BulldogWrestler

I have a 60 gallong rated air pump in my 30 gallon tall.

Here's my issue.

I have two aerations I'm trying to work. One is a "fizzle stone" that I want to hang in the corner of the tank above the filter. The other is an ornament that I want to get bubbles out of. (See picture below. The ornament is one of those wheels that turn when the bubbles get going and it's on the bottom right. The fizzler is on the top left.)

My problem is this:

The air pump is only supplying air to the fizzler. I have tubing going into the tank, teeing off right at the entrance, and then one side going to each aeration. The fizzler gets all of the pressure, and none goes to the wheel ornament.

If I pinch the tubing on the fizzler side of the tee, it provides the wheel with enough pressure to get going.

Is there a device I can get or make at home to put pressure on the tubing without wearing/tearing it out? I was thinking of some kind of clamp (ala the paper clamps you use in the office) but I'm sure you guys have run into this and would have a better idea.

Please let me know.

Thanks.

Attached Images

tank.jpg (119.3 KB, 43 views)

Moe Jacob

I am quite new at the hobby, but I think I can help you out ... someone please correct me if I am wrong.

I would replace the "T" with an air control valve (3 way) ... here is an example of what I mean:

http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/...01011790010101

This wil allow you to control the amount of air that goes to the ornament and the airstone, it will only take a few minutes to find the correct balance. Also, the 3rd valve should be left open just a "tiny bit" to decrease the pressure applied against the diaphram of the pump ... it doesn't take much, just a very small leak of air from the 3rd valve to prolong the life of the pump. Having said that, it's a good idea to have a repair kit for the pump just in case.

One other thing, I would spend the $3.00 and install a check valve ( http://www.hagen.com/canada/english/...01011650010101 ) between the pump and 3 way valve, that way water can not make its way back to the pump and ruin it.

That's my 5 cents ... hope it helps!

Moe

cerianthus

Get a Gang Valve (2-ways, 3-ways, etc,) rather than using "T".
I am concerned with the location of heater and suction cup/clip.
Would position the heater lower than water level during normal pwc thus no need to unplug and plug.
I've seen plastic clip melt down under water causing problems to inhabitants thus would move away from heating elements which is usually located at bottom of heater.