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I like to have bubbles in my tank but don't like the hiss of the really strong airflow through an airstone.

Is there a valve that I can affix to the airhose so that the airflow can be adjusted?

just thought I would ask...hope you can help


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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

Hi,
Yes. Here's an old trick we used to use:

Get a gang valve from the LFS, one that has an input,
and two outputs. Connect one output to the airstone,
and to the second add a 1 foot piece of airline.
Into the one foot piece of air line, stuff a pipe cleaner
or two. Open the valve to the pipe cleaner, and also
open the valve to the airstone. Balance the two so that
you have the desired amount of air going to the stone
and the surplus air going out the hose with the pipe
cleaner(s). The pipe cleaner will act as a muffler
and dampen the hiss from the air pump.

Note: If you "drive" it too hard the stone will be noisey
no matter what you do.


Frank


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

oooh, good idea on the pipe cleaner thing

Just wanted to add, you can also get single valve thing-a-me-bobs... Like this! Could be easier if you don't plan to have 2 lines running off the pump.
(&amp; just a side note, if you're unable to get out to get one (or anything else) it'd be no drama at all for Calla &amp; I to stop off at a LFS &amp; pick stuff up on our way to come do other stuffey for you next week )

Sin

edit: ...I'll learn how to type one of these days

Last edited by ~ Sin ~ at 10-Nov-2004 02:26

Frank, why do you need all that stuff? I found that it was relatively easy to use a gang valve to reduce the airflow by partially closing the valve.

depending on the pump strength, the partially closed valve will hiss/whistle. Works well for lower output pumps tho.

I use a few odds and ends, a Y splitter, and 2 valves. basically i do a mock up gang valve for less than $1

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

Hi Silver,
As Cal said, the higher output pumps will hiss or
whistle and that can be just as annoying.

Frank


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

i just used to use a push pin and put small tiny holes in the hose between the check valve and the pump, it releases the pressure and eliminates the hiss or humm. I am not sure if this will work on your situation, but if it doesnt all you are out is the price of a small piece of tubbing.
goodluck

john.

Sin &amp; Call I am obviously in dire need of education and rehabilitation on your visit. I can't even understand Frank's post. It is very comprehensive but I don't even know what a gang valve is!

Now Johnny yours I understand as I have applied this to my work tank. It just occured to me the other day and I gave it a go (be sure to have a check valve in place though kids!) and it is surely better than the bulldog clip applied to a doubled over hose!

Call and Sin; My fish will be thrilled that someone who actually knows what they are doing is coming to visit!

Last edited by wish-ga at 11-Nov-2004 16:52

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~