Tank setup
Several tanks on one air pump: outlets, valves and power
Splitting one air pump across tanks: two-outlet pumps and their dials, T connectors, check valves per line, drip loops and ground-fault protection.
Also listed as fish room, multiple tanks, gang valve setup
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
Two-outlet pumps let one unit serve two tanks. Fluval gives each A Series outlet its own flow dial; Aquarium Co-Op's dual-outlet USB-C pump is listed at 1.6 L/min; and Tetra says a dual-port pump is very loud unless both ports have airline. Every line below water level needs a check valve, and every cord a drip loop.
Key facts
- Food form to check
- Dry food only; check the maker's food list[3]
- Aeration option
- Two-outlet pump with a dial per outlet (Fluval A202/A402) or a dual USB-C pump (Aquarium Co-Op, 1.6 L/min, 2.1 W)[4][5]Fluval says each A Series outlet has its own flow control dial and the diaphragms are EPDM rubber.
- Check valve and pump position
- A check valve on each line, near the rim, if the pump sits below water level[5][6][7]Danner says its valves are marked with the flow direction and go in the airline outside the water.
- Water-change tool
- One faucet water changer can serve several tanks if the hose reaches[8][9]Aqueon makes 25 and 50 ft lengths.
- 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 loops, and ground-fault protection as makers and safety bulletins recommend[12][13][14]JUWEL's European manual calls for a residual-current breaker of at most 30 mA; an Ontario teachers' union bulletin calls for a ground-fault interrupter. Neither is a US code statement; ask an electrician about your circuit.
- 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
- Fit both ports. Tetra says a dual-port pump will be very loud unless airline is attached to both ports; it supplies a T connector to join them.
- One pump is one failure point. If it stops, every tank on it loses air together. Tetra says a pump that stops producing air or gets very loud may have a worn diaphragm.
- Metric and imperial airline differ. Fluval lists 3/16 in (4.78 mm) hose; EHEIM and Tetra's CV4 use 4 mm. Match tubing, connectors and valves.
- Ground-fault protection is advice, not a cited US rule here. Our sources are JUWEL's European manual and an Ontario union bulletin; local code governs.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Airline 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.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.
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.com
See aquarium electrical safety basics, 3/16 vs 4 mm airline tubing and which way a check valve goes.