Cleaning An Airstone...how?

[notg2009]

Hi all, I have an 18" TopFin Bubble Wall (http/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752294) and after some time it gets half clogged and I don't get that much bubbles. I took it out one time, and cleaned it with high water pressure from a garden hose, but I don't want to do that again as it messes up the tank. Any ideas? I tried blowing hard into the tube, but no air came out; bad lungs I guess!!!

Thanks for the help.

 

[PEneoark]

Don't bother running an airstone unless its a tall narrow tank. A standard HOB filter provides enough agitation for the oxygen exchange.

 

[drobbyb]

Have you tried taking the stone out and soaking it in a 50/50 solution of distilled vinegar and water? This would remove any hard water/limescale deposits.

 

[notg2009]

Have you tried taking the stone out and soaking it in a 50/50 solution of distilled vinegar and water? This would remove any hard water/limescale deposits.

That's a good idea, but I really don't want to make a mess taking it out as it is under gravel (about 1/2 inch under gravel).

 

[GraphicGr8s]

I've used the cheap airstones and I've used the super expensive ones. Two things they both have in common. First, they will both clog. Second, neither is worth cleaning. I now place them where it's easy to change them out.