Air Stone

Hepcat021 · 10-02-2006, 10:33 PM

Well, I did not end up getting the 20 gallon yet, but will for sure in about a week and a half. So, instead I bought a few acessories and a new heater. My main concern is the air stone, valcano of bubbles, I bought. I have guppies and tetras, and I am starting to think this is producing to much water movement for the guppies. I think I read to watch for this and hear it is I think. Just though I would ask if anyone else ran into a problem like this.

Thanks,
BILL

thewebpop · 10-02-2006, 11:04 PM

Hey Bill,
I am running an airpump and stone in my 20 gal and have not had a problem. You can buy a little valve kit (walmart or LFS) that will allow you to adjust the amount of air up or down. This may be your answer? What size air pump are you running?
Later, Pop's

Tommy Gun · 10-02-2006, 11:18 PM

I also had a similar problem with a 'bubble curtain' I am running in my old 40 gallon tank. It was so concentrated on one end with a too small air pump and too violent for molly/platty fry with the too large air pump.

I did the kind of silly thing and ended up buying three air pumps (too small, too big, and just right) but about a month later I ran into those valves that Pops is talking about. I use those now and can change any of my various air devises up or down, depending on what I want and/or need.

Oh, not to treat you like you are dumb or anything, but I HIGHLY suggest the use of check valves for your air pumps. I wasnt using one before and the hose got disconnected from the air pump (which was under the tank stand) and effectively created a nice siphon to drain out my tank. I caught it in time to save the fish, but not the carpet or under flooing. Otherwise you need to keep your pump/hoses above the tank, but even still, if the hose comes off....it falls down...and you could have new carpets just like I did at my old place!

Hepcat021 · 10-02-2006, 11:23 PM

Hey Pops. I bet your right about the air control valve I need. I always read that the air pumps were not needed and more for decoration, so I never did my homework when I finally bought one. Anyway my pump is an Elite 801..rated for up to 15 gallons. The Air stone is 3" round. I feel pretty dumb, but you answered my question.

Thanks
Bill

phatbak · 10-02-2006, 11:27 PM

not to hijack the thread, but how do you know if you're pumping too much air?

Hepcat021 · 10-03-2006, 12:03 AM

I was pretty sure due to the fact that the bubbles being created was causing large amounts of surface agitation. It looked as if the surface of my water was at a rolling boil. Also my guppies were afraid to go to the surface and the brave one could barely make his way around when he tried. Oh yeah and the brave guppy also took a very violent ride up the bubble stream that looked like it almost lanched him into the hood.

Bill

thewebpop · 10-03-2006, 12:17 AM

Bill, Yep, I do not think we want that much activity. I keep mine at a nice easy bubble.

Phat, I judge my rate by site and the sound. I do not want to drive the fish crazy. Maybe someone with real info will jump into the thread.

TommyGun, I never thought about my hose coming apart, Thanks for the suggestion.
Later, Pop's

Teddy · 10-03-2006, 12:40 AM

My fish were also kind of scared to go to the side where the bubbles were, so they kinda hung out in the right corners of the tank...

Jay · 10-03-2006, 07:47 AM

Take Tommy's advice!! Check Valves, sooner or later, will save you a disaster and they only cost a buck.

You may want to try a lime wood block in place of a stone for bubbles. They produce a much smaller bubble, and a different visual effect.

--> Aquarium Air Pumps: Limewood Airstones

Jay

Hepcat021 · 10-03-2006, 10:37 PM

I am definately going to try those limewood airstones. Also I got a airflow control valve. Works Great!

Thank you all
Bill