Hey

[Robot_Rooster]

im not sure if this is the right section but its close enough i gathered.

i just received a tetratec aps50 air pump t doesn't come with a airline and all the other stuff (that's how they get you) but when i was reading through the book it said somehtng about a check valve so i have questions

how would you install a check valve?

is a check valve what i need because on site they also have something called Non-Return Valves?

Do i need both?

are all airlines standard?

Thanks in Advance

 

[Rooster]

Mmmmmm, that username is a bit suss ! LOL


A "check valve" and a "non return valve" are the same thing ! They are used to stop water syphoning back into the pump if the power is interrrupted - also if the airline pops off the pump (quite common) then the tank could empty itself onto your floor.

All this is theoretical, and unlikely to happen, but a bit of scaremongering sells - and they are only a quid, so why not ?

You have a short bit of airline from the pump to the valve, then airline to the tank.

 

[Robot_Rooster]

so i cut the airline into two and put the valve in between?

and thanks so far my meaty friend

 

[Lateral Line]

Yes, just cut the airline and install the valve. I will add my usual rider when any subject about airpumps is involved... "unless you have a specific requirement, an airpump is not necessary".

Airline cones in numerous sizes, but the "regular" airline for aquaria is standard size. What differs is the material from which it is made. Regular cheap airline is made of polyethylene, and is adequate for normal air applications. It tends to get brittle with age, (years), but is so cheap, you can just chuck it out and get some more if it starts to go off. More expensive is silicone tubing which again is the "standard size". This is a better choice for CO2 systems etc.

 

[Robot_Rooster]

would i need a valve if the air pump is above the water? i think it says in the book (its not very clear) that "if the air pump is below the water then it recommended to get a check valve"

 

[Lateral Line]

If the air pump is at a height which is higher then the surface of the water, then water cannot siphon back into it. Having the pump "below the water" means at a height below the level of the water, not actually in the water itself - that would be a bad idea. If the pump is located lower then the water level in the tank, under unusual circumstances, it is possible the water from the tank may siphon back, hence the need for the valve.

 

[Rooster]

Theres a case for one even on a pump higher than the tank - if the pipe blows off the pump and falls below water level, syphoning could occur... and its this sudden loss of pressure that is most likely to start the syhon...

 

[Lateral Line]

Technically maybe. It is years since I used an airpump, but when I did, I never had the tube blow off the pump. If it did and the tube had some kind of diffuser on it, then the rate of water ingress into the tube would be so low it would take an age to reach water level. If the tube was open allowing unimpeded water ingress, AND the tube was basically at water level, AND there were no "hills" for the water to run up, then I can see how it MAY be possible for a siphon to establish.

but a bit of scaremongering sells

OK, buy the valve....