Air Pump

[LookingToLearn]

Hi everyone,
I am starting to set up my 55 gallon tank. I just bought a whisper 60 air pump. I was reading its instructions and it is recommended that I keep it level or above the tank. Where my tank is, I don't have room to place it on a shelf level to the tank and I could build a shelf above the tank but I was hoping to put it under need the tank on the shelf below it. Is this possible or do the air pump have to be level or above the tank?
Thanx so much for your help. Sorry for the super dumb question.

p.s. I did call the company to ask but I had to leave a message and I am waiting for a call back...

 

[aaronnorth]

you leave it above water level to make sure that if the elctric cuts off then the water wont backflow into your pump and damage it. But you can put it below water line if you use a ccheck valve or one way valve (same thing) it allows air to pass through into the water but it blocks anything coming the other way.

 

[LookingToLearn]

you leave it above water level to make sure that if the elctric cuts off then the water wont backflow into your pump and damage it. But you can put it below water line if you use a ccheck valve or one way valve (same thing) it allows air to pass through into the water but it blocks anything coming the other way.

Ok, great! I got a couple of those check valves. I was hoping there was a way to use it under my tank. thanx so much for the reply!