I am reviewing the PONDFORSE Hydroponic Air Pump with Air Flow Lever Control Valve (Updated June 2021 version) .
This can be used for hydroponic systems, fish tanks, seafood markets, etc.
Now, I am a major user of four port air pumps. But here are things to know about purchasing them:
- You want a quiet four port air pump
- You want a powerful four port air pump
- You want a way to control the output flow
- You want a four port air pump that doesn’t break the bank
I have been reviewing and testing various air pumps and this is the second time trying a PONDFORSE product, as this is the updated 2021 version. I’ll get into that towards the end of the review as it makes a huge difference!
The unit comes with the air pump, a tube to connect the air pump and an outlet.
The air pump is 20 watts and produces 30L air per minute and the voltage is 120v 60Hz.
So, you are getting power!
So, first, how is the noise level. I will say that this air pump is quieter than my 8W four port air pumps. I was shocked. I figured 20 watts, and it would be louder. Actually, what is louder now because of the power is the bubbles produced, but no problem, I can easily turn the valve to output less power to one of my sponge filters.
It’s important to note that I have the air pump sitting on a a thick foam padding (I do this with all my air pumps) to prevent from slipping through vibrations.
I don’t do maximum on the outflow dial, so I put it at 75% (there is a dial on the power cord to adjust) and for one valve, I have to use the lever, but on my larger Amazon Tank, I leave the other three levers on normal and I like the water flow throughout the tank. While I have wave makers, I don’t use them because I do a lot of live plants to protect the many fry, so this works out perfectly.
And the price….at under $39, that’s fantastic, considering that other 8W air pumps cost around the same or $5-$10 less.
But there was one problem with the original version. The original version supplied a really nice, strong tube (clear tube). But the vibration of the pump constantly would make the tube come out of place almost daily. I literally had to get a metal closure and tighten it around the tubing and the metal outlflow dial. But even then, the vibration was so strong that with the closure, it would come out weekly or biweekly. Still not perfect.
And after five months of use, after doing my daily inspection, left for a few hours, came back and the tube was out and I lost a good number of fish.
I literally had to get a battery powered pump to add in conjunction, because I couldn’t trust the tube.
And as I was going to update my review on Amazon of the original, I saw they upgraded it by changing out the tube clear thick tube with a a thinner black tube that stays on.
The tube is much better because it stays on but its important to note that because it’s not as rigid and thick like the previous tube, it bends and can cut off oxygen, so you need to make sure the tube is not bent too much. So, I have the tube laying flat on top of the pump towards the other end, to prevent it from bending.
Since replacing to this updated version, I have not had problems of the tube slipping from either end and it’s still going strong.
Personally, I don’t think I will ever go back to my 8W air pumps. The PONDFORSE Air Pump for Aquariums and Hydroponic Systems with Air Flow Control Lever Valve (Updated June 2021 version) is quieter, gives more power which you can control for each lever output and overall output and it’s not expensive.
While the original was good, the tubing used could lead to tragic circumstances for your fish. This updated 2021 version has a flexible tube which stays on, you just need need to make sure it’s no bent. But overall, it’s a major improvement over the original.
Five stars! Highly recommended!
