Air Diffuser

[Clownez]

Hello, I have just bought an Eheim air diffuser ( like this: http/www.fishybits.co.uk/acatalog/Online...sories_98.html) in an attempt to get more air into my tank (as a lot of the fish, especially the platties spend lots of time gulping at the top of the tank). However, I can't get it creating any bubbles at all. any body ever used one of these??? the main bit is attatched to the end of the pipe pumping water from my external filter, and the smaller pipe attatched is just above water level.

 

[njparton]

Hello, I have just bought an Eheim air diffuser ( like this: http/www.fishybits.co.uk/acatalog/Online...sories_98.html) in an attempt to get more air into my tank (as a lot of the fish, especially the platties spend lots of time gulping at the top of the tank). However, I can't get it creating any bubbles at all. any body ever used one of these??? the main bit is attatched to the end of the pipe pumping water from my external filter, and the smaller pipe attatched is just above water level.

Sounds like it's some form of venturi system which relies on water velocity through the outlet to suck air through the smaller pipe, the end of which must be above the water level.

I used to run these from my powerhead and they were very successful as the impeller and outlet are VERY close together and therefore the velocity of the water high.

You need to increase the speed of the water coming out of your outlet. If you have a lot of physical media in your filter it may slow things down.

Maybe remove some and give things a clean?

Fish gasping at the surface can also be a sign of high ammonia levels - check that out too.

Forcing air into your tank via air pumps, venturi's etc. won't increase the DO content, for that you need to incease the SA of the water that's in contact with air to increase the amount of gas exchange. Forcing the circulation of water from the bottom of the tank up to the surface will also help.

 

[Great Lakes]

Darn good answer!!

 

[njparton]

Darn good answer!!

Why thank you.

Glad I can be of help sometimes