Tank setup
Tanks of 40 gallons and up: air pumps and water-change tools
Maker flow figures and suggested tank sizes for larger air pumps, what "T-ed" outlets mean, and long water-changer hoses and large gravel vacuums.
Also listed as 55 gallon tank, 75 gallon tank, large aquarium
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Unless a page says otherwise, our picks come from published specifications and listing research, not hands-on testing. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we make money · How we research
Short answer
Bigger tanks mean longer hoses and larger pumps. Tetra lists the Whisper 60 at 2.6 L/min and the Whisper 100 at 3.3 L/min with the two outlets joined by a T, and Fluval suggests its A402 (330-370 L/h) for up to 160 gallons. Aqueon makes water changers up to 50 ft and siphon vacuums up to a 16 in tube.
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]Thick rims on larger tanks may exceed a clamp's range; Aquarium Co-Op's takes up to 0.9 in (24 mm).
- Food form to check
- Dry food only; check the maker's food list[3]
- Aeration option
- Whisper 60 or 100 (2.6 or 3.3 L/min, outlets T-ed) or Fluval A402 (330-370 L/h, two outlets)[4][5]Maker figures with no stated test depth. Tetra says Whisper pumps work in tanks up to 8 feet deep.
- Check valve and pump position
- Pump above the water line; if it must sit lower, fit a check valve near the rim[6][7]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
- Long faucet water changer (Aqueon makes 25 and 50 ft) and a large siphon vacuum (up to a 16 in tube)[8][9][10]
- Light timer
- Smart plug or mechanical timer for the light, within its stated load rating[11][12]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[13][14]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
- "T-ed" figures combine both outlets. Tetra marks the Whisper 60 and 100 flow figures as measured with the two outlets joined by a T connector.
- Fit airline to both ports. Tetra says a dual-port pump is very loud unless both ports have airline, and supplies a T connector to join them.
- Suggested sizes are maker claims. Fluval's 160-gallon suggestion for the A402 and Tetra's 100-gallon range are not measured flow at your tank's depth.
- A 25 ft hose may not reach. Our catalog pick is the 25 ft Python; measure the faucet-to-tank run before you buy.
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.
Continuous ammonia monitor
Seachem Ammonia Alert, 2-packChoose the 2-pack. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
It reads free (un-ionized) ammonia, which is not the same number as a total-ammonia test result. Seachem says it is not recommended at acid pH.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.comAirline tubing
Penn-Plax Aqua-Life standard airline tubing, 3/16 in, 25 ftChoose the 25 ft, 3/16 in roll. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
Standard 3/16 in per the listing, not 4 mm metric: match it to your pump outlets and check valves. Aquarium Co-Op says all airline eventually hardens; trim the hardened end before refitting.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.com
For several pumps or tanks on one circuit, see several tanks on one pump and aquarium electrical safety basics.
Questions
What does "T-ed" mean on an air pump spec?
Tetra marks the Whisper 60 and 100 flow figures (2.6 and 3.3 L/min) as "T-ed": the two outlets were joined with a T connector, so the figure is the combined output, not each outlet's.[4]