This blog post will show you how to set up air pump with check valve. You can use this in your aquarium or any other way that requires the air pump and check valve to work together. This is a relatively simple process, but just in case you need help along the way, we’ll go over all the steps here. Let’s get started!
The benefits of using one of these are numerous for your plants, fish, and overall health of aquatic life. Not to mention it helps keep everything clean too! So keep reading if you want to learn more about what they are used for and how to take care of them properly.
If you are not familiar with how they work, read this article first. It would help if you also considered getting a check valve tester to make sure your check valves are still working correctly after installation. Once you have the check valve and air pump working, you will need to get tubing.
5 Steps to Follow on How to Set Up Air Pump With Check Valve
Step One: Determine
First, you have to get your pump. Be sure to consider the kind of fish you will keep in the aquarium when deciding what size pump or filter to get. Also, be confident that it is compatible with the filter material system you are planning on using; for example, some filters can only accommodate sponges and bio balls while others can have various media options.
Second, you need to choose a check valve. Check valves are designed to prevent water from flowing back into the pump when turned off or stops running. These valves are proper in several setups, especially in the case of an air pump where you will be returning water to the aquarium and not just filtering it.
If you have a canister filter, you will need to drill a hole in the top of it for the air hose. However, if you are only using the pump with an existing filtration system, you can just run the hose from the pump up through the water and out one of the holes in your aquarium hood or canopy.
Step Two: The Air Hose
As with other kinds of pumps, there are advantages and disadvantages to using air hoses. One key benefit is that you can use the pump in different aquariums. If you plan on moving it around a lot, then an air hose will give you the most flexibility.
Some people also prefer them because they do not get tangled or kink as easily as the flexible hoses used in saltwater setups. But, again, this is simply a matter of personal preference. Still, if you keep your aquariums indoors, then you might want to consider using an air hose with your pump because it will not tangle or get damaged by sunlight nearly as much as rope or plastic hoses.
The only downside to using an air hose with your pump is that if the tank gets very high, sometimes you can run into problems with low pressure. However, if you use the steps outlined above for how to set up air pump with check valve, you can do it yourself.
Step Three: The Air Stone
An air stone is a small porous piece of plastic or natural stone commonly used to diffuse and boost oxygenation in marine setups. To use one with your air pump, push it gently into the hose so that it rests at the bottom of the tank.
This will disperse bubbles over a wide area and allow them to dissolve into the water more efficiently. You can also buy air stones built right into the pump itself, but these are only really necessary if you plan to use highly high-powered pumps in high-level tanks.
If you are using an air hose, you can set it on the bottom of the tank with the stone plunged into the end. However, if you have a standalone pump, you will want to have something to prop up the nozzle so that water can flow through it properly.
Step Four: Set Up
You can either plug your air pump into your power strip or take it to the desired outlet and use an extension cord. Next, you need to run the hose up through one of the holes in your aquarium hood or rimmed tank canopy. Next, plugin the check valve; if that is a part of your setup, plug in your air stone and start the pump.
If you have a canister filter, then be sure to turn it on as well. Then, the water will begin flowing up from the tank and out of the pump nozzles. If everything is working correctly, then you should start to see bubbles coming from the air stone. In some setups, it might be a good idea to remove some of the gravel or other media from your tank before beginning this process.
That way, when water flows through the suction hose and returns through the discharge, it will help wash away any dirt or debris collected in the gravel. These steps should help you in learning how to set up air pump with check valve.
Step Five: Maintenance
The only correct maintenance you will need to perform on your air pump involves unplugging and cleaning the check valve. If it gets clogged, then water may not flow through properly. Therefore, it is essential to clean this piece regularly so that debris does not get stuck in it and cause problems with circulation.
To do this, unscrew the valve and carefully remove any dirt, debris, or algae buildup with a toothbrush. Then use your small water pump to spray fresh water through it so that everything is clean and flowing correctly again. If you notice thin black foam around the air stone or in the bubbles coming out of it, this can indicate slime or other organic buildups.
It can often be prevented by careful and frequent checking of the water pump and air stone, but if you find it unavoidable, use an algaecide to help clean up any problem areas. Just make sure not to dose your aquarium water with too many chemicals because this could cause problems down the line.
You can check it to Set Up Aquarium Filter Pump
Where Do You Put a Check Valve?
A check valve works by letting air flow in one direction when the pump pushes it, but only when no pressure pushes back. If it’s pushing against water or anything else, then the air can’t get through. Where you put, it will depend on what type of pump you have.
An example would be an air pump that also does saltwater refilling. If you’re using an air pump that is right below the water’s surface, then it should be put after the check valve to let air flow in both directions. On the other hand, if you want an air pump to push against something like a surfboard fin or plug, it goes on top of the check valve to let air push downwards.
Be sure that you use the correct type of check valve for each of these applications. For example, a check valve for use underwater goes in backward from a regular one. This is because the part that seals against the opening is on the top, not the bottom. Thanks for reading about how to set up air pump with check valve.
What Type of Check Valve?
Not all check valves are created equal. For example, if you have a saltwater aquarium or an air pump that’s used with it, then you’ll want to get a valve that’s rated for saltwater. This is because a standard check valve will corrode and rust because of the salt in the water, but one made for use underwater won’t because it uses stainless steel instead.
Check valves can also be used to let air flow against things like fins or plugs, but they’re not as efficient at this as an airstone because they can’t generate turbulence. Again, an airstone will do this better, but it doesn’t let the air push against anything instead of just letting it shoot out straight.
You’ll need to get an airstone or make one yourself if your check valve won’t hold in place by itself. A simple one can be made by taking a pencil or something similar to it, jamming it into the ground, and then using a hose clamp to secure it in place, so the check valve sits on top of it.
Conclusion
It is essential to use a check valve when setting up an air pump, as it prevents the creation of a vacuum. This can be done by either having a separate chamber that contains the intake and release valves for your system or using one with two sets of inlets and outlets.
Now that you know how to set up air pump with check valve, you can add the final pieces and get your creative ideas flowing. Remember that if needed, there are many different types of check valves out there for specific uses.
