Check Valve With Airline Control Valve Installation

hey all! I have decided to install a new airstone/bubbler for my planted tank to use at night when the lights go off but not sure if I installed the check valve and airline control valve correctly and in the correct place. I read somewhere that the check valve should be installed BEFORE the airline control valve... is this correct?

(The air pump will be below the tank and from my research, I will need a check valve to keep the water from being sucked out of the tank if the power was to ever go out. I also included the airline control valve because the air pump I purchased does not have an adjustable flow. I will be using a 2 watt air pump in a 6 gallon tank and may need that airline control valve If I ever need to adjust the flow.)

I also read that I should install these in places that are easy to access. Since I am working with a Fluval Edge, I figured the best place would be to put it under the hood next to the filter pump. Do you think the check valve is too close to the filter/lighting?

I attached the air tube to the airstone and attached the check valve on the other end. Then I cut a small piece of tubing and attached that from the check valve to the airline control valve. I used the remainder tubing to insert it from the other end of the airline control valve into the air pump. If this is not correct, please let me know. I haven’t started the airstone because I am still waiting for the air pump to arrive.

This is my first go on using an airstone/air pump.

 

When I set mine up I always put the check valve 4 or 5 inches from the pump. Once installed you shouldn't have to do anything else with it so don't have to have easy access to it. I then run a piece of tubing long enough to reach the top of the tank and put the control valve there. Then attach a piece of tubing to the control valve long enough to situate the airstone where you want it to be. This keeps the control valve up top and within easy reach for adjustments.

Be sure to put the check valve so air can go to the airstone. Blow through it. You should be able to blow through one end but not the other. It will probably have a mark on it telling you which way the air moves through it.

 

When I set mine up I always put the check valve 4 or 5 inches from the pump. Once installed you shouldn't have to do anything else with it so don't have to have easy access to it. I then run a piece of tubing long enough to reach the top of the tank and put the control valve there. Then attach a piece of tubing to the control valve long enough to situate the airstone where you want it to be. This keeps the control valve up top and within easy reach for adjustments.

Be sure to put the check valve so air can go to the airstone. Blow through it. You should be able to blow through one end but not the other. It will probably have a mark on it telling you which way the air moves through it.

Thanks for the reply. So did I not put the check valve in the correct place? The check valve where it says “in” is connected to the control valve and where it says “out” is connected to tube going into the airstone. This is the website I used to help install the check and control valves. Aquarium Air Check Valves – Save Your Tank!

I would prefer to have the control valve directly on the top of my tank right next to the filter but this website above suggests otherwise.

 

It appears to be set up correctly.

Some people install a "T" fitting inline on the tubing and place the control valve on it.

The control valve vents to the atmosphere. When closed, 100% of the air goes to the air stone/bubbler.

When you want to decrease air flow to the bubbler, crack the control valve open very slightly. The air will take the path of least resistance and a portion of the flow will vent to the atmosphere.

Bleeding the air that way places less back pressure on the diaphragm of the airpump.

Here is a link to a site that describes it better.

 

Thanks for the reply. So did I not put the check valve in the correct place? The check valve where it says “in” is connected to the control valve and where it says “out” is connected to tube going into the airstone. This is the website I used to help install the check and control valves. Aquarium Air Check Valves – Save Your Tank!

I would prefer to have the control valve directly on the top of my tank right next to the filter but this website above suggests otherwise.

As long as the check valve is between the pump and the first control valve it is all good.

It looks like you put the control valve about where I would put it. None of mine are close to the filter but only because the tubing doesn't run close to one. All of mine are at the top of the tank though so it is easy to change the pressure when necessary.

I agree with Islandvic suggestion about adding a t-fitting somewhere between the check valve and the control valve and attaching another control valve at that t-junction to bleed off air if necessary.

 

It appears to be set up correctly.

Some people install a "T" fitting inline on the tubing and place the control valve on it.

The control valve vents to the atmosphere. When closed, 100% of the air goes to the air stone/bubbler.

When you want to decrease air flow to the bubbler, crack the control valve open very slightly. The air will take the path of least resistance and a portion of the flow will vent to the atmosphere.

Bleeding the air that way places less back pressure on the diaphragm of the airpump.

Here is a link to a site that describes it better.

Ok so I did do it correctly! Woohoo! The air control valve is elbow shaped. So I would need to get a T valve too? Then place that above or below my air control valve?

