Air pumps | Air pump aquarium or pond, it can be done without.
A pond air pump pumps air into the water to increase oxygen levels. Aquatic plants can also perform this function. Although it contributes to a healthy environment for fish and other aquatic organisms, it is not a necessary component and cannot be guaranteed to reduce algae growth.
All about the air pump pond
- What is an air pump?
- How does an air pump work?
- What is the best air pump?
- Disadvantages of an air pump in the pond
- Advantages of a pond without a mechanical air pump
- How do you naturally aerate a pond?
5 important tips for an organically clear pond
As a result, you can easily save hundreds of dollars.
What is an air pump?
An air pump for ponds is a device that provides aeration of the water in the pond. It introduces air into the water through small bubbles, which provide oxygen to the water. The air stones or air distributors used in the pond pump help to distribute and disperse the air, leading to more effective oxygenation of the water. Adding oxygen to the water is crucial for a healthy and vibrant pond. Oxygenation in the water helps to support and stimulate biological processes in the water. This has several positive effects on the habitat of pond fish, pond plants and pond animals such as: frogs, posthorn snails and salamanders that live in the pond.
Choose oxygen plants and omit the air pump
How does an air pump work?
A pond air pump works by means of an electric motor that drives a piston or diaphragm. When the piston or diaphragm is breathed in, air is drawn in from outside the pump, while when the piston or diaphragm is breathed out, the air is forced through a valve and passed through an airflow hose to an air stone or air distributor. The air stones or air distributors have small holes through which the air is forced. This creates small bubbles that enter the water and release oxygen to the water. The number and size of bubbles depend on the size of the air stone or air distributor and the pressure exerted by the air pump.
What is the best air pump?
Oxygen plants are a natural and sustainable way to add oxygen to pond water. They do this through photosynthesis, absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen. These aquatic plants have the ability to release oxygen to the water during the day, while consuming oxygen at night. This cycle creates a natural balance in pond water. In addition, different types of aquatic plants also have a cleansing and filtering effect on the pond water by absorbing excess nutrients, which can prevent filamentous and floating al gae if the pond is set up correctly. Although an air pump can be a quick way to add oxygen to the water, it also has drawbacks. For example, it can disrupt the natural cycle of the pond by constantly releasing oxygen to the water. In addition, the bubbles produced by the air pump can interfere with water circulation, slowing down the decomposition of organic material. In addition, in some cases, an air pump can also contribute to the spread of pathogens in pond water. In short, aquatic plants: "Oxygen plants, marsh plants and water lilies" are the best air pump you can invest in to naturally and sustainably add oxygen to pond water and increase biodiversity.
Marsh plants and water lilies
Learn how to become a pond specialist for your pond
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Disadvantages of an air pump in the pond
An air pump is seen by many people as a quick and convenient tool to keep the pond water balanced, but what many people don't realize is that an air pump is not the best option for a healthy and clear pond. Aquatic plants are a better and more natural alternative that involves less cost and maintenance and looks nicer. The three main disadvantages of air pumps:
- Disruption of the natural cycle: Constantly adding oxygen to the water can disrupt the natural cycle of the pond. This can lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem and excessive algae growth.
- Slow down the decomposition of organic material: The air bubbles produced by the air pump can disrupt water circulation, thus slowing down the decomposition of organic material. This can lead to an accumulation of dirt and waste products in the pond.
- Spread of germs: In some cases, an air pump can contribute to the spread of pathogens in pond water. This can be especially a problem in ponds with a high number of fish, where the fish live in close proximity to each other and diseases can quickly develop and spread.
Advantages of a pond without a mechanical air pump
Besides the fact that the pond has a much more natural look without an air pump, you save electricity costs and you have no noise produced by the pump. Also, a pond without a pump is more favorable for the growth of aquatic plants because there is less flow in the water. The natural cycle of the pond can be better maintained without a mechanical air pump but with plants. Aquatic plants and other aquatic organisms such as freshwater mussels in the pond provide natural oxygenation and help break down organic matter and nutrients in the water. This leads to a natural balance in the pond.
One mussel purifies 10L of water per hour!
Air pumps are unnecessary when the pond is set up correctly
Air pumps bring disadvantages and are not good for the environment, choose a natural pond for this reason. When your natural pond is properly designed and constructed you will not need air pumps or other equipment. - Simon
How do you naturally aerate a pond?
It is quite possible to create a natural pond without a pump or pond filters. This, by setting up the pond with the right amount and combination of aquatic plants, pond substrate and pond bacteria so that the pond is in balance. Pondplants help absorb nutrients from the water, release oxygen to the water, prevent algae formation and provide shelter for various aquatic animals. Diers in and around the pond help keep the ecosystem in balance and with restoring biodiversity. Do you find it difficult to decorate your pond? Then read our pond planting plan and choose a ready-made: Cleverly put together pond plant package.
Pond plant packages
Frequently asked questions about air pumps
A healthy pond needs no pump and requires little maintenance; nature largely takes care of it itself. Chemicals, pumps and filters are often unnecessary. Even swimming ponds, which are often said to require pumps, can be purified in a completely natural way, through a plant filter.
The best thing for the pond is NO pump ... with the right plants and bacteria, you create an all-natural pond that is completely balanced. Eager to know how to go about this? Read how to create an organic plant pond pond.

Simon van der Velde
Pond specialist and aquatic plant grower since 1986
Simon's vision is to let nature do its work in your pond. No need to buy all kinds of measuring equipment and water improvers. If the fish are swimming nicely and the plants are growing well, then the water in the pond is of good quality. With a good planting plan and the right approach, you can save a lot of money and maintenance, and ensure a clear, biologically balanced pond that becomes more beautiful every year.