NICREW Nano Silent Aquarium Air Pump

The NICREW Nano Silent Air Pump is a very small aerator for aquariums up to 10 gallon. It runs on 1.5 Watts and puts out 0.3 L/min of air. Instead of a vibrating diaphragm like most air pumps, it uses a thin piezoelectric ceramic plate, which is why it runs almost silently.

Why piezo matters

Standard air pumps buzz because a magnet shakes a rubber diaphragm. A piezo plate flexes at high frequency instead, with very little vibration. For a desk tank, nightstand tank or bedroom setup, that difference is noticeable.

What comes in the kit

• The air pump
• Air tube
• Check valve
• Air stone
• Suction cup

The pump attaches to the tank wall with the suction cup, so it takes no shelf space.

What it can and cannot run

The output is small. It is ideal for one air stone in a nano tank, a betta tank, a shrimp tank or a small quarantine or hospital tank. It will struggle with deep tanks, large sponge filters or multiple outlets. For those jobs, step up to a pump like the Uniclife 64 GPH dual outlet pump.

Freshwater and saltwater

NICREW lists it as safe for both. In saltwater, rinse the air stone now and then, since salt can crust it over.

Setup tips

Mount the pump above the water line, and fit the check valve with its arrow toward the tank. That keeps water from siphoning back if power is lost. Replace the air stone when bubbles get coarse or uneven.

Why aerate a small tank

Small tanks heat up and lose oxygen faster than big ones. Gentle surface movement helps gas exchange and keeps a film from forming. Pair it with a small filter such as the NICREW slim HOB filter for a quiet, complete nano setup.