure it is not touching other objects (like a metal heater) or the glass. If the pump is touching the glass or other objects, it can vibrate and create noise. Make sure the pump is mounted securely and not touching any other objects in the aquarium.
- Replace the Pump with a Quieter Model. Finally, if all else fails, you can always replace your saltwater aquarium return pump with a quieter model. There are many quiet aquarium pumps on the market that are specifically designed to reduce noise. Look for a pump with low watts, a high flow rate, and a low noise level, and your aquarium will be much quieter. Some people replace the pump yearly anyway. So if you do this, find a quiet one.
In conclusion, reducing the noise of your saltwater aquarium return pump is essential to enjoying your aquarium. By using a sound damping silicone pad, keeping the pump clean, making sure it is not touching other objects or the glass, or replacing the pump with a quieter model, you can significantly reduce the noise of your saltwater aquarium return pump. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the beauty of your aquarium without the noise.