How to Install an Air Pump in a Fish Tank
Four equipment systems are essential in maintaining a healthy environment for fishes in an aquarium: filters, overhead lights, heaters (optional in tropical regions) and aerators. Installing an air pump in a fish tank to oxygenate the water and generate water flow through the filters takes a little time, but is not at all complicated. If you have all the accessories on hand, all you need to do is connect the pieces, and you're all set.
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Things You'll Need
- Air pump
- Clear plastic tubing
- Accessories (connectors, valves, clamps, suction cups)
Instructions
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1
Read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings. Air pumps are simple machines that generate air pressure by rapidly pulsing rubber membranes, but manufacturers will warn against letting the pump get wet or hampering air flow by plugging up the outlets.
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2
Lay out the location of the pump and where the pumped air will go, such as under gravel or in-tank filters and air stones, which are stones which emit bubbles or an air mist. Measure the distances, then measure the plastic tubing.
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3
Cut the plastic tubing and attach the accessories, such as connectors, gang valves, clamps and suction cups, following your layout of the intended locations of the aeration components.
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4
Attach the ends of the plastic tubing to air stones or filter intakes. Depending on the size and capacity of the air pump, you can attach one to several air stones and filter intakes. Note that the longer the tubing and the more output devices, the weaker the total air pressure becomes.
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5
Plug the air pump to an electrical outlet and turn it on.
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Adjust the airflow as needed. Adjustable valves and connectors help control the air pressure along the tubes.
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Tips & Warnings
Clamps and suction cups hold the plastic tubing in place on the walls of the fish tank.
Some air pumps are designed to emit low vibrations and ambient noise. If your air pump is making too much noise, place it on top of a sponge, rubber mat or terry towel that will absorb the vibrations.
Always have a "drip loop" -- a hanging loop -- in the plastic tubing between the air pump and the fish tank, and in the electrical wire between the air pump and the wall socket. Drip loops prevent water from entering the air pump or flowing into the electrical socket by directing it down the loop.
