How to Quiet Your Aquarium Air Pump for Cheap

Aquarium air pumps can be quite noisy. I was getting tired of hearing a loud noise while I was working on my computer. Here is a solution that will cut down on the noise for a low price. All you need is:

-cushion foam (usually found in sewing supply section for $7) - the thicker, the better. It should be bigger than your pump

-a sharp knife

Cut Your Foam Into a Block Slightly Larger Than Your Air Pump

Place the Pump on the Foam and Trace Around It With a Pen/pencil

It is good to have a snug fit so the pump doesn't vibrate.

Cut Out Your Tracing

Once you have gone around the tracing, lift and cut horizontally so you have a hole for your pump. Don't cut through the entire foam piece.

Cut Additional Slots for Power Cord and Air Tubing

Cutting slots prevents the tubing and power cord from bending unnaturally.

Place Pump in Foam Block and Hook Everything Up

All Done! It Should Look Something Like This...

-The foam prevents too much vibration and dampens the noise.

Additional ideas:

-make a top portion of foam that will fit over the pump so the pump is completely enclosed.

-you can trim extra side foam away if you want.

-be creative and think of new/improved ideas!

-in addition to this measure, there are other measures you can take to decrease noise such as:

-moving the pump above the aquarium

-keeping the air stone clean

-placing the air pump on a solid surface

Hope you got something out of this instructable!