There is nothing more relaxing than gazing at a beautiful aquarium. But the aquarium noise can sometimes detract from the experience. Here are ten ways to keep your aquarium quiet.
![]()
1. Avoid Falling WaterFree-falling water creates an annoying splashing noise.
If you are using a hang-on filter, keeping your aquarium water level high enough so that the filter’s water return is partially submerged will significantly reduce splashing.
For aquarists using sumps, make sure to use standpipes in the overflow box to prevent water from falling farther down the overflow than necessary. Aquarists with sumps will also benefit from having the drain to the sump submerged to reduce splashing.
Aquarists using canister filters should make sure the output to the filter is completely submerged and not so high it makes a rippling noise.
OASE BioMaster and
Fluval Canister Filters tend to be quieter than competing filters.
2. Use Soft PlumbingVibration is the chief cause of noise in an aquarium. A simple way to reduce vibration is to use
soft aquarium hose rather than hard PVC pipe whenever possible. Using a soft hose before and after the pumps will help prevent vibration from transferring to the hard pipes.
3. Dampen VibrationsIn addition to using soft plumbing, there are other ways to limit vibration. Avoid placing water pumps directly on the bottom of sumps or leaning against the sump’s walls. Use the suction cups included with pumps in aquariums and sumps to reduce vibration transmitted from the pump to the hard plastic/glass of the sump/aquarium. Using mouse pads or foam underneath external pumps limits vibration. For submersible pumps, silicon drying mats placed under the pump can help.
![]()
4. Use Dual Drain OverflowsIf you are using an aquarium with an overflow box and sump, then it helps to use two drains rather than just a single drain. When using two drains, one drain should suck from the bottom of the overflow box and have a gate valve below it to adjust flow before draining into the sump. The second drain should draw from the top of the overflow box and drain directly into the sump. Using this method, you can adjust the flow from the drain with the
gate valve so that almost all the flow goes through this drain and only a trickle goes through the second drain. This will significantly reduce the gurgling noise that comes from the drain.
5. Use Overflow Mufflers If you have a sump with only a single drain, then you can quiet the drain with a
Maggie Muffler. The Maggie Muffler sits atop the overflow standpipe and reduces the noise of water falling down the pipe. Even with two drains, adding a muffler to the tall standpipe will further reduce noise.
6. Use Quiet Air PumpsWith freshwater aquariums with air pumps, the air pump is often the loudest piece of equipment.
Tetra Air Pumps are certainly not silent, but they are quieter than the other air pumps on the market.
8. Use a Stand With a Closed BackMany entry-level aquarium stands have open backs that allow noise from equipment to escape the stand and fill the room. Choosing a stand with a back, or adding a back to your stand, will help contain the noise.
9. Use Modern LightsMetal halide and T5 lights often have fans and ballasts that make buzzing sounds. LED lights are quieter because they don’t have ballasts and either have small fans or no fans at all.
10. Clean Your EquipmentWhen equipment gets dirty, it often gets louder. Make sure to clean your pumps by scrubbing them with a toothbrush and occasionally soaking them in
Inland Seas Citric Acid Pump Cleaner. The Citric Acid will take care of mineral deposits and coralline algae buildup. Use compressed air to periodically remove dust from your lights to ensure that the fans don’t have to work as hard.
