Back Siphoning with Check Valve?

Hi All,

pretty new to the hobby and am having some problems with my air pump. I just set up my first 10 gallon tank and everything is checking out great besides my airstone. I have a very small circular air stone, probably 1 inch diamater and am using a 10 gallon Tetra whisper air compressor. from the pump i have my check valve, then the device thst controls the amount of air, then the stone. Water keeps back siphoning into the air tubing. I have the pump far above the waterline and a check valve is in. What am i doing wrong?

 

Is the check valve facing the correct way?

 

there’s no arrow on it but I have “in” facing the whisper and “out” facing the pump. Is that correct?

 

there’s no arrow on it but I have “in” facing the whisper and “out” facing the pump. Is that correct?

The best way to tell is take it off and blow through it. I’m certain the “in” side should be toward the air pump, and “out” should be toward the stone. Blow in that direction. you will only be able to blow one way.

 

The best way to tell is take it off and blow through it. I’m certain the “in” side should be toward the air pump, and “out” should be toward the stone. Blow in that direction. you will only be able to blow one way.

Ok thank you, I’ll try that tomorrow but it does sound like I have it facing the right direction.

 

Ok thank you, I’ll try that tomorrow but it does sound like I have it facing the right direction.

It is possible the valve is mislabeled or faulty. If you can blow air through both directions, then you’ll know to replace it.

 

If you have the pump above the surface of the water, but water is still traveling up the air line toward the pump, it sounds like the pump is faulty and is drawing air in instead of pushing it out.

 

It's best to place the check valve closer to the tank. Water can enter the tubing up until the check valve. Having it close to the tank prevents most of this.

 

I had to return that exact air pump 4 separate times due to it not working or rattling.

This is what I use: HIRALIY Aquarium Air Pump https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0854CWH5...abc_22RESPVWDGRCBCKNYYYX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Works like a charm and includes EVERYTHING.
I own 2 of these; I use one unit to power two airstones and sponge filter for 3 aquariums.
The other unit has 2 Airstones on a 55g. I’ll be adding another sponge filter soon.

for a smaller pump I use this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HKGB88...abc_EHYPQ9M01G5CYHM8VGM2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

I use these, but the 30 and 60 gal versions:




Have used the Whisper 60 from Tetra as well. Had no problems with any air pump i have used(other than noise), but have heard of the Whispers pumping water out of the unit straight put of the box.