Pawfly 50 GPH Dual Outlet Aquarium Air Pump

The Pawfly 2490 is a dual outlet air pump with a maximum air flow of 50 GPH and a pressure of 0.013 MPa. It uses only 1.25 W, which makes it one of the more frugal pumps in its class. Pawfly rates it for fish tanks or buckets up to 60 gallons and backs it with a 1 Year Warranty.

Low power, steady air

At 1.25 W, this pump costs very little to run around the clock. That matters for an air pump, which should never be switched off in a tank that relies on it for oxygen or to drive a sponge filter.

The kit

• 6.5-foot of 3/163 airline tubing (ID: 4 mm)
• 2 small air stone cylinders
• 2 connectors, straight and T-shape
• 2 check valves

The T connector is a nice extra: it lets you split one outlet if you need a third line for a small stone.

Noise

Four shockproof rubber feet cut vibration, and Pawfly lists the pump at less than 30 dB, about a soft speaking voice. It is a sensible choice for a bedroom or office tank.

Setting the flow

A rotatable knob on top adjusts the air volume. Lower settings suit bettas, fry and planted tanks where you want a calm surface. Higher settings suit a busy community tank or a bucket of plant cuttings or bait fish.

Beyond the aquarium

Because it is rated for buckets, it also works for hydroponic roots, holding fish during a tank move, or aging water before a water change.

Care

Fit check valves with the arrow toward the water. Replace air stones when the bubbles grow coarse. If you need more lines, add extra Pawfly check valves. For larger tanks, look at the Uniclife 64 GPH pump.

One more tip: write the install date on the box. Air pump diaphragms wear out slowly, and knowing the age helps when output starts to fade.