The only problem is that I don’t have enough space in my Fluval Edge. Not sure if you’re familiar with these tanks but there is a backing which houses all of the wires and can be pulled through a small opening underneath it to connect to the outlet. I also have an enclosed hood which only measures to the size of the small opening on top of the tank. Therefore, it doesn’t leave me much room to add anything else besides a small airline tube, and a heater wire because the filter pump takes up the majority of it. The arms that hold the lighting also take up a lot of space. This is why the check valve and airline control valve look smushed together. I had no choice but to put the airline hose/check valve near the lighting wires.

As long as the check valve is between the pump and the first control valve it is all good.

It looks like you put the control valve about where I would put it. None of mine are close to the filter but only because the tubing doesn't run close to one. All of mine are at the top of the tank though so it is easy to change the pressure when necessary.

I agree with Islandvic suggestion about adding a t-fitting somewhere between the check valve and the control valve and attaching another control valve at that t-junction to bleed off air if necessary.

Wait, I put the check valve after the control valve if you’re going to use the air pump as a starting point. For example: Air pump to tubing, the tubing on the other end of the air pump is the control valve, then a small piece of tubing connects the end of the control valve to the “in” part of the check valve then another tube connects the “out” part of the valve which then connects to the air stone in the tank. If this isn’t right, let me know. Also I would like to know where to install the T valve and the other check valve If I even need it. My issue is the confined space I have. The check valve and control valve I installed barely fits in the filter/wire housing on my Fluval Edge. If I don’t put them there, I won’t be able to close the lid on my tank.

I attached photos so you can understand what I mean.

 

I have made diagrams so that it’s easier for those of you trying to help me so that I can understand the correct way to install valves/connectors to an air pump.

Sorry if it seems a bit much but I am a visual learner.

If you can please tell me which example is correct, I would greatly appreciate it. I have included 4 examples if I were to use a bleed valve (if necessary) and 2 examples using a airline control valve. Please leave the example number in the comments so that I know which example is the correct way to install it to my tank.

I would like to know the correct installation of both variations (using a bleed valve AND the regular setup I have now which is just a check valve and a airline control valve). Thank you.

With bleed valve:





Which one is correct?

Without bleed valve (this is what I have now):



Which one is correct?

If anyone is wondering... There is no example 3 as two check valves would be next to one another in that senario.

 

I would go with what you have currently. If for any reason water were to return in the air line, when it comes back on there would be less water to be push out. Some pumps have a difficult time doing that.

 

I would go with what you have currently. If for any reason water were to return in the air line, when it comes back on there would be less water to be push out. Some pumps have a difficult time doing that.

That’s a good enough reason to keep it the way I have. The instructions that were sent with the airstone show it differently than what I have. It tells me to install it like this:



However, another website stated to put the check valve before the control valve. So now I’m confused lol

 

Personally, I think the most important thing is just have a working check valve somewhere in the line.

 

Look again at the link I provided on how to install the "T" fitting.

The "T" is just a connector, not a valve.

The straight part of the T has the airline going in and out, then the part that T's off has the control valve. The valve bleeds off to the atmosphere.

 

That’s a good enough reason to keep it the way I have. The instructions that were sent with the airstone show it differently than what I have. It tells me to install it like this:
View attachment 528795

However, another website stated to put the check valve before the control valve. So now I’m confused lol

This is the way it needs to be done if you aren't going to add a bleed off valve.

In this example they call it a reverse valve but it is the check valve we are talking about. The check valve doesn't have to go through the narrow opening in your tank. The check valve (reverse valve) needs to be the first thing in air line.

When I set mine up I cut a piece of of tubing about 4 inches long. I attach one end to the air pump and the other end to the "out" side of the check valve.

If I am not going to add a bleed off valve I cut a piece of tubing long enough to reach the top of the tank. I attach one end of this long piece of tubing to the other side of the check valve and the other end to the air control valve.

Then I cut a piece of tubing long enough to go from the air control valve to the airstone. Attach this piece of tubing to the other side of the air control valve and the other end to your airstone. This is the only piece of tubing that will have to go through the small opening in your tank.

If you decide to put a bleed off valve on the line you will need a T connector. It is just a piece of plastic that basically is shaped like a T but all three legs are the same length. will show you what we are talking about

To use it you will need to cut the piece of tubing going from the check valve to the air control valve. It doesn't matter exactly where you make the cut but I usually cut it at least 3 or 4 inches from the check valve. Just put it where it will be easiest for you to reach to make adjustments as needed.

