Waterfall using air pump

[CatherineM]

We are setting a new tank.

I am using a air pump to draw water up through gravel and then return to the water section to tank via a waterfall. The air pump is really loud. Is there any way to make this quieter.

thanks

[FwoGiZ]

I am not sure I understand how you are using a air pump but if you are going to pump water, you should really use a water pump :P
Something like mini-jet 404 or 606.
I have gazilions of those pumps and they all run smoothly and rarely fails. Easy to clean up. 20$ ea

[Flying Dutchman]

Like FwoGIZ said, you must use a water pump

I also use a water pump for my waterfall, and I almost can't hear it. Make sure the pump is fully submerged, otherwise the pump will make a lot of noise. It uses the water as a lubricant.

[chibikaie]

You certainly can use an air pump to move water. I have a Hamburg mattenfilter on my fish tank, and it runs off two air-driven lift tubes. The pump itself is fairly quiet and the noise level is extremely low, unless the water level drops too much. I suggest putting a thin layer of filter sponge under the air pump to see if that lessens the vibration noise. If that doesn't work, you'll probably have to go with a more expensive air pump (they're quieter) or a water pump as suggested by others. It seems that I've had the reverse experience - I blew out an Eco water pump after four months, but my Tetra deep-water air pumps have never failed me.

[CatherineM]

Decided to forget the waterfall for now as had to get the second tank set up urgently.