Airstone Aeration - Yes or No?

[Toss]

i have optima (dunno who makes it), which i am the third owner. it has a sticker on the bottom which says "1989", maybe the date it was built. It makes a lot of noise by itself. I bought some non-slip (made from rubber) material they use in kitchen from CT. fold it a couple time (extra cushion), flip the pump upside down and place it on the cushion....silent at last. I have been using it since 2000 24/7 for 4 air stones in two diff. tanks (cosmetic purpose).
I hope it helps

[Dory]

I have Hagen pumps.  They aren't very expensive.  If you place them on something soft like a folded washcloth, they are very quiet.

[UCGrafix]

I for one, do not always look for bargains.

When I am looking for a certain product, in this case a quiet air pump, I am ready to spend what it takes to acquire one.
After all, it's not like we where talking about $1,000.00.

I aim to visit PetSmart very shortly, to buy me a nice quiet air pump, even if it costs me $80.00 to do so.

Quality has no price, I like to think there is a limit to it though.