Once cut join the 2 ends back together using the T connector. Once you do that cut another small length of tubing (2 or 3 inches long) and attach one end of this piece of tubing to the remaining leg of the T connector and the other end to another air control valve.

Occasionally air pumps put out more air than needed and if we just close down the one air control valve we may be putting too much back pressure on the air pump. Having a bleed off valve should prevent damage to the air pump.

I hope I have explained this clearly enough but if not please don't hesitate to let me know.

 

This is the way it needs to be done if you aren't going to add a bleed off valve.

In this example they call it a reverse valve but it is the check valve we are talking about. The check valve doesn't have to go through the narrow opening in your tank. The check valve (reverse valve) needs to be the first thing in air line.

When I set mine up I cut a piece of of tubing about 4 inches long. I attach one end to the air pump and the other end to the "out" side of the check valve.

If I am not going to add a bleed off valve I cut a piece of tubing long enough to reach the top of the tank. I attach one end of this long piece of tubing to the other side of the check valve and the other end to the air control valve.

Then I cut a piece of tubing long enough to go from the air control valve to the airstone. Attach this piece of tubing to the other side of the air control valve and the other end to your airstone. This is the only piece of tubing that will have to go through the small opening in your tank.

If you decide to put a bleed off valve on the line you will need a T connector. It is just a piece of plastic that basically is shaped like a T but all three legs are the same length. will show you what we are talking about

To use it you will need to cut the piece of tubing going from the check valve to the air control valve. It doesn't matter exactly where you make the cut but I usually cut it at least 3 or 4 inches from the check valve. Just put it where it will be easiest for you to reach to make adjustments as needed.

Once cut join the 2 ends back together using the T connector. Once you do that cut another small length of tubing (2 or 3 inches long) and attach one end of this piece of tubing to the remaining leg of the T connector and the other end to another air control valve.

Occasionally air pumps put out more air than needed and if we just close down the one air control valve we may be putting too much back pressure on the air pump. Having a bleed off valve should prevent damage to the air pump.

I hope I have explained this clearly enough but if not please don't hesitate to let me know.

Ok so I have it set up incorrectly from the description you wrote. So I have to switch the check valve and control valve? Therefore it should be air pump then place tubing from air pump to “out” part of the check valve, then another tubing into the “in” part of the check valve then connect that piece of tubing to the control valve then use another piece of tubing to insert it into the end of the control valve and into the Airstone? Like shown in example 2 of my photos without the bleed valve? That way I can just have the air control valve next to my filter and keep the check valve out near the air pump?

And If I were to use a bleed valve, to go with example 2 with the bleed valve?

I purchased a aqua sepreme Dennar 2 watt air pump. Do you think that will be too much for a 6 gallon tank? Would I need to make a bleed valve for it?

I’m really sorry if I sound like an idiot. I can assure you that I’m not. This is just sounding complicated because I can’t get a clear visual of it. Pictures are better for me that’s why I made all of those examples.

 

Your example #2 without the bleed valve is the closest of all your examples but even in that one you have the control valve in the tank and the check valve at the top of the tank. In all of the other examples you have 2 check valves. No matter how you set it up you only need one check valve. The photo you posted in post #11 is the way I would do it if I wasn't going to use a bleed valve.

It really is simple to set up but I see how it can be a bit intimidating the first time. The aip pump you have should work fine.

You can wait on adding the bleed off valve. It can be added later if you find you need it. You should be able to tell if you need it if it sounds like the pump is working too hard.

You can check this out once you get it all set up. If the pump sounds like it is working too hard disconnect the tubing that goes from the control valve to the airstone and open the control valve all the way. If the pump gets quieter then you will know it will help to add a bleed off valve..

 

Here is an example.....

Air pump would be on the left.

Air enters the "T".

Off the T is the bleeder valve that vents excess air from pump to the atmosphere. Turn the dial to close it, and the air pump's full output continues down the airline.

Turn the knob slightly, and the bleeder valve will vent off some of the flow of air, thus reduces the air going to the stone. It's fully adjustable to control how much air you want to go to the air stone.

The check valve is on the right. It's output goes to the air stone.

