When power outages occur, having emergency equipment on hand can make all the difference. A battery powered air pump should be the top item on your list. These models are all suitable options. Make sure you have a supply of fresh batteries on hand. Rotate the batteries regularly to ensure they are not expired. In addition to batteries, airstones and airline tubing is also needed. Although most battery operated pumps come with tubing and airstones, make sure they are included.
When using airstones during an power emergency, do not place the airstones at the bottom of the tank where there is often a layer of detritus. When the filter is running, stirring up the detritus is not harmful, because any particulate matter is quickly run through the filter. However, when the filter stops, this is not the case. It is best to not stir up the lower levels of the tank, and instead run the airstones in the upper strata of the aquarium until the filters are running again.
Battery powered air pumps can also be used when transporting fish to ensure the fish have plenty of oxygenation in the holding container. During times of fish stress, they can also be used to augment water movement in an aquarium, thus increasing aeration.
When using airstones during an power emergency, do not place the airstones at the bottom of the tank where there is often a layer of detritus. When the filter is running, stirring up the detritus is not harmful, because any particulate matter is quickly run through the filter. However, when the filter stops, this is not the case. It is best to not stir up the lower levels of the tank, and instead run the airstones in the upper strata of the aquarium until the filters are running again.
Battery powered air pumps can also be used when transporting fish to ensure the fish have plenty of oxygenation in the holding container. During times of fish stress, they can also be used to augment water movement in an aquarium, thus increasing aeration.
Azoo Battery Air Pump
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The Azoo battery operated air pump will provide water movement and aeration to your tank in the event of a power outage. The unit requires two D-cell batteries, which are not provided. Included in the package is an airstone and approximately a foot of airline. Azoo sells them in a three pack at a discount, which is worth the price if you have multiple tanks or a large tank.
Hagen Marina Battery Pump
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Hagen's battery operated air pump comes with a foot and a half of tubing and an airstone. Requires two D size batteries, which are not included. I've found this to be reliable, but more expensive than some other models.
Pen Plax Silent Air
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Penn Plax's battery operated air pump is a bit pricier than others, but it automatically turns on when the power goes off. That's an invaluable feature, as you may not be at home when power outages occur. It comes with a foot of airline and one airstone. Requires two D batteries, that are not included. It's well worth the investment if you frequently have power outages.
Axis Via Aqua Battery Air Pump
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The Axis Via Aqua portable battery air pump comes with an airstone and 20 inches of air tubing. It operates on a single D sized battery. If yo shop around you can find suppliers who sell in bulk quantities at a discount for those needing a larger number of units.
Jardin Battery Air Pump
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The Jardin battery operated air pump is one of the least expensive units. It runs on two D sized batteries (not included) and comes with an airstone and airline.
Vibra Flow Battery Air Pump
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The Vibra-Flo® battery air pump from Blue Ribbon is similar to other models. It comes with an airline and airstone, and operates on two size D batteries, that are not included. Comes with a clip that can be used to attach it to a holding bucket or the side of the aquarium.
HK BOYU Battery Air Pump
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The HK Boyu battery air pump is one of the lowest priced pump for emergency aeration that I've seen. Like others, it comms with airline tubing and airstone. Requires D sized batteries that are not included.
