Estimate a starting air-output range from water volume.
Open live calculator →A 200 litre aquarium at 2 L/min per 100 L starts around 4 L/min.
Compare pressure and depth performance as well as rated output.
Create a simple air-pump capacity estimate for comparing product ratings, then adjust for depth and restrictions.
The live tool updates immediately and shows the result in the units commonly used by aquarium keepers around the world.
Deeper tanks need more pressure.
Valves, long tubing and fine stones reduce output.
Livestock needs and backup aeration can change the target.
No—filters that agitate the surface usually provide ample gas exchange. Air pumps matter for sponge filters, deep or warm tanks with low oxygen, heavily stocked systems, and as battery-backed insurance during power cuts.
A common starting band is 1–2 litres of air per minute per 100 litres of water, adjusted up for deep tanks, long tubing runs and fine air stones, which all cost pressure.
Diaphragms wear and air stones clog with mineral and bacterial deposits. Replacing the stone and the pump's diaphragm kit usually restores most of the lost output.