Big Al Fishkeeper

Hi, I was reading on the website about the importance of the "check valve", and I do have a check valve connected to my airpump. I'm having difficulty understanding what would happen without the check valve in the event of a power surge. If, for some reason, my check valve is faulty, is water going to pour out of the tube near my electrical outlet? I have my air pump below my tank.

I'm not sure what information you need. I have a 29 gallon tropical fish tank, whisper power 30 filter and just added the whisper air pump. Thanks for your help. I've only had my aquarium for about 1 month now, so I'm still learning a lot from this website.

Maxamas

Thats ok Big Al, we have all been there when we started our fish tanks. To answer your question with out a check valve and the power went out; the water would siphon back into your air pump causing damage. If this happens you would have to replace your air pump. I never had a problem with a check valve, but every month I will take it out and blow into to end were the water would come from to make sure it will do it's job when the time comes. Basically if you can't blow through it, its fine but if you can replace it.

Oh and one more tip for you new air pump if ever in the future it stops producing air don't replace it, nine times out of ten the rubber gasket inside that helps produces air has just worn out. That way you only have to spend maybe a buck for it, instead of buy a whole new unit.

Big Al Fishkeeper

Thanks Maxamas for the response.