Airstone Not Working Properly

[marieukxx]

I wanted a bubble wall effect so bought a pump that said suitable for a 12" airstone. It's an Interpet AP1. The stone is 12" but the bubble effect is only working properly on one side. The side closest to the bit where it's attached to the tube is working and the rest is very weak.

Does anyone know why? The pump should be strong enough because it said it was suitable for a 12" stone. The stone is however a cheapo one for a £1 off ebay. Do you think that's the cause?

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

I'm not great with air stones, however it does sound like there's a blockage somewhere or it's the air stone itself. Just double check for blockages if not then buy another one I'm afraid. Doesn't sound like the air pump, otherwise it would all be slow wouldn't it?

 

[marieukxx]

Well I've got another one coming a proper interpet stone so it's the same brand as the pump. I'll see if that makes a difference. Thanks

 

[Tizer]

How long has it been going Marie? They do block up after a while as they also suck in dirt.

 

[marieukxx]

How long has it been going Marie? They do block up after a while as they also suck in dirt.

It's all brand new today. The stone is one I bought ages back but didn't use because my pump wasn't strong enough so just bought a new pump and line. I'll see what happens with another airstone.

 

[swanseastilo]

Air pump is not strong enough i had the same problem. I had 2 pumps so swapped them, if u put the stone in water but stand it up straight air will come out the top. Shows you there is no blockage.

 

[Tizer]

Yer that was going to be my next reply, i couldnt be bothered to look up the spec of the airpump you have but it tells you on most of the boxes what they are capable of.

A quick google does say its capable of 1 x 12" airstone though.

 

[raptorrex]

Air pump is not strong enough i had the same problem. I had 2 pumps so swapped them, if u put the stone in water but stand it up straight air will come out the top. Shows you there is no blockage.

though its claimed to run a 12 inch stone. I've found much under 200lph. will not run a stone of that size.

it may well be you pump is just weaker than others of the same model.
its a sad, but true, fact. that there is large variance in output, and noise, all from the same model of pump.

 

[marieukxx]

Air pump is not strong enough i had the same problem. I had 2 pumps so swapped them, if u put the stone in water but stand it up straight air will come out the top. Shows you there is no blockage.

though its claimed to run a 12 inch stone. I've found much under 200lph. will not run a stone of that size.

it may well be you pump is just weaker than others of the same model.
its a sad, but true, fact. that there is large variance in output, and noise, all from the same model of pump.

#29###! I bought it especially for this because it said it could run a 12" stone. This one says 120lph so I guess it's no good.

 

[marieukxx]

Bit peed off now tbh as on the box it says 1 x 12" airstone but I found a site that sells it saying it's only suitable for a 6" and that is what I already had so it was a complete waste of money. I really wanted a nice long wall of bubbles

 

[raptorrex]

Bit peed off now tbh as on the box it says 1 x 12" airstone but I found a site that sells it saying it's only suitable for a 6" and that is what I already had so it was a complete waste of money. I really wanted a nice long wall of bubbles

even though used. you could try taking it back. if it says on the box "powers a 12 inch airstone." it must do just that. if not its in error through the trades descriptions act. and "not fit for purpose, in the sales of goods act.
showing the retailer should be enough.

the only other thing that could affect this is, water depth. an 12 inch airstone in a 12 inch (depth) tank. will blow more bubbles than the same pump in a 2 foot deep tank. more than an 18 inch tank too.

but i would also get a new stone (less than £2 in the shops around here)

 

[marieukxx]

Bit peed off now tbh as on the box it says 1 x 12" airstone but I found a site that sells it saying it's only suitable for a 6" and that is what I already had so it was a complete waste of money. I really wanted a nice long wall of bubbles

even though used. you could try taking it back. if it says on the box "powers a 12 inch airstone." it must do just that. if not its in error through the trades descriptions act. and "not fit for purpose, in the sales of goods act.
showing the retailer should be enough.

the only other thing that could affect this is, water depth. an 12 inch airstone in a 12 inch (depth) tank. will blow more bubbles than the same pump in a 2 foot deep tank. more than an 18 inch tank too.

but i would also get a new stone (less than £2 in the shops around here)

Thanks I'm gonna try it with the same brand stone as the pump first and see what happens.