I purchased a Tetra 100 'Whisper' Air Pump about 7 months ago and generally during that period it worked ok, was pretty quiet...no complaints. It has 2 air valves which I used for an air stone and a rather large bubble wand, and rubberized 'feet' which eliminate excess noise and possible vibration on a hard, flat surface.

However, about 2 weeks ago one of the valves completely stopped emitting air, and while it comes with an air pressure adjuster valve there is no 'splitter' piece that would allow you to run two lines into one valve...

Replacement interior parts are available to purchase, however the screws on the base are the tiniest I've ever seen, and they are so deeply recessed into a plastic 'tunnel' that fitting even the smallest screwdrivers into it is well-nigh impossible, and even so there is no way to apply enough pressure to avoid stripping the screwhead.

Thus, while all models are quite inexpensive, I had to purchase an additional smaller pump to power my air stone...

I use a big pump, and i was told the spare parts wouldt be available.
I never gave those screws a thought...
I see why you get mad.

I had the same problem!! I have two Tetra-100's - and one started making alot of noise (normally they operate almost silently - at least no audible noise outside the cabinet). I'm going to replace it - I figured it's too small for my tank or that it's just a piece of crap.

MeghanR wrote:


I put one in a tupperware bowl and poured my extra small gravel I had over it, filled up the bowl so only the tube and cord is coming out its...completely silent now...

great idea, thanks! maybe I'll try that on the one that is still working!

I found it to be quiet when it worked, then it crapped out one day - figured it's just a a POS.

I bought one and it has made a sh!tty rattling noise since day one. i have tried everything. It is quiet sometimes but it has its moments. I wouldn't buy another, would rather try another brand.

You can buy small sets of screwdrivers for those small screws. Glasses screws are the same

cgi.ebay.co.uk/SILVERLINE-MINI-SCREWDRIV...;hash=item335a52c35a

as you can see they are very cheap

Once you get the screws out air pumps are relatively easy to service. They usually need just a clean up

I use air pumps designed and sold for ponds. They are perfect for us with big tanks and are usually loads cheaper than the biggest ones sold for tanks

thanks - great advice both on the screwdrivers (actually have one already) and using airpumps for ponds....