There are dozens of ways to set up air line tubing, valves, fittings etc.

This is just one example.

 

Mattgirl and Islandvic You guys are awesome! Thank you so much! I’ve officially had a dumb moment for once in my life thanks to this lol! I’m going to get that T connector now since I need to go to the pet store anyway so I can have it on hand just in case!

I know that I have the control valve too close to the tank but that’s the only place I have that will fit and can have easy access too unless I connect it closer to the check valve which I will be putting outside of the tank about 5 inches from the air pump per your recommendation. This means that it will be hanging towards the floor behind a big cabinet that my tank is on... better then nothing right? Having the control valve too close to the filter/airstone isn’t a problem though right?

The tube between the airstone and the control valve is less than a fingers length because the airstone looks like a co2 diffuser but it’s an actual airstone. I figured it’s a better kind to have so that my sand doesn’t fly everywhere compared to regular air stones... it won’t be touching the substrate at all and because it’s completelt clear, it won’t be too noticeable when not in use.

 

hahahahaha....we all have to have a dumb moment at least once in our lifetime I wouldn't call it dumb though....What 'cha don't know you don't know but now you do

 

hahahahaha....we all have to have a dumb moment at least once in our lifetime I wouldn't call it dumb though....What 'cha don't know you don't know but now you do

LOL! I made it to be way more complicated than what it really was... but, I’ve never used an air pump before so looking at all this made me confused! Now I know. I’ll post a photo of the setup when I get the air pump just to pick your brain some more lol. Thanks again for all of your help.

View attachment 528963

Here is an example.....

Air pump would be on the left.

Air enters the "T".

Off the T is the bleeder valve that vents excess air from pump to the atmosphere. Turn the dial to close it, and the air pump's full output continues down the airline.

Turn the knob slightly, and the bleeder valve will vent off some of the flow of air, thus reduces the air going to the stone. It's fully adjustable to control how much air you want to go to the air stone.

The check valve is on the right. It's output goes to the air stone.

There are dozens of ways to set up air line tubing, valves, fittings etc.

This is just one example.

This photo helped me a lot!!!! Thank you for this.

 

Great post
Great help. Keep up the wonderful job and I’m just commenting so I can view it later

 

Great post
Great help. Keep up the wonderful job and I’m just commenting so I can view it later

 

Well guys I think I did it!!! The air pump I purchased is actually a 1.5 watt not a 2 watt like it was advertised. First, I used the air tube to insert it into the pump, then I cut it about 6 inches and inserted the check valve. I kept the control valve in the same place as I had it before (inside the box next to the filter). The airstone is working well too. The pump is extremely quiet (my filter is louder than the pump) so I don’t think I need a bleed valve. The control valve that the airstone came with is kind of janky so I may need to change it to a better one later. What do you guys think? Did I do it right this time around? Lol

 

Yay!!!!! you are now an expert

 

Yay!!!!! you are now an expert

Woohoo!!! Thank you guys! I love this little airstone tube because I’ve heard nightmares about regular air stones kicking up a bunch of sand/substrate.

IF I ever need a bleed valve in the future, could I just cut a through the tube that’s going to the control valve, insert the T connector, and insert that into the tube that goes to the control valve? Then add another another tube to the open part of the T and add another check valve to it so it doesn’t leak water out? ... like this...

 

Woohoo!!! Thank you guys! I love this little airstone tube because I’ve heard nightmares about regular air stones kicking up a bunch of sand/substrate.

IF I ever need a bleed valve in the future, could I just cut a through the tube that’s going to the control valve, insert the T connector, and insert that into the tube that goes to the control valve? Then add another another tube to the open part of the T and add another check valve to it so it doesn’t leak water out? ... like this...
View attachment 529253

Yes, that is where you would put the T for the bleed off valve. You don't need another check valve though. Maybe you meant control valve? The one check valve you have on the line is the only one you need. It will stop any water from being pulled into the pump should you lose power for any reason.

The only time one would need more than one check valve is if their air pump has more than one air outlet. Since yours only has one outlet you only need one check valve.

 

Yes that would work fine.

A "bleed valve" is basically the same as a control valve, with nothing connected to the outlet, so it vents to the atmosphere.

Since you already have the "T", you can actually set it up the way you describe in the last pic now.

You could take the control valve off current set up, and insert an inch or 2 of line going into the valve and the other end of the short air line into the "T".

