Sponge filter and Nano air pump advice please

[lee]

Hello all, I would like to switch my current HIB filter to a sponge filter. The sound of the trickling water is annoying me... but I also do not want to hear the hum of the air pump. Does anyone know if I could use the USB Nano air pump with a medium size sponge filter in a 20 gallon? Would that be appropriate or do I need a more powerful air pump? Thank you- lee

Edited December 13, 2020 by lee
added a word

[Streetwise]

It will be fine, and quiet. I use a pair of Nano Sponge filters, and a pair of Nano Air Pumps in each of my 20 gallon tanks.

[lee]

Thank you Streetwise. That sounds great- I can't wait to switch out this filter!

[demicent]

I have about a dozen USB Nano Air Pumps I purchased at Aquarium Coop.  Some I have hanging off the clips that they come with.  Some are just tossed in a bowl on the shelf of the aquarium stand.  All of them are silent.  No hum, no rattling.  My laptop fan and refrigerator motor are much louder.  I enjoy the quiet hiss and pop of the air bubbles breaking the surface.  I strongly suggest putting a Ziss Never Clog Airstone inside the sponge filter.  You can screw it down tightly to make nice fine bubbles.  And of course you want to use a check valve.  

[Nathan04]

After trying countless pumps it seems that the USB air pump has worked better and more silent than all the others. I also have a 20 gallon that I run the sponge on.