Tank setup
10-20 gallon tanks: feeders, air pumps and water-change tools
Maker air flow figures for 10-20 gallon tanks, USB-C battery-backup pumps, water-change rates and gravel vacuum sizes, with what each figure does and does not mean.
Also listed as 10 gallon tank, 20 gallon tank
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Short answer
For 10-20 gallons, Tetra lists the Whisper 10 at 0.5 L/min and the Whisper 20 at 1 L/min, and Aquarium Co-Op lists its single-outlet USB-C pump at 1.1 L/min. These are maker figures with no stated test depth. Python recommends a 5 to 10% water change every other week; Merck says the amount depends on stocking.
Key facts
- Feeder mounting
- Hood hole (F14: 30 mm / 1-1/4 in) or a rim clamp; check the maker's rim range[1][2]Aquarium Co-Op's clamp takes rims up to 0.9 in (24 mm).
- Food form to check
- Dry food only; check the maker's food list[3]EHEIM, for example, says its autofeeder is for dry food such as flakes and granulates, never live or frozen food.
- Aeration option
- Whisper 10 (0.5 L/min) or 20 (1 L/min); Aquarium Co-Op single outlet 1.1 L/min at 1.2 W[4][5]Maker figures. Aquarium Co-Op's pump runs from a 5 V USB-C supply and has a built-in battery.
- Check valve and pump position
- Pump above the water line; if it must sit lower, fit a check valve near the rim[5][6]Aquarium Co-Op says a pump below the water level needs a check valve and suggests placing the valve near the top of the tank so water stops at the rim.
- Water-change tool
- Siphon gravel vacuum or a faucet water changer; Python suggests 5-10% every other week[7][8][9]Python's figure is its own recommendation. Merck lists a water change every two weeks, with the amount set by stocking level.
- Light timer
- Smart plug or mechanical timer for the light, within its stated load rating[10][11]TP-Link rates the Kasa EP25P4 at 15 A and 1/6 HP; Intermatic rates the TN311 at 15 A resistive and 1/3 HP. Keep plugs away from splashes.
- Key electrical step
- Drip loop in every cord before it reaches the outlet[12][13]Aquarium Co-Op and JUWEL both tell owners to let the cord dip below the outlet so water drips off instead of running into the plug.
- Before time away
- Run any feeder while you are home first; Fish Mate advises 14 days of supervision for a new F14[1]The maker's recommendation, not evidence of reliability.
Watch out for
- Flow figures are not comparable test results. Tetra and Aquarium Co-Op publish flow without a stated depth; FishLab reports that tank depth changed both output and noise, especially for small-tank pumps.
- Tetra's tank sizes are suggestions. Tetra offers Whisper pumps for 10 to 100 gallons and up to 8 feet deep; that is the maker's range, not a measurement.
- Fluval's smallest pump is rated for much larger tanks. Fluval suggests its A101 (90-110 L/h, one outlet) for up to 50 US gallons, so check its flow dial rather than assuming small.
- A USB-C pump still needs a power plan. Aquarium Co-Op's pump switches to its battery when power fails; its runtime figures are the maker's, not an independent measurement.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Faucet water changer
Python No Spill Clean and Fill, 25 ftChoose the 25 ft (25NS) length, after measuring from the faucet to the tank. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
Python supplies a 69HD brass faucet adapter; some faucets need a MABA or FEBA adapter. Python recommends adding water conditioner during the refill.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.comFaucet water changer (alternative)
Aqueon aquarium water changer, 25 ftChoose the 25 ft size. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
Aqueon includes a multi-connection faucet adapter and points to a diagram of compatible faucet types. Aqueon also makes a 50 ft size, which is not in our catalog.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.comLiquid test kit
API Freshwater Master Test KitChoose the Freshwater Master Test Kit. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
API says it measures pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, with seven test solutions.
Magnetic glass cleaner
Aqueon algae cleaning magnet, smallChoose the small size. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
The seller's sizing is up to 20 US gallons or 1/4 in glass; check your glass thickness against it.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.comBattery feeder
Fish Mate F14 automatic aquarium feederChoose the F14 feeder. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
Runs on one AA alkaline battery. Fish Mate's manual says to sit it over a 30 mm (1-1/4 in) hood hole or on its two supplied clamps, and to supervise a new unit for 14 days while you are home. That is the maker's advice, not reliability data.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.com
Compare the two faucet systems in Python vs Aqueon water changers, and see air pump flow explained for what L/min means.