Then the airline coming off the other side of "T" goes straight to the air stone.

Keeping the control valve (now a bleed valve) closed will allow 100% of air to go to the air stone.

Crack it open when you want to reduce air flow to the air stone, since some of the air will now vent to the atmosphere.

 

Yes, that is where you would put the T for the bleed off valve. You don't need another check valve though. Maybe you meant control valve? The one check valve you have on the line is the only one you need. It will stop any water from being pulled into the pump should you lose power for any reason.

The only time one would need more than one check valve is if their air pump has more than one air outlet. Since yours only has one outlet you only need one check valve.

No I meant check valve. Because wouldn’t that opening of the T pour out water if my filter decided to siphon it out? The check valve is next to the air pump. The control valve is next to their air stone. The T connector is going to be on the same line as the control valve and airstone. Therefore, if the pump would ever siphon, it would pass the T connector first before it reaches the check valve next to the air pump. I assume that the T valve will leak out water without another check valve installed.

Yes that would work fine.

A "bleed valve" is basically the same as a control valve, with nothing connected to the outlet, so it vents to the atmosphere.

Since you already have the "T", you can actually set it up the way you describe in the last pic now.

You could take the control valve off current set up, and insert an inch or 2 of line going into the valve and the other end of the short air line into the "T".

Then the airline coming off the other side of "T" goes straight to the air stone.

Keeping the control valve (now a bleed valve) closed will allow 100% of air to go to the air stone.

Crack it open when you want to reduce air flow to the air stone, since some of the air will now vent to the atmosphere.

So I can’t keep the control valve where it is (inside the box where the filter is located) and create a new cut for the T connector?

 

It can be kept there just fine.

I was just offering an alternative arrangement of the fittings.

 

It can be kept there just fine.

I was just offering an alternative arrangement of the fittings.

Ok whewww because it was a pain to get it there in the first place. I’m not working with a lot of space lol. So far Tom and Jerry (my temp zebra danios) are loving the airstone. They were playing in it all night. So thank you for all of your help. You helped make my fish happy.

 

No I meant check valve. Because wouldn’t that opening of the T pour out water if my filter decided to siphon it out? The check valve is next to the air pump. The control valve is next to their air stone. The T connector is going to be on the same line as the control valve and airstone. Therefore, if the pump would ever siphon, it would pass the T connector first before it reaches the check valve next to the air pump. I assume that the T valve will leak out water without another check valve installed.

The one check valve close to the air pump will keep that from happening. It you add the T connector you will have a control valve on the open end of the T connector so will have a closed system. I can't see where the T connector/bleed off valve is necessary though since your pump doesn't appear to be straining.

The way you have it set up right now should be fine. The one check valve will prevent the air from being pulled out of the air line even if you add a bleed off valve so water can't be pulled into it.

I don't have a bleed off valve on any of the airlines coming off my pumps but all of mine are supplying air to more than one airstone or sponge filter.

Ok whewww because it was a pain to get it there in the first place. I’m not working with a lot of space lol. .

I guess we are still not on the same page when it comes to the control valve. It doesn't need to be inside the filter housing. I try to situate all of mine at the top but outside the tank. If yours was that way the only thing that would have to go through you filter is the piece of tubing you have attached to the airstone on one end and the control valve on the other end. The control valve would be situated outside the tank instead of having to try to stuff it in the filter.

 

So I can’t keep the control valve where it is (inside the box where the filter is located) and create a new cut for the T connector?

If you add the T connector you'll have to attach the control valve to the arm that branches off from it, or all the air will vent out of the opening at the T before it reaches the air stone.

I try not to be overly zealous when it comes to fish keeping, but I would definitely recommend a bleed valve if you're restricting the air flow. It's a pretty simple thing that noticeably increases the life span of a pump.

 

The one check valve close to the air pump will keep that from happening. It you add the T connector you will have a control valve on the open end of the T connector so will have a closed system. I can't see where the T connector/bleed off valve is necessary though since your pump doesn't appear to be straining.

The way you have it set up right now should be fine. The one check valve will prevent the air from being pulled out of the air line even if you add a bleed off valve so water can't be pulled into it.

I don't have a bleed off valve on any of the airlines coming off my pumps but all of mine are supplying air to more than one airstone or sponge filter.


I guess we are still not on the same page when it comes to the control valve. It doesn't need to be inside the filter housing. I try to situate all of mine at the top but outside the tank. If yours was that way the only thing that would have to go through you filter is the piece of tubing you have attached to the airstone on one end and the control valve on the other end. The control valve would be situated outside the tank instead of having to try to stuff it in the filter.

I don’t need the T valve but I wanted to ask just in case I would ever need one in the future. The only reason why I put it next to the filter inside the housing box is because there literally is no other place to put it for me to have easy access to it. I have no space behind or on the sides of the tank. I can’t reach those areas easily. I would have to move the entire cabinet just to reach for it and the cabinet is extremely heavy. This is why I put the control valve where it is now. It was a pain just to get the tube through the box and to the air pump. If I didn’t put the air tube that is connected to the airstone where it is now, I would not be able to close the lid of the tank I also wouldn’t be able to put the airstone to begin with. It’s the same as my heater. The cord must go through the box next to the filter in order for me to use it. Otherwise, I can’t put a heater in. My tank has glass all through the top with a small opening in the middle that only fits the small lighting and filter that comes with the tank and the lid. It’s a pain to aquascape/hardscape. You can only put one hand in the tank at a time. It’s also extremely difficult to siphon from the corners of the tank without knocking things over. So if I ever were to use a T connector, I would have to install the control valve on it then place the check valve right after the airstone just like islandvic’s photo. I was just trying to make it easier on myself by putting the T connector outside of the tank without it going directly on the control valve. Because if I put the T connector on the control valve, I wouldn’t have room for it. Also, the check valve is right after the air pump so either way, that opening for the T connector to bleed off air will leak water this is why I mentioned using another check valve on that tube so it doesn’t leak water on to the floor. The only way for that to stop water in it’s tracks is to put the check valve right before the tube goes in the airstone like islandvics photo.

This is my tank. You can clearly see how difficult it is to situate tubing and cords on this godforsaken tank.









My only other option is to completely disassemble the tubing and start over if I wanted to use a T connector. That way, I can have the air pump then the control valve with the T connector and then the check valve before that tube goes into the airstone correct?

If that is the case, I will not be able to reach the control valve. It was really hard to put the check valve on the outside of the tank where it’s situated now.

 

If you add the T connector you'll have to attach the control valve to the arm that branches off from it, or all the air will vent out of the opening at the T before it reaches the air stone.

I try not to be overly zealous when it comes to fish keeping, but I would definitely recommend a bleed valve if you're restricting the air flow. It's a pretty simple thing that noticeably increases the life span of a pump.

Ok see that makes more sense as to why it needs to be on the control valve and not the way I was thinking of using it. Thank you. I am using a 1.5 watt air pump for a small nano airstone and it’s been really quiet so far. My filter is louder than the air pump so I don’t think I’m over exhausting the air pump. I just wanted to know about the T connector in case I ever do need it in the future with a more powerful air pump especially when I upgrade to a bigger tank later down the road. I am using a control valve though. I tightened it to the lowest setting on the airstone to restrict as much air flow as possible and left it like that for a good 15 mins to see if the pump was going to get loud and it didn’t. That’s a good sign that I’m not exhausting my pump right? I intend to only use the airstone at night for the fish since I have plants (and intend to get more). My only restriction to adding things in the tank is space. A Fluval Edge tank is not very friendly when it comes to adding extra equipment or even decorating the tank and siphoning it for that matter. However it’s a gorgeous tank in my opinion.

 

It does sound like you are having to work in a very tight spot. I agree, It is a very pretty tank.

I am sorry I could explain it any clearer.

 

It does sound like you are having to work in a very tight spot. I agree, It is a very pretty tank.

I am sorry I could explain it any clearer.

Yes girl!!!! Its extremely difficult. This is why I was/am having such a hard time for something so simple. Most tanks have huge openings and top lids that can be removed completely. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have that option. This is why something so easy for you guys is really hard for me. I can’t just put whatever I want and expect it to work or allow the lid to close. This is also why I had to shove the control valve at a specific place otherwise my lighting wouldn’t fold down and if the lighting doesn’t fold down then I can’t close the lid. If I didn’t have a cat, I would just keep the lid open which would resolve 99% of my issues lol

Thank you for trying to explain as best as you could. You did help a lot. I just don’t think you were able to grasp my difficulties with my tank because not everyone uses a Fluval Edge. Only those who have this tank know my struggles lol