After a couple of months the bubblewand seems to start to fail. The # & size of bubbles drop drastically. We have tried different company & types of bubblewands and it still happens. We have replaced the air pump. We have replaced the airline tubing. Is this a common or even expected problem? Is there anything we can do to prevent it? Please offer your expertise!
2006-08-07 15:26:44 · 13 answers · asked by Nancy K 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Clean the filter
2006-08-12 16:41:17 · answer #1 · answered by G. M. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Air stones or bubblewands don't last long to begin with. They are only good for a few months depending on your water conditions. If you have alot of salt in the water or a very high General Hardness
the stones will not last long at all. Some fish do not even like bubbles in the tank, so sometimes you are better off to use a stong power head to keep up water circulation if you get sick of buying air stones all the time. I keep African Cichlids and found out they don't like bubbles so I got rid of my airstones about two years ago. Most saltwater tanks, especially reef tanks do not have any bubbles. Some people just like the look of bubbles. Hope this info helps you out. Good Luck.
2006-08-07 15:45:08 · answer #2 · answered by MiMi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion you would be better off to install a tank filter which doesn't require the use of an air pump. Air pumps use an electromagnet and a rubber diaphragm to pump air. A hole usually wears through the diaphragm after a few months of operation necessitating it's replacement.
Unplug the air hose from the air pump and try to blow bubbles into the tank using your breath. If you feel any resistance to your breath, a blockage exists somewhere in the airline.
Hope this helps.
2006-08-07 17:02:50 · answer #3 · answered by Neil S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We buy new bubblewands and bubble stones about every 2 months about the time the bubbles don't come as thick as they use to. I have tried cleaning the wands, the stones etc. The best ting I have found so far is soak the wand or stone in white vinegar for about 6 hours, it will dissolve the build up etc. Make sure you rinse it super good too. Sometimes it is just easier to buy new ones.
2006-08-15 03:46:53 · answer #4 · answered by skye 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes they just need to be taken out and scrubbed with a toothbrush. The little holes get clogged with food particles and waste that selltles in the water. The tiniest particles can clog the holes. Just give it a good cleaning every month or so.
2006-08-07 17:09:23 · answer #5 · answered by CounselorKC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use a power head. It is a water pump that shoots water lixed with a ton of air bubbles. My entire tank has tiny air bubbles in it.
2006-08-07 18:39:06 · answer #6 · answered by Loc P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bubble wand may be in wrong try cleaning the tank this happened to my cousin.
2006-08-15 08:41:17 · answer #7 · answered by Echo Shadows 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mineral deposits from the water you but in the tank are collecting inside the chamber and clogging the wand. Check your holes and even poke into them with a needle to reopen them!
2006-08-13 22:32:09 · answer #8 · answered by quiet one 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have the same trouble with mine sometimes,the bubble stones we have seem to need a cleaning every time we clean the tank,so every 3 months we clean the tank and the dirty clogged-up bubble stones.
2006-08-12 13:27:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try ones made of wood/cork, they do last longer, but they all break down with time. Particularly when the air flow is too high.
2006-08-14 06:27:38 · answer #10 · answered by iceni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