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I am thinking about getting an airpump and airstone but I would just like a bit more info. I am looking at one thats rated for a 30g but would it be okay if i used it on my 32g? I also want to know a bit more about the different valves. The check valve is for protecting the air pump from back-siphoning damage and preventing flooding during power failures, correct? What is a ganged valve then for? And what about hooking two different lines together? A t-shapped connector? Thanks for all the help.

Last edited by ericm at 05-Aug-2005 15:14

The check vavle prevents back siphon and damage to your pump it is only necesary if your pump is below water level.

"A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man" Simpsons

Hi,
The "Gang Valve" has one input connection and one or more
adjustable, outputs. It allows one pump to furnish air
to several components such as airstones.
As far as connecting the outputs of several pumps to
one device, it is not a good idea. One winds up doing
the work while the others try to compress air against
the stronger one eventually ruining them all.

A "Tee" connection is used when you want to divide the
air flow between different devices. For instance,
if you wanted to run air from a main pump to several tanks
you could "splice" the air take offs with Tee's.
Generally these are used when you have one large pump
furnishing several tanks.

Decide how many devices you want to run in the tank.
For instance, an air wand, and two airstones in UGF uplift
tubes. Then read the boxes in which they are packed. They
will tell you what their capacity is. Also, ask your LFS,
they will be able to steer you in the right direction.

Frank



Last edited by FRANK at 05-Aug-2005 17:00

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

I am looking at one thats rated for a 30g but would it be okay if i used it on my 32g?

Most of the time the rating on the box is for when the pump is running an undergravel filter.
Most of the time you don't have to go crazy and buy a huge air pump. That one rated for 30g must be of good size.?. It definitely is good to have one with an output adjustor or riostat.

Don't be obsessed with ratings. I have one rated for 5-10 gallons in my 29'. I think the larger ones are a bit of overkill, more noisey than necessary to do the job. I had a larger one and in the process of valving it down to an acceptable airstream the back pressure ruined the pump. Check valves are for allowing air out but not let water in, protecting your pump. make sure it is installed the right direction. A gang valve allows several airstones, decorations, etc to be supplied by a single pump, and you can adjust the flow to each for optimal performance. One word of caution... valving down too much (restricting the airflow) will make your pump work harder vibrate more and eventually ruin it. Thats why I have a very small one in my tank.

Thanks for all the good info. I am just going to be running an air stone or two off the air pump. Or maybe just on of those air curtains. The one I am looking at has 2 outputs and maybe too much?

Last edited by ericm at 06-Aug-2005 09:54

Hi,
With a pump that has two outputs, do not put them both on
the same device. Put a device or series of separate
devices on each output. If the pump output is too much,
get a gang valve with an extra tap. Cut a piece or air
hose about 6 inches long and attach it to the extra tap.
Push a pipe cleaner into the hose (acts as a muffler),
and then adjust the knob to divy up the output between the
devices and the open tap. That will relieve the back
pressure in the pump and in the process allow it to run
quieter. Backpressure is the biggest "killer" of any air
pump.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Hmmm, an excellent idea Frank, Imma try it one day...