Despite what most people believe, air stones do NOT significantly increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water through the bubbles released. Instead it is the stream over the surface of the water that is the site for increased oxygen availability. By having the current of water the small tides effectively increase the surface area of the water allowing greater opportunity for oxygen exchange to occur. So as a consequence it is possible to have an aquarium without an air pump. You merely need some other form of device which will enable some form of circulation or water movement.

Types of air pumps include:

•  Air Stones and Bubble-Wands,

•  Diaphragms, and

•  Piston Pumps.

Air Valves . These allow you to connect between items in order aquarium e.g. between air you're your pump to your air stone to air powered ornament.

Brands of Air Pumps:

•  The Rena Air Pump

Marketed as one of the quietest air pumps available it is a high pressure pump which enables consistent air flow.

•  TetraTec Air Pumps

Patented with "Silaflex valve operation" to reduce noise production.

•  TetraTec Deep Water Air Pumps

Able to pump through larger quantities of air through deep or larger aquariums or alternatively may be used to power a number of smaller air pumps throughout a large tank. A number of models are available.

•  Top Fin Air Pumps

A brand of air pump marketed for its reliability and for years of continued use.

•  Dynamaster2 Air Pump by Danner

Ideal type for the larger tanks or for 'multi-tank set-ups'

•  Battery Operated Air Pump