My air pump keeps dying on me?

Question

I am on my 3rd air pump. They all run for about 2-3 months and then suddenly stop producing bubbles. I have switched out the bubble stones and it doesn't help.

So my question is "Do I really need an air pump?". I have real plants in my tank and a filter. It's a 100 gallon tank.

Secondly, any idea why this is happening? I love the look of the bubbles, but this is getting to be a pain. Thanks!

Thanks for the help. What brand do you use of air pump? This is the Petsmart store brand pump, and I'm having horrible luck with it.

With my first pump, I had a 4 way valve hooked up to it--resulting in 5 total air stones in the tank. When that one burned out, I thought that must have been the reason. So I have been using only 2 lengths of tubing since. But the bubbles get less and less until they're gone once again.

Answer 1

Hi Laura,

No you don't really need to have an air pump. They do little to actually aerate your water (the filter is more powerful, and causes much more surface disturbance which is where the dissolved oxygen the carbon dioxide produced by the fish and plants (at least at night) is exchanged. So as long as you have a filter running, an air pump isn't necessary.

I think your problem is mainly in the number of things you're trying to run from a single pump and the depth of the tank. You may also be getting undersized pumps for what you need. The type I've used that I like best for larger tanks is TetraTec Deep: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/14306/product.web (there are actually 5 sizes available). These are made particularly for tanks that are deeper and need more power to force the air down against water pressure. If you've been having trouble and are running multiple connections, may you could go up one size in terms of output.

Also, check your tubing to make sure you're getting good seals around all your connections - if any have escaping air (either from the tubing hardening or splitting), this causes a loss of air to your tank. If you can drip a little water on each connection, you'll notice if any air is escaping. Another problem is if your tubing may be getting bent and crimped.

All air pumps will go bad evenutally, but should only need the internal diaphragm replaced. But 2-3 months is a little too early for that to be happening.

Answer 2

It is a good idea to have an air pump in your aquarium. I have never had an aquarium without one. If you have a large air pump and are using to small of stones it could be limiting the air flow and that can burn out the pump. Make sure it stays dry as well and if it vibrates a lot keeping it on a small block of foam will make it quieter and also working longer.

Answer 3

If you have real plants the air pump could actually be doing negative things to your tank, such as taking away the co2 from the plants for them to thrive better. If you have plants they are not needed since plants produce O2

Answer 4

Give it mouth to